BUDGET-friendly car brand KGM has unveiled a hybrid version of its stylish Torres SUV – costing even less than the base petrol model.
The Korean company – formerly known as SsangYong before its rebrand in 2022 – has made a name for itself by offering feature-packed motors at bargain prices.
Now, according to Auto Express, KGM’s new Torres Hybrid will start at just £35,995 for the top K40 trim, making it £800 less than the entry-level petrol K30.
The standout feature is KGM’s “Dual-Tech Hybrid” system, developed with Chinese powerhouse BYD, which uses cutting-edge tech to boost fuel efficiency, making the SUV ideal for city driving.
Boasting a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with two electric motors and a six-speed automatic transmission, the system works by allowing electric-only driving at speeds up to 62 mph with a regenerative braking to help recharge the battery.
The hybrid system, the first to be offered by KGM, has an incredible nine different driving modes that adjust the hybrid powertrain for different scenarios.
These modes include a full EV setting for pure electric driving, a hybrid mode and an engine-only mode to conserve battery charge, among others.
Officially, the Torres Hybrid returns 46.1mpg, which is respectable, though it falls short of rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Nissan Qashqai e-Power.
You get plenty of bang for your buck inside though, as the K40 spec features twin 12.3-inch digital screens – one for the main controls and one for the driver – as well as a plethora of other luxurious touches.
These include heated, ventilated, electric front seats, climate control, reclining rear seats, ambient lighting with 32 colours and a full safety kit.
Currently, the Torres Hybrid sits alongside the standard petrol Torres and the fully electric Torres EVX – giving buyers a full choice of engines and trims.
KGM is experiencing a period of revitalisation after years of stagnation, thanks to new investment and bold new models.
That includes the sharp-looking Musso EV, which represents an alternative of sorts to the Tesla Cybertruck.
The Musso, a highly popular motor among pickup fans, is based on the aforementioned Torres EVX – meaning it comes with some surprising trimmings.
SWITCHING GEARS
Elsewhere, SEAT look poised to make a return after a period of stagnation with three models set to receive updates, while there are even rumours that its most famous model will be reborn as an EV.
The Spanish car brand, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, has been sidelined in recent years with the VW Group preferring to favour Cupra.
Reports claim SEAT will introduce mild-hybrid versions of the Ibiza and Arona in 2027 while the Leon will get a full-hybrid powertrain in 2028 – in the brand’s first major refresh for years.
But, perhaps most excitingly, there is also discussion around creating a fully electric version of the Ibiza.
