MOTORS: Name of KGM Torres aims to capture a feel of adventure, challenge and escapism
You may not know the name and it doesn’t even appear on their latest model, but I reckon KGM will pretty soon become part of the automotive landscape.
It has emerged from the former SsangYong which changed hands last year after a period of financial uncertainty.
Things look a lot more stable now for the Korean manufacturer which has been producing buses, trucks and pick-ups for the past 70 years. Its main production plant can turn out a quarter-of-a-million cars a year.
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The new Torres is the physical example of what’s changed, projecting a tough and rugged SUV image in a vehicle which is just as happy on the supermarket run as heading out into the countryside for the weekend.
The name comes from the stunning Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. Recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since 1978, this remarkable park is famed for its majestic mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers so KGM have used its name for their new vehicle to capture a feel of adventure, challenge and escapism.
It’s a bold move and one which is heavily laden with marketing-speak but looking at the car, it does the job.
Built on a new platform, the designers admit they have drawn inspiration for the exterior styling from iconic SUVs and although they don’t mention any specific names you know what they mean.
It has a look of a scaled-down Range Rover - it’s longer than a Discovery Sport - and the six-vertical bars on the grille bear more than a passing resemblance to those on the classic Jeep, although the designers have been careful to have one less, presumably to avoid any trademark issues.
It has a chunky exterior with body protection and big door handles along with unique tie-down brackets at each side of the bonnet and a bright red cover for the front tow point.
It’s a departure from the brand's traditional design and aims to fill the gap between their medium-sized Korando and the large and impressive Rexton SUV.
KGM believe it will create an additional segment in the SUV/crossover market and will attract new customers with the innovative styling and build quality and just how much they get for the price.
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The Torres comes in two trims - the entry-level K30 and the high-spec K40 which is the featured test car. An all-wheel-drive K40 will be here before long following on from the recently-launched pure-electric EVX.
The 1.5 turbo engine with third-generation six-speed automatic transmission gives a best-in-class torque of 260Nm and a maximum output of 161bhp. This gives a 10 per cent improvement in acceleration from standstill compared with the same engine currently fitted in the Korando, while the acceleration is also improved by 5 per cent. The official economy is 33mpg which isn’t brilliant and consumption feels quite high because the relatively small fuel tank needs fairly frequent refilling.
The interior is very smart and the wide and slim dashboard is dominated by a pair of panoramic 12.3” digital displays with almost all the functions to replace what would have been rows of traditional knobs and switches. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, front USB and AUX ports and six cabin speakers.
The heated leather seats in the test car are superbly comfortable and embracing helped by electric lumbar support and even after a lengthy drive south to Fife and back, I stepped out feeling as fresh as I’d started.
Interior passenger space is excellent, the boot has the best-in-class luggage space and there’s a useful concealed and secure space beneath the load floor.
The Torres can tow up to 1.5 tonnes with a braked trailer and there’s a sway control function to maintain stability.
The range starts at a competitive £35,000 and the transformed UK arm of the company has launched an expansion plan which should see a network of 80 dealers by the end of the year.
CAR: KGM Torres K40 1.5 auto
PRICE: from £38,080
ENGINE: 1497cc 4 cyl inline petrol
POWER: 161 bhp
TORQUE: 260 Nm
TOP SPEED: 118mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
TOWING CAPACITY: 1500 kgs (braked)
MPG: 33 mpg combined
CO2 EMISSIONS: 194 g/km
