Freshly Rebranded KGM New Zealand Launches All-New Torres
- KGM recently announced a rebrand from SsangYong to KGM in New Zealand.
- The all-new KGM Torres is available in showrooms now.
- KGM embarks on a new era of innovation and a refresh of the brand vision, with a focus on pioneering the next generation of mobility solutions and incorporating cutting edge technologies such as electrification, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence.
- The KGM Torres is the first model to reflect KG Mobility’s new global design language and philosophy ‘Powered by Toughness’.
- The KGM Torres is available in three variants – Torres, Torres 4WD and the Torres EVX (battery electric model).
- The KGM Torres is powered by a 1.5 G-Di turbocharged engine with third generation Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.
- The KGM Torres features smart, digital, intuitive dual 12.3” cluster and infotainment display and best-in-class capacity load area.
Closely following its re-brand announcement, KGM New Zealand (formerly SsangYong) is excited to introduce the all-new Torres, which is available in dealer showrooms now.
The medium sized SUV is the first model to reflect the brand’s new design philosophy ‘Powered by Toughness’ with its distinctive and authentic SUV characteristics.
Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, Torres is available in three variants. Torres represents a departure from the previous owner’s traditional design with the introduction of a sleek and modern exterior, proceeding the brand’s reputation for strong, practical lines.
KGM New Zealand General Manager Kym Mellow says: “Torres is the first model to reinterpret KGM’s future design vision. Its launch marks an exciting, new era for design, performance, and product innovation with all KGM models moving forward adhering to this new approach.
“The SUV market is continually expanding and subdividing, and with Torres, we are filling the gap between medium-sized SUVs such as Korando and large SUVs like Rexton. This move will create new opportunities for us and most importantly our current and new customers as we continue to develop our product offering.”
Head of Brand Marketing for KGM New Zealand Daile Stephens says, “KGM is a modern mobility brand fueled by the luxury legacy of SsangYong. This acronym changes what the brand stands for and sets KGM on the path towards advanced electrification, autonomous driving, and greater mobility for all. KGM is South Korean born and future bound.
“The brand positioning for KGM sees us leaning into our Korean origin. Korean culture is full of colourful contradictions and unexpected craft is at the heart of our brand. It pushes against its own rigid norms, with contemporary, abstract ideas, and produces them to a high level of craft. Therefore, KGM and the all-new Torres is: Crafted to Unexpected.”
Built on a new platform designed for multiple drive trains, Torres offers drivers the freedom to expand their lifestyles by harnessing the brand’s reputable SUV and 4×4 heritage while experiencing the fusion of innovative and advanced technology with bold shapes and essential functionality.
The Torres 1.5-litre direct injection turbo engine gives an impressive level of torque of 280Nm and a maximum output of 119.8kW.
The pure-electric KGM Torres EVX is powered by a 73.4kWh battery and uses a single electric motor that produces 201bhp and 339Nm of torque to drive the front wheels. When range tested by the WLTP four-phase test rate, a single charge will give the Torres EVX a combined pure electric range of 462 kilometres in optimal driving conditions.
The Torres EVX also boosts its adventure possibility credentials with up to a maximum towing capacity of 1,500kg – the same as the Torres – with a braked trailer, and 500kg for an unbraked trailer. The EVX also features V2L (vehicle-to-load) charging capabilities, so its battery pack can be used to power appliances when you’re outdoors.
In towing situations, the Torres models all offer competitive approach and departure angles for safer, stress-free driving in more challenging or off-road situations. In the event of a trailer snaking while being towed, the trailer sway control function takes over to help the driver regain control when this alarming phenomenon starts to affect the steering and directional stability.
The Torres exterior projects a rugged and tough aesthetic, while the interior offers a delicate, comfortable, and contemporary space. Seamlessly integrated into the ergonomic design, Torres’ interior has been designed to maximise comfort and convenience for all onboard.
The wide yet slim dashboard creates a spacious feel, providing an uninterrupted view of the road. Aside from being stylish, the four-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel offers integrated audio controls for quick access. Metal accents and ambient mood lighting add a sophisticated touch to the leather upholstery.
Information is presented on a user-friendly, twin-panoramic 12.3” digital display cluster and infotainment controls. Standard features include Apple CarPlay®1, Google Android AutoTM1, Bluetooth® connectivity, DAB radio, and front USB-C and AUX ports, accompanied by six cabin speakers.
Torres offers convenience from the moment you step inside with ample cabin and load space to maximise accessibility. With a width of 1,890mm, Torres offers space for passenger comfort and a load area that sets an industry standard, ranging from 703 to 1,662 litres, presenting an expansive luggage capacity suitable for a mid-size SUV, while also having generous luggage space and numerous useful storage spaces.
Adding to its versatility, Torres features a discrete and concealed space beneath the load floor, enhancing both space efficiency and security. This substantial and practical storage area caters to various needs, making it exceptionally convenient for both daily activities and road-trip adventures.
Mellow concludes: “We are looking forward to taking New Zealanders along for the ride as we embark on a new era of innovation, evolving KGM into a brand of the future with a refreshed modern brand identity, with the Torres as our first milestone of this new transformation.”
MADE IN KOREA
KGM Global boasts a rich automotive legacy spanning over 70 years. The company was originally founded as Ha Dong-Hwan Automobile Manufacturing in January 1954, before changing its name to Dong-A Motors in 1977. In 1988, the brand became SsangYong Motor Company which was acquired by KGM Global with a majority shareholding in 2023. The acquisition signalled its entry into the automotive industry with a strategic focus on new product and electrification. KGM Global is a Korean car manufacturer specialising in 4x4s, SUVs, MPVs and utes. The company produced trucks, busses, and special purpose vehicles for the export market, establishing the strong and reliable DNA of its products on the market today. The headquarters for KG Mobility is in the Gangnam district of Korea’s capital, Seoul, and its principal vehicle manufacturing plant is currently at Pyeongtaek, which has the capacity and latest technology to produce 240,000 cars a year. The company has invested in a new factory, in the same area, which is has been developed specifically to accommodate the production of pure-electric vehicles.
KGM IN NEW ZEALAND
Inchcape expanded its presence in New Zealand in August 2023 with the acquisition of SsangYong distribution and retail with five owned dealerships in Auckland, Taupo, Wellington and Christchurch. Inchcape is driven by its purpose of ‘bringing mobility to the world’s communities, for today, for tomorrow and for the better’. Inchcape is committed to making a positive contribution to the communities in which they operate, for their people, for society and for the planet. The Group is headquartered in London and employs around 19,000 people globally. Inchcape Australasia employs over 1,400 team members across Australia and New Zealand.
1.Compatible Apple® or Android™ device required.