MOTORING AUGUST: KGM Torres K40 Auto

George Loveridge Driving Around for Travel News Update

Striking, isn't it? Despite looking like a disappointed Hippopotamus from the front, this Korean SUV gets plenty of attention out and about. Whether it is the grab handles on the bonnet, 20-inch alloys, off-centre tailgate or the pure size of it. It's a talking point.

Since changing their name at the end of last year from SsangYong Motors (See www.btnews.co.uk/article/10622) this is KGM's first new vehicle under their new identity. Here, we have got the Torres in K40 guise. Starting at £35,080 you can get hold of the lesser equipped K30. However, here we have got a fairly lowly specified example, which isn’t exactly short of features.

Crucially, it has a 1497cc turbocharged petrol engine, accompanied by a 6-speed automatic gearbox. This front wheel-drive (FWD) SUV is good for 0-60mph in a whisper under 11 seconds. Impressive considering the petite power plant and overall weight of 1.6 tonnes.

Luckily, to compliment the hulking exterior, you can get an all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the Torres, starting from £39,995. Don't worry though, as the model we have got here still has a 1.5-tonne towing capacity. Although it has been 'built from the ground up' it does look a lot like a scaled-up Korando in profile, so it is nice to see some brand identity from KGM.

Other than the switchgear and steering wheel, there is not a single hint of any other SsangYong in here. We have got a totally revised interior, comprising of twin 12-inch digital displays, wireless phone charging and a very open cockpit. My favourite part of the interior is the wood trim on the face of the dashboard, being a Jag owner, I do love to see a wooden dash. Moreover, there is customisable mood lighting throughout the interior making it a special place to be when the sun goes down.

Plenty of cup holders and storage opportunities litter the interior, along with an assortment of USB-C ports and a 12-volt power supply in the boot. The seats are very large and equally supportive on long journeys; although as a slim six-footer, I do feel like I have a lot of surplus space within the seats. At least KGM is accommodating for any generously proportioned drivers.

The twin 12-inch displays look great, featuring an updated operating system from what I have seen before from KGM. However, the main infotainment display houses everything. And I mean everything, as there are no climate or audio buttons in sight on the dashboard. Sadly, you have to sign an agreement to say that you will drive safely etc every time you drive. This tick box takes 28 seconds to display from start-up... Which is not ideal.Otherwise, the system is easy to navigate, but if I owned one of these, I would get very impatient having to wait half a minute just to turn my heated seat on. Or, more importantly, clear a fogged-up windscreen.

Nevertheless, the Torres gets a shift on the road. These KGMs always feel a lot swifter than their credentials would have you believe. A consequence of this is a load of torque steer, which is something that seems to plague all KGM / SsangYong FWD vehicles. Cheap Korean differentials? Perhaps.The increased performance is reflected in the economy department. This 1.5 turbo petrol fails to deliver encouraging mpg figures, so you had better have a petrol station rewards card.  Across a 90-mile motorway cruise 33.6mpg, and if you are lucky everywhere else 23mpg. Ouch. When you finally work out how to turn the lane keep assistance off, the steering is appropriately light and helps you navigate just about any situation.

The George Loveridge Verdict:

Overall, though, this quirky SUV grabs plenty of attention. Having parked it at two classic car shows, people were bypassing E-Type Jaguars and concourse condition classic 911 Porsches just to get a look at the Torres.  You can also have an electric Torres, but I would personally stick to petrol.

If you are looking for something a bit different, comfortable, well-appointed and offers agreeable value for money, the Torres could be for you.

Price as tested: £35,080 Lead in price: £35,080Average fuel consumption: 23mpgRange (petrol): 300miles
Engine size: 1497cc

Performance:0-60: 10.8 seconds

6   Handling
7   Transmission
7   Noise
2   Economy
7   Ride and Comfort
8   Accommodation
10 Styling
10 Brakes
9   Finish
TOTAL= 70%

www.kgm-motors.co.uk/new-cars/all-new-torres

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