THERE was a time when buying a SsangYong required a certain amount of bravery. The cars were often honest and rugged, but they could also feel as though they had been engineered by a committee whose only shared goal was to make a Land Rover out of whatever happened to be lying around the workshop.
Today, however, things are rather different. Rebranded as KGM (short for KG Mobility), the Korean manufacturer is in the midst of a genuine reinvention. The styling is sharper, the technology more sophisticated and the ambition noticeably greater.
The Torres has already established itself as one of the brand’s most distinctive models, sitting between compact and mid-size SUVs and offering the sort of bluff, adventurous design that suggests it ought to come with a complimentary Ordnance Survey map.
I reviewed the non-hybrid version back in 2024 and it certainly stood out from the crowd. It still does.
Now comes the Torres Hybrid. By combining a newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with KGM’s Dual Tech Hybrid system – based on BYD-derived technology – the Torres promises near-electric smoothness, strong efficiency and enough practicality to keep family buyers interested. KGM claims the vehicle can operate in EV mode for up to 94 per cent of urban driving and even travel electrically at speeds of up to 62mph.
On paper, then, it looks extremely promising. In practice? The Torres Hybrid turns out to be a likeable and surprisingly accomplished family SUV, albeit one with a few frustrating technological quirks.
Styling – Designed to Be Different
The Torres Hybrid certainly does not disappear in the supermarket car park. With its upright stance, chunky cladding and dramatic front grille featuring six vertical castellations, it looks every inch the modern adventure SUV. KGM says the design was inspired by Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park, which is perhaps why it appears ready to ford rivers and transport kayaks at a moment’s notice. Although, I’m still not sure what the two bonnet handles are for . . .
The rear, however, is less convincing. The faux spare-wheel motif built into the tailgate is intended to evoke classic off-roaders, but to my eyes it feels somewhat contrived. Beauty is, of course, subjective, but this is one angle from which the Torres appears more awkward than adventurous. The plasticky-looking lower bumper/diffuser is also unconvincing and I can’t help feel the rear would look better without it.
Still, if you are tired of lookalike crossovers that resemble overinflated hatchbacks, the Torres offers something refreshingly individual. My press car came in a lovely Forest Green metallic (£750) which I think is the best colour – albeit the one most likely to remind you of a Mk.1 Defender . . .
Interior
Inside, the Torres Hybrid makes a strong first impression. The dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch displays that create a suitably modern ambience, while the upright design and broad centre console reinforce the sense that you are sitting in a substantial SUV rather than a slightly taller family hatchback.
There is ample room in both rows, and the boot is positively cavernous. With 703 litres available before folding the rear seats, this is the sort of luggage compartment that swallows pushchairs, dogs, golf clubs and the inevitable bag of ‘just in case’.
Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, heated seats and reclining backrests. That said, the rear seatbacks are perhaps a little too laid back. Some passengers may appreciate the relaxed posture; others may feel as though they are being gently encouraged to take a nap.
Material quality is generally good, and the equipment list is generous, with heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a powered tailgate and a 360-degree camera all available.
If there is one area where the Torres Hybrid feels less polished, it is the infotainment system.
Visually, the twin-screen layout looks impressive enough. In everyday use, however, the software feels clunky and occasionally unintuitive. Menus are not always arranged logically, and some functions require more taps than they should.
More frustratingly, the system takes a surprisingly long time to wake up when you start the car. There are moments when you find yourself waiting for the screen to become fully operational, like an elderly desktop computer pondering whether to open Microsoft Works.
And then there is the omission of wireless Apple CarPlay. In a vehicle of this price and sophistication, the absence of cable-free smartphone integration feels rather stingy.
One saving grace is that KGM has made it easy to disable the more intrusive warning chimes. A simple swipe down from the top of the screen provides quick access to the relevant settings – a feature many owners will no doubt discover with considerable gratitude.
Hybrid Technology – The Clever Bit
Underneath the bold styling lies some genuinely interesting engineering.
The Torres Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with KGM’s Dual Tech Hybrid system, which uses BYD-based dual-motor technology and an e-DHT transmission. Combined output stands at 177 bhp and 300 Nm of torque.
Unlike some hybrids that feel little different from a conventional automatic, the Torres often behaves more like an electric car.
In town, it pulls away silently and smoothly, relying heavily on electric power. KGM claims it can spend up to 94 per cent of city driving in EV mode, and based on my experience that seems entirely plausible.
The transition between petrol and electric power is generally well managed, and regenerative braking helps recapture energy through three selectable levels.
Driving
On the road, the Torres Hybrid is a relaxed and easy-going companion. The hybrid system delivers smooth and responsive acceleration, particularly at lower speeds where the electric motor does much of the work.
Performance is perfectly adequate for a family SUV of this size, with 0–62 mph dispatched in 8.7 seconds. Ride comfort is generally good, soaking up bumps with little fuss.
The downside is that body control is less disciplined than some rivals. Through bends, the Torres feels a touch ‘rolly-polly’, leaning more than expected and reminding you that this is a tall, comfort-oriented SUV rather than something intended to tackle B-roads with hot-hatch enthusiasm. The steering is light and accurate enough, while refinement is commendable when cruising.
Overall, the Torres prioritises comfort and composure over outright agility – a sensible choice given its family-focused remit.
Practicality and Capability
The Torres Hybrid is nothing if not versatile. Its spacious interior and enormous boot make it an excellent long-distance family vehicle, while a towing capacity of up to 1.3 tonnes means it can comfortably handle small caravans, trailers and boats.
Thoughtful touches include multiple USB-C ports, large storage areas, reclining rear seats and a powered tailgate.
The Torres Hybrid features eight airbags and an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane centring, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
As with many modern vehicles, some systems can be a little overzealous, but the ability to quickly silence them via the touchscreen is genuinely welcome.
Verdict
The KGM Torres Hybrid is one of the more interesting family SUVs currently on sale. It combines bold styling, enormous practicality and genuinely impressive hybrid engineering into a package that feels both distinctive and usable.
The infotainment system is its weakest point, with clunky menus, a leisurely start-up time and the puzzling omission of wireless Apple CarPlay. The rear styling may also divide opinion, and enthusiastic drivers may find the soft body control a little too relaxed.
But judged on what matters most to family buyers – space, comfort, efficiency and value – the Torres Hybrid makes a compelling case for itself.
Like the best underdogs, it succeeds by doing the fundamentals very well while bringing something refreshingly different to the market. And in a sea of increasingly homogeneous SUVs, that alone deserves recognition.
At a Glance
- Make & Model: KGM Torres Hybrid K40
- Price (OTR): From £35,995
- Power: 177 bhp
- Torque: 300 Nm
- 0–62 mph: 8.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 118 mph
- Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol hybrid
- Battery: 1.83 kWh hybrid battery
- Fuel Economy: Up to 42.5 mpg (WLTP combined)
- CO₂ Emissions: From 152 g/km
- Towing Capacity: 1,300 kg (braked)
