The newly-landed Torres SUV has gone for the full box and dice with its first foray into
the petrol/electric hybrid jungle.
The Chinese Torres (aka Tower) is manufacturer KGM’s start of a new electric era with a
full hybrid system combining an efficient battery powering two electric motors combining
impressive performance with welcome fuel efficiency.
Two models are available at launch – the K30 and K40 – both scraping under the $50k
mark before on-road costs – $45,000 and $48,000 respectively. The latter was on test.
At the heart of the pair are two electric motors, working with a hybrid-specific
transmission, performing separate functions, seamlessly combing both series and
parallel operations.
This enables the car to be riven by the electric motor, the engine, or both at the same
time as charging the battery.
The MY26 Torres Hybrids are covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty,
with the high-voltage battery good for seven years, or 150,000 kilometres.
STYLING
The stylish looks of the ICE sibling have been retained by the Torres, while adding
subtle touches setting the siblings apart. The Hybrid runs on new alloy wheels, while
sporting a ‘HYBRID’ emblem on the tailgate and a black panel over the C-pillar.
But that’s not all. In fading light, a three-quarter view of the Torres test car, the dark
green duco, with contrasting black C-pillar panel and window sunshades, gave the
impression with canopy not of a modern SUV but a workman-like dual cabin ute. Not
kidding.
However, in full illumination, the rest of the vehicle had all the contemporary styling of
the modern-day SUV.
INTERIOR
Ride comfort has been upgraded with reinforcement of sound absorbing and insulating
materials in key noisy areas such as the engine compartment cover and wheel arches,
cutting both road and engine noise.
As with many of the latest vehicles the cabin is awash with black surroundings, but in
this case punctuated by copper highlights.
Leather-look seats are heated up front, as is the steering wheel. The hot sun can be
kept at bay in the rear by pull-up sun blinds. 465 litres of cargo can be carried in the
back wit5h all seats up. This extends to 1526 litres with all seat backs folded flat.
Rear storage is also worth a mention with expansive bottle holders in the doors, pockets
in the seatbacks, a retractable armrest with cupholders, and a tray in the centre
console.
INFOTAINMENT
Standard features are an integrated panoramic display with 12.3-inch component
consisting of instrument cluster and touch-screen information. Included in the set-up are
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plug-in only.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The ‘fossil fuel department’ runs on a 1.5 litre direct injection turbocharged engine
putting out 110kW of power at 5500rpm and 220Nm of torque between 2200 and 4200
revs.
Electric power is offered up by a pair of permanent magnet synchronous motors
pushing combined power to 150kW. An e-DHT dedicated hybrid transmission passes
this on to the front wheels.
SAFETY
Standard safety gear across both models begins with eight airbags and includes
adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist and lane
departure warning.
Electronic stability control and driver attention alert are joined in the K40 by rear cross
traffic alert, blind spot warning and lane change collision warning. Pretty much a ‘full
house’.
DRIVING
The Torres Hybrid’s architecture allows the vehicle to be driven as a town car primarily
in EV mode at speeds of up to 100km/h. When the battery charge is low the engine
automatically starts up to function as a generator in Series Mode, while the vehicle
continues to drive smoothly in electric mode.
When extra power is called upon under hard acceleration or an uphill climb the engine
connects directly with the wheels, in parallel with electric drive unit. The system features
a spread of hybrid driving modes, needing no driver input, automatically engaging the
optimal set-up for performance and efficiency.
With the high-capacity 130kW motor close to the drive shaft and 300m torque,
acceleration is instantaneous, smooth and quiet. The feeling is of an EV with long-range
hybrid reliability. The test K40 kept pretty much to its claimed fuel consumption of 5.6
litres per 100 kilometres over a week’s work of varying conditions.
Backing this up are advanced suspension dynamics incorporating new shock absorbers
with ‘smart’ damping allowing precise control of body movements, at the same time,
providing more compliant damping over rough surfaces. Ride comfort is a beneficiary,
as is handling.
Braking can be a bind. The brake pedal response is ‘iffy’ and can be hard to judge. The
car can halt faster than expected, or slower, to finish too close to something in front.
Audible driver alerts are all but silent, which is a boon but the absence of a 360-degree
all-round camera is unusual in this style of car these days. A pity.
SUMMARY
The Torres K40 makes a competent start to the commitment to combining advanced
hybrid technology and modern good looks at a reasonable price to the KMG brand.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 8
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 6
Comfort – 6
Tech – 8
Value – 7
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
KGM Torres K30 $45,000
KGM Torres K40 $48,000
Note: these prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Torres dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Torres K40 1.5-litre 4-cyl Turbo GDI Hybrid, e-DHT, FWD, SUV)
ENGINE
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Capacity: 1498cc
Engine power: 110kW @ 5500rpm
Engine torque: 220Nm @ 2200-4200rpm
Combined power 135kW
Combined torque: 335Nm
Fuel type: Unleaded petrol 95 RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 5.6L/100km
CO2 emissions 127g/km
DRIVELINE: e-DHT, FWD
ELECTRIC MOTORS:
Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Hybrid type: Dual Tech Hybrid System
Max power: 130kW
Max torque: 300Nm
Combined system output: 150kW
BATTERY
Type: Lithium-ion Phosphate
Capacity: 1.8kWh
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4705mm
Width: 1890mm
Height: 1720mm
Wheelbase: 2680mm:
Turning circle: 12.0m
Kerb weight: 1670kg
Fuel tank: 50L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Seven years unlimited kilometres
Eight years roadside assist, capped servicing (vehicle)
High voltage battery seven years 150,000km
(ends)
