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The mid-size family SUV segment is one of the crucial crowded – and popular – places on the Australian automotive landscape.
Almost every automaker has a ‘soft-roader’ in there, from the Japanese brands that pioneered the segment greater than 30 years ago, to the premium auto marques, and the raft of latest budget Chinese players following of their wheel tracks.
But now there may be a newcomer that stands out from the group – the KGM Torres which contains a daring and unique exterior design, spacious interior and now the supply of a fuel-sipping petrol-electric powertrain.
Listed here are seven things we like concerning the KGM Torres Hybrid.
Price
The KGM Torres is on the market with the alternative of petrol, hybrid and fully electric powertrains, ranging from just $36,000 drive-away for the entry-level ELX variant and topping out at $58,000 drive-away for the battery-powered EVX flagship.
In between, the most recent additions are two hybrid variants we’re specializing in here, the K30 and K40 that are priced from $45,000 and $48,000 drive-away respectively, including all on-road fees and charges.
That positions them right within the thick of one of the crucial competitive and saturated segments of the Australian automotive market, alongside other mid-size hybrid SUVs reminiscent of the best-selling Toyota RAV4 (from $45,990 before on-road costs), and mainstream rivals just like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (from $42,850 plus on-roads), Kia Sportage Hybrid (from $46,450 plus ORCs), and the new-generation Subaru Forester Hybrid (from $46,490 plus ORCs).
It also goes head-to-head with an ever-growing crop of crossover SUVs from budget-friendly brands reminiscent of the GWM Haval H6 (from $40,990 drive-away), MG HS Hybrid+ (from $42,990 drive-away), and Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV (from $39,990 drive-away).
Tough looks and robust quality
But while the KGM nameplate may be just as fresh as lots of these Chinese brands, it is just an evolution of the brand that’s been known for a long time as SsangYong… the opposite South Korean automaker which has been making cars for greater than 70 years.
And what that brings is a level of construct quality, reliability and trust that also needs to be earned by newer rivals.
Plus, the Torres looks cool with its tough, modern and thoroughly unique exterior design, highlighted by the futuristic kind of its front-end, the daring C-pillars that look as if they support the floating roof like a cantilever, and the equally funky rear-end with its stylised half tyre carrier that appears like a shield.
All of the creature comforts
And constructing on the Torres’ excellent value for money proposition is a protracted list of ordinary equipment within the K30 that features:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Cloth seat trim
- Dual-zone climate control
- Ambient interior lighting
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
On top of all of that, the K40 brings added luxuries and conveniences which can be price greater than its $3000 premium, including:
- Larger 20-inch alloy wheels
- Synthetic leather seat trim
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Electrically operated and hands-free tailgate
- Integrated rear-window sun blinds
Spacious interior
One of the necessary attributes for growing families is space, which the Torres has in abundance.
Those within the front are treated to comfortable and supportive seats with loads of adjustment and a commanding view of the road ahead.
The general design of the dashboard is each classy and minimalist with a slight degree of asymmetry towards the motive force, and yet thoroughly modern with its twin digital displays floating in front of a horizontal section that features the outboard air vents at each end.
The high-mounted centre console between the seats provides easy accessibility to storage areas and the stubby gear selector, with additional space for larger items underneath and in the big cubby at the bottom of the dash.
Back-seat passengers have acres of space with excellent headroom and legroom, plus rear air vents, power outlets and a fold-down armrest.
Beyond the back seats, the Torres offers one of the crucial spacious cargo carrying areas within the segment with a claimed 703 litres of capability within the boot.
More miles with hybrid
At the opposite end of the automobile, under the bonnet, the KGM Torres Hybrid models are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine linked to an electrical motor that’s sandwiched within the dedicated hybrid transmission and powered by a 1.8kWh battery pack.
The web result’s combined maximum power output of 150kW through the front axle, which is within the ballpark with other hybrid rivals just like the RAV4, Tucson and Forester.
But that is barely half the story, because the Torres’ hybrid system works barely in another way to other mainstream alternatives in that it prioritises the electrical motor in urban traffic and uses the petrol engine as a generator to maintain the battery topped up. At higher speeds or under heavy acceleration, it would use each power sources for optimum performance.
The KGM Torres has a claimed average fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km and a 50L fuel tank, which suggests it has a theoretical driving range of nearly 1000km on a single tank.
Safety
Importantly for families, the KGM Torres is provided with a comprehensive suite of the newest in advanced safety systems and autonomous driver aids, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane keeping assistance
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver attention monitoring
- Multi collision braking
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear-view parking display
- Automatic headlights
- Rain sensing wipers
- Eight airbags
On top of the additional creature comforts, the higher-grade K40 also adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, tyre pressure monitoring. and lane change collision warning.
Ownership
Like all KGM models, the Torres is roofed by a factory-backed seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance and a transparent service price menu.
The Torres Hybrid models require maintenance every 12 months or 10,000km, costing a median of $394 each year.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
