17/09/2024 South Korean brand SsangYong has been rebranded KGM. SsangYong was always a small player in the Irish SUV and light commercial vehicle market. With only a tiny slice of the cake, SsangYong was barely on buyer’s radar in Ireland. Before going belly up SsangYong was taken over by a Korean giant KGM Global in 2023 and rebranded ‘KGM’. So is KGM a novice car maker? No, KGM traces its vehicle making legacy back to 1954. Okay, we’ll cut the new brand some slack, but they’re still selling rebranded SsangYongs right? Yes, but a new model has caught our eye. We’re testing the KGM Torres EVX, a five-seat electric SUV that is quite interesting.
The front wheel drive Torres EVX looks smart and is similar in styling to the slightly smaller Toyota RAV4. Torres EVX is closer to the BMW X3 in its footprint. The exterior is blocky and similar to many SUVs with only the rear geometric tailgate styling looking unique. The rear has a faux spare-wheel-cover kind of thing going on. There is a boot handle that implies the car has a rear door set up but in fact it has a conventional open-upwards tailgate. There is a striking light signature at the front and a little touches that nod to the South Korean flag, and faux off roading.
Inside the cabin it is both is roomy and well appointed. There are some premium features and nice materials and finishing. The dash is dominated by two big digital screens – aren’t they all these days! As an EV the car has an automatic gearbox with a console mounted stubby selector and electronic parking brake. The autohold brake function is accessed through the touch screen. Connectivity is great (CarPlay and Android Auto). There are lots of mobile device and power sockets to be found throughout the cabin and boot. The multifunction steering wheel is packed with small buttons, and most are intuitive to use.
The user interface is a little quirky and takes a few minutes to get used to. Oddly the A/C chills to a lowest-setting of 18 degree C – which is like a summer’s day in Ireland! Also to access the driving modes you need to do it via the touch screen. A nice feature, again via the touchscreen, switches-off the rear speakers in ‘Rear-Seat Sleep’ mode. The rear seats offer great accommodation for adults, with tons of headroom. The boot is a great size too… the Torres EVX is making a very good impression on us.
Initially available in Ireland as an EV-only, the Torres chassis is designed to be multi-fuel with a fossil-fuel powered version is on the way. Under the KGM Torres is running gear from Chinese car giant BYD – why I hear you cry? Well, in a cooperation project, KGM is sharing its special skill set to gain the benefit of BYD’s extensive electric powertrain knowledge. The battery comes from BYD and is an LFP aka Lithium Iron Phosphate unit with a 73.4kWh capacity. LFP batteries are durable and not regarded as a potential combustion hazard. The LFP battery powers a single electric motor that pushes out 207hp and 339nm. 0-100km/h takes a brisk 8.1 seconds, which isn’t bad for a car weighing 1.9 tonnes. The onboard charger can take up to 11kW power and has a V2L capability also. KGM claims a WLTP figure of 462km from a full battery for the Torres EVX, so in Winter, well over 300km should be doable. The boot is bit and holds 703 litres or up to 1,662 litres with the rear seats down. Towing capability is up to 1,500kgs (braked) or 500kgs unbraked. There is no frunk. There is a comprehensive amount of ADAS (with only an safety exit warning missing).
On the road the EVX drives with a suspension feel that is slightly firm. The steering is fine, with a neutral, unremarkable feel. The car has a weightiness to its driving dynamics and is devoid of any obvious vices. Buyers in Ireland get just one model, that comes highly equipped e.g. Twin 12.3-inch dash mounted displays, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear (outer) seats, a heated steering wheel and two tone exterior paint to name a few highlights. It retails for €51,000 less grants so circa €47,500 (net) and there is an optional auto tailgate for an additional €1,100.
KGM says Ireland’s taxi drivers are loving the Torres (non-tinted rear passenger windows can be specified – a taxi requirement) as they know the SsangYong brand well from its taxi friendly SsangYong models like the Rodius, remember it? Not the prettiest car ever made, but oh so spacious! The sub 50K price point, great standard specification, BYD battery tech and excellent warranty appears to deliver great bang for your buck. Sadly without a larger network of dealers the KGM Torres EVX is destined to be a niche seller. Michael Sheridan
