KGM Torres K40
By Bill McCarthy
A big SUV that offers excellent cabin space and in Korean tradition, is packed with standard kit. What is it? It’s the new Torres, the first KGM model to appear in the UK.
KG what? I hear you say. The brand has bought out SsangYong, another name not universally known in this country.
The brand has been acquired by another Korean firm, KGM Global, with all of the previous models rebranded under that name, but the Torres is a new model, with high hopes for the firm with a keenly priced SUV that comes with a five-year, 100k miles warranty.
There are two models, a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine and a 75kW electric version, both with four wheel drive options.
The petrol model is available in two trim levels, the front-wheel-drive K30 and the all-wheel-drive K40 driven here. Prices start at £35,080 and £38,080.
The SUV has a striking presence, although seems to be a bit of a mix-and-match creation, looking much like a Jeep at the front and having the look of a Discovery to the rear. That’s not to say it doesn’t work and definitely catches the eye.
It sits high off the ground and has the rugged look of an off-roader, with its Jeep-like vertical castellations, flanked by slim headlights, and a deep air scoop.
To the rear, It screams Land Rover, with its faux handle and wheel cover on the upward opening electric tailgate and smart wrap round lights.
The bang up-to-date and premium feeling interior with leather seats, part soft touch finish. it is spacious offering many creature comforts and packed with standard equipment.
It is dominated by a long dashboard, with a joined-up twin-screen display setup made up of a large touchscreen and digital driver display. The touchscreen controls major functions like smartphone connectivity, navigation and infotainment, although sometimes it was a little slow to fire up. Having said that, the display is clear and intuitive.
Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, and front USB and AUX ports. The K40 adds Tom Tom navigation, wireless charging pad and other creature comforts.
The K30 offers leather seats with the K40 adding eight-way driver and six-way adjustable powered seats, ventilation and cooling.
The powered seats are comfortable and supportive and there is excellent head and legroom all round. A big vehicle and currently a five seater, there is room to create a third row of seats.
It launched this year with a single 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, operated by a toggle switch in place of a conventional gear shift, helping to free up more space. There are also shift paddles behind the steering wheel for those looking for a more sporty drive.
Producing 163hp and 260Nm of torque, it offers good acceleration, with the 0-60 mph time of 10.8 seconds feeling much quicker. It’s a big vehicle, so the claimed 33.2mpg economy is decent but by no means class-leading.
Also CO2 emissions of 194g/km are on the high side, but should not prove a deal breaker when factoring in the competitive pricing.
On the road, the vehicle drives well and for a car of its type handles well, feeling stable when cornering with minimal wallow. The ride can be a bit unsettled on lesser roads, but overall is a comfortable place to be.
The stowage area is huge, with cargo space ranging from 703 to 1,662 litres with the rear seats folded. KGM claims is best-in-class luggage capacity and managing to fit a chunky sideboard inside with room to spare means it is plenty big enough for family needs.
Towing ability is good with up to 1.5 tonnes with a braked trailer, and 750kg for an unbraked trailer.
Safety kit is also comprehensive with •eight airbags, emergency braking, lane departure and lane assist, stability programme, traction control and rear cross-traffic alert. To name a few.
Factfile
- KGM Torres K40 auto
- Price: £39,995
- Mechanical: 161bhp, 1,497cc four cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via seven speed auto box
- Max speed: 119mph
- 0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
- Combined mpg: 33.4
- Insurance: 48 (TBC)
- CO2 emissions: 194g/km
- Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles
On the road 