KGM (formerly known as SsangYong) has confirmed the new Torres hybrid The mid-size SUV will launch in Australia by the end of 2025 – priced under $50,000.
The move will expand the current KGM Torres range, which launched in Australia in 2024 with three variants powered by a single petrol engine, to compete with popular mid-size SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5.
The first Torres Hybrid was launched in the UK this week, using a dual-motor petrol-electric system developed by Chinese car maker BYD.
While it’s available in the UK in a single model grade priced at £35,995 ($73,812) – cheaper than the petrol Torres, which starts at £36,749 ($75,358) – in Australia it will be offered in two yet-to-be-confirmed variants priced under $50,000.
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The petrol Torres starts at $38,000 in Australia, with the flagship Torres Ultimate starting at $47,000.
The UK-spec Torres Hybrid, which the Australian version is expected to rival, produces a combined power of 130kW and 300Nm of torque from a BYD-developed powertrain with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a six-speed gearbox and two electric motors.
It has nine different driving modes, including pure electric mode, HEV mode and other motor drive modes.
It drives only the front wheels and offers pure electric capability at speeds of up to 100 km/h, but KGM does not specify electric vehicle range. However, a combined fuel efficiency of 6.1L/100km is claimed.
That’s more than the best-selling RAV4 Hybrid, but less than the figure of 7.4 l/100 km for the entry-level front-wheel-drive petrol Torres already on sale here, which is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 120kW/280Nm and a six-speed automatic.
The load space remains the same for both the petrol and hybrid Torres at an impressive 703 liters and increases to 1662 liters with the seats in the second row folded down.
Braked towing capacity drops to 1,300kg for the hybrid compared to 1,500kg for the petrol version, although both are rated to tow an unbraked trailer of up to 500kg.
Standard equipment in the UK includes 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, linked to a 12.3-inch curved infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
Safety and driver assistance technologies include eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning.
Further details are expected ahead of the local launch of the Torres Hybrid later this year.
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