KGM Torres K40 Hybrid
By Bill McCarthy
In the crowded world of SUV rebrands, few have a story quite as intriguing as KGM. Formerly SsangYong, the Korean firm was bought out by KGM Global, which has spent the last 18 months launching a distinctive petrol and electric SUV, the Torres.
Now, hot on the heels of the original comes the Torres Hybrid – and it might just be the one that makes people sit up and take notice.
It is not hard to see why. Inspired, say KGM, by the rugged, windswept landscapes of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine, this is an SUV designed to blend adventure-ready styling with genuinely clever engineering. Sitting neatly between the compact and mid-size classes, it offers bold looks, surprising practicality and a hybrid system that feels genuinely futuristic.
Clever hybrid powertrain
Both the petrol and hybrid versions have been developed with a clear focus on lifestyle appeal, but it’s the newcomer’s performance that really impresses.
Under the bonnet, a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine works in tandem with KGM’s Dual Tech Hybrid System to deliver 177hp and 300Nm of torque.
That’s enough to feel quick off the mark, while a 130kW motor mounted near the driveshaft ensures response is instant when you need it.
While full electrification looms on the horizon, hybrids like this offer a sound alternative today, blending efficiency with the freedom of a combustion engine.
Rugged styling with quirky detailing
This latest Torres sports a bold, head-turning presence. Up front, vertical grille slats and slim LED headlights give a distinctly rugged, almost Jeep-like character, and its high stance drew plenty of attention.
On the downside – for me, anyway – the styling leans more decorative than functional: the rear tailgate mimics a side-hinged door with external spare wheel, but it is a standard top-hinged boot lid with the spare tyre stored underneath, while the bonnet features grab handles with no practical purpose. Still, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Interior styling and practicality
The cabin is packed with clever fixtures and soft-touch materials, with leather seats that are both comfortable and supportive. A long dashboard houses two joined screens – a central touchscreen for infotainment and a digital driver’s display delivering real-time information. The main screen, however, is not the quickest and some response times were frustrating.
Space is generous, with bags of headroom and legroom in both front and rear. Though it’s currently a five-seater, there’s so much room you could easily imagine a third row. Boot capacity is genuinely class-leading, offering between 703 and 1,662 litres with the seats folded – enough to swallow a kitchen sink with room to spare.
On the road performance
On the road, the e-DHT gearbox offers up to nine drive modes, and in town it runs in full EV mode around 94 per cent of the time, making it eerily quiet and refined. You can even drive on pure electricity up to 62mph without the range anxiety that comes with a full EV.
The 0-60mph time is a claimed 10.8 seconds, but it feels livelier than that in the real world, helped by the instant torque from the electric motor. That extra grunt also makes for confident overtaking.
Best of all, the hybrid’s ability to run silently around town, combined with efficient cruising on the motorway, makes it a genuinely appealing all-rounder – though official fuel economy of 33.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 194g/km are less than class-leading.
The suspension delivers a surprisingly composed ride. It certainly isn’t sporty and has some wallow on corners, which you would expect for a vehicle of this size. But it feels planted and predictable, while the responsive steering keeps the car firmly where you point it.
Extensive safety features
Safety features are comprehensive, with eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a full suite of driver assistance systems to keep you protected.
The petrol Torres is a solid, spacious, value-packed SUV with genuine character, but it’s the new hybrid that feels like the real game-changer – a clever, stylish and practical alternative that deserves a place on your shortlist.
Factfile
- KGM Torres K40 Hybrid
- Price: £35,995
- Mechanical: 177bhp, 1,498cc four-cylinder turbo petrol hybrid engine driving front wheels via six-speed e-DHT automatic gearbox
- Max speed: 112mph
- 0-62mph: 9.0 seconds
- Combined mpg: 46.1
- Insurance group: 37D
- CO₂ emissions: 139g/km
- BiK rating: 33%
- Warranty: 5yrs / 100,000 miles
On the road 