Test Car Specifications
Model: 2024 KGM Torres EVX K40
Price: Torres EVX from £44,495 (£47,495 as tested)
Motor: 152kW electric motor
Battery: 73.4kWh lithium-ion battery
Transmission: single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 207hp
Torque: 339Nm
Emissions: 0g/km
Range: 286 miles
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Top speed: 109mph
Boot space: 703-1,662 litres
Styling
KGM (and indeed SsangYong) has some shockers in its back catalogue when it comes to styling, so the fact the Torres looks quite good is pretty remarkable. Admittedly, the look is a bit generic, but it’s modern and relatively smart, particularly with the larger 20-inch alloys of the top-spec K40 model we tested. It never quite crosses the bounds of premium – it doesn’t look that upmarket – but the design is not going to put off any customers who might otherwise go for a Skoda Enyaq or a Ford Capri.
Interior
You might be forgiven for thinking the EVX's cabin was that of a Cupra, such is the prevalence of bronze-coloured plastic trim all over the Torres' cabin. In fairness, though we may mock, the design is quite modern and quite cool, and the comparison with Cupra is undoubtedly one with which KGM will be very happy.
Obviously, quality isn't quite up to the standards of the Volkswagen Group, with some cheap plastics knocking about, but most of it is perfectly acceptable in a mainstream family SUV, and it feels relatively robust. There are some issues, including illogical steering wheel switchgear and a sharp corner on the floating centre console that spears into your knee far too often, but it's hardly a disaster.
The tech isn't great, though, despite its place at the forefront of the interior design. Yes, there's a handy shelf against which to brace your hand when using the screen, but the displays feel old, the system is laggy and some of the menus are confusing at best. Yes, you'll get used to a lot of it, but some of it (including the position of the volume controls) is bewildering.
Practicality
One of the Torres' big selling points is space, with ample room both in the cabin and in the boot. Those seated in the front get more than enough headroom and adjustable seats, as well as adequate storage, while rear space is really quite impressive. Both leg- and headroom are ample back there, and four adults will have absolutely no problem getting comfortable in the Torres EVX. There's space for their luggage, too, with a massive 703-litre boot that's bigger than even that of the Skoda Enyaq, and it's more than enough for pretty much any occasion, although you can expand it by folding down the back seats.
Performance
In the past, KGM – or rather SsangYong – made a big deal about being 4x4 specialists, but neither the Torres EVX nor its petrol-powered sibling is available with all-wheel drive. Instead, the EVX gets a simple front-wheel-drive powertrain that combines a 152kW electric motor with a 73.4kWh battery pack. That means you’ve got 207hp at the disposal of your right foot, and it’s delivered instantly, allowing an official range of 286 miles on a single charge.
Okay, the chances of achieving that in the real world is fairly minimal, but more than 200 miles should be doable on the motorway as long as the weather is mild. But well over 200 miles should be more achievable on slower roads where the motor is more efficient. Charging is equally adequate, with a 145kW maximum charge speed that allows you to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes at maximum DC charge speed. But even a 100kW charger will manage that feat in less than 40 minutes. And if you have access to an 11kW AC charge point, that’ll take about nine hours to charge from empty to full, allowing you to charge overnight.
Ride & Handling
Though KGM has dragged the Torres into the 21st century with the powertrain and design, the car still feels a bit dated in the way it drives. Yes, the power delivery is nice and smooth and the powertrain refinement is as good as you expect from an electric car, but the steering is quite numb and light, and the body control is not brilliant, so there's a kind of slackness to the way the car drives. Still, it's fairly manoeuvrable, and though it won't appeal to those who love driving, it'll be fine for most suburban SUV owners.
The ride is just about acceptable, too, and that's despite the fact our top-spec K40 test car rode on 20-inch wheels, whereas the K30 everyone else should buy only has 18-inch rims. That may have impacted our judgement of the comfort, which was a bit underwhelming around town but quite adequate at motorway speeds. Without trying a K30, we can't be sure, but we suspect the smaller wheels may reduce the EVX's propensity to clatter and thud along at lower speeds.
What it won't change is the incessant bonging. Apparently, South Koreans don't mind it, but the endless beeps will drive you insane, and the systems aren't always easy to switch off thanks to the confusing menus. But as that's our primary complaint, the Torres can't be all bad.
Value
Pricing is usually a strong suit for KGM, but the Torres comes with a pretty punchy starting price of more than £44,000. It isn't outrageously expensive for what is a generously proportioned electric SUV, but it's hardly bargain basement, either. Especially when the more polished Skoda Enyaq starts at just under £37,000.
That said, the Torres EVX is well equipped, with even the cheapest K30 model offering 18-inch alloys, the instrument display and infotainment system, and a reversing camera. There's a two-zone climate control system, too, along with satellite navigation, mock leather seats and the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration system. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless push-button start are included, too.
You don't really need the K40 model tested here therefore, especially not as it takes the price to £47,495, but it does add a power-operated tailgate, premium leather upholstery and bigger alloys, as well as a "range-extending heating system" to keep the heater from impacting range too greatly.
Verdict
Although it doesn't come cheap, the Torres EVX stands up relatively well alongside its rivals, and it is perhaps the most competitive car KGM makes. It's pleasant enough to drive and quite stylish, as well as being spacious, but whether that will be enough to coax customers away from established brands remains to be seen.
