Read Caroline’s KGM Torres EVX review for everything you need to know about buying KGM’s new SUV in Ireland.
KGM has just launched its new Torres EVX in Ireland. KGM is the Korean car brand formerly known as SsangYong, now under new ownership.
The Torres EVX is the brand’s first new model to launch in quite a while. Built on a new platform, the electric SUV slots into the KGM range above the Korando.
With a range quoted in excess of 400 kilometres, seating for five and a huge boot, it shapes up to be a surprisingly good competitor to electric SUVs like the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4, and hybrid options like the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4.
Let’s take a closer look.
Design
The Torres EVX is an incredibly smart-looking SUV. It’s got the boxy charm of a traditional off-roader with a high bonnet, lashings of cladding, roof rails and even a faux spare wheel cover at the back. The Torres is an impressive chunk of metal, being longer, wider and taller than even a RAV4 or X-Trail. At the front, there’s a striking thin strip of lighting split into six sections that really gives the Torres a lot of character. Other distinguishing features include decorative handles on the bonnet and a black contrasting roof colour. The rear lights are inspired by the South Korean national flag, paying homage to the brand’s heritage.
What trim levels are available?
In Ireland, the Torres EVX is sold in just one high spec trim level. This includes rear privacy glasses and 20-inch diamond-cut alloys. There are a range of colours available including Forest Green, just like the car pictured here.
KGM Torres EVX Interior
The cabin has a very modern and minimalist design with features like a full digital driver display, touchscreen and floating centre console with cupholders, wireless smartphone charging pad and loads of storage underneath. There’s an element of style to the cabin too with ambient lighting, bronze trim and contrasting stitching. The perceived quality is good, though there are some harder, scratchier plastics on closer inspection. But they are well-disguised overall and the cabin is sturdy and well-screwed together.
The touchscreen comes with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers plenty of features and functionality. But there is heavy reliance on touch control, even to adjust the drive mode or select the hill descent control. The ventilation controls are also in the screen, with the icons being small and fiddly to operate on the move.
What equipment does it have as standard?
Equipment levels are excellent with a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, parking camera, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment, and heated rear seats all included.
Practicality
The generous proportions mean that the Torres EVX is an incredibly spacious five-seat SUV. The doors open wide to make access into the back easy and there’s loads of headroom and legroom. Other features for rear passengers include an armrest with cupholders, USB-C ports, air vents, pockets in the back of the seats, headrest hangers and pull-up blinds for the rear windows.
How big is the boot?
The boot is a massive 703 litres that outshines rivals. There’s handy underfloor storage for the charging cables. There’s no powered tailgate but the boot lid is not too heavy to lift and opens in a handy hatchback style.
What is the range of the KGM Torres EVX?
The Torres EVX uses a BYD battery. The LFP (lithium-ion phosphate) has a 73.4kWh capacity with an official range up to 462 kilometres (WLTP). The official consumption figure is 18.7kWh per 100 kilometres and it’s easy to replicate this in real world driving, though consumption does increase if you spend a lot of time on the motorway.
A heat pump is included as standard and the regenerative braking can be adjusted from the paddles behind the steering wheel.
The battery warranty is 10 years or 1 million kilometres.
Driving the Torres EVX
There’s a 207hp motor sending power to the front wheels. With 339Nm of torque, the Torres will do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds. There are driving modes (comfort, eco and sport) to adjust things a little. The towing capacity is up to 1.5 tonnes but the EVX is front wheel drive for now – there’s no four wheel drive option as yet.
On the road, the Torres puts it power down just fine on tarmac but can fumble a bit when taking off on loose gravel or soft verges. Otherwise, it feels very solid on the road. The Torres leans a bit in fast cornering due to its size and weight, but there’s plenty of grip on tarmac from those front tyres. There’s a level of refinement to the EV powertrain that makes the EVX very pleasant to drive along with a high seating position that gives a great view out of the road ahead. There is quite a lot of road noise so it’s not as quiet inside as rivals like the Enyaq and ID.4, but it’s mostly a comfortable drive. Though it can be a bit bumpy on uneven rural roads or crevices in the tarmac, it never feels too brittle or skittish.
Charging the Torres EVX
AC charging is up to 10.5 kW, while DC charging is possible up to 120kW.
The Torres EVX supports vehicle to load charging so you can power other appliances or tools from it.
Pricing
The Torres EVX is available from €47,500 in Ireland including grants.
Verdict
The new KGM Torres EVX is a comeback kid for the Korean car brand – but it’s one of its most competitive in years. It’s an exciting alternative to some of the usual suspects in this space, offering a full battery EV option but with loads of space, comfort and style.
It’s not cheap by any means but considering the spec and the size of the vehicle, there is value here. As a five seater, it’s very spacious, while the boot is very versatile too.
There are a few frustrations around the touchscreen and a 4×4 option would be good. But with its chunky looks, overall it offers something good to buyers looking for an electric SUV.
Pros: Tough charm, spacious cabin, big boot.
Cons: No 4×4 option, over reliance on touch controls.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Watch a KGM Torres EVX Video Review
Find out more about the new KGM Torres EVX in this video review including equipment, practicality and how it performs on Irish roads!
The post KGM Torres EVX Review | New SUV gives KGM a fresh start appeared first on Changing Lanes.