Turning heads

The last time I had a Torres I caught a bloke having a sneaky look in the car park and it’s just happened again.

This time it was during a run to the tip and the model was KGM’s hybrid version of the SUV. I was at the skip dumping cardboard and when I returned my brother told me there were a couple of guys scrutinising the Korean vehicle.

They didn’t know what it was, of course, because you don’t see that many around, which is a shame because it’s a cracking vehicle with looks that Jeep would kill for, I’m sure.

Torres is a sizeable SUV with rugged, muscular, good looks and Korean charm. It is chunky, bold and eye-catching and carries a good amount of road presence.

The vertically slotted grille and integrated skid-plate bumper give it real purpose while the distinctive slim signature LED headlights lights offer unique appeal, as does the rear where there is an unusual blister on the back door.

In towns and cities, the Torres Hybrid runs in EV mode up to 95 per cent of the time. It is smooth and sprightly thanks to technology from Chinese maker BYD which provides the electrical side of operations.

On A roads and the motorway, the system melds engine and electric motor power for brisk acceleration and efficiency. It will even drive to up 62mph using electric only, helped along the way by a three-level regenerative braking system.

Inside, it adopts a “slim and wide” design philosophy in what is a spacious, ergonomic cabin. A panoramic widescreen display integrates a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment system.

There is connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TomTom Navigation, though I couldn’t get it to work, and Bluetooth.

Hands and bottom are warmed through courtesy of heating elements in seats and steering wheel. I can’t stress enough the value of such appliances especially when I arrive at the airport at 8pm and have a two-hour drive home to accomplish. It heats you physically and warms the soul making the long dark journey fly by.

Driver and passenger seats offer eight-way power adjustment with lumbar support, while heated, reclining rear seats maximise passenger comfort for the boy in the back. Clever touches such as a floating centre console, headrest hanger, and USB Type-C ports throughout ensure everyday practicality.

Best-in-class luggage capacity of up to 1,662 litres makes Torres the ideal companion for the tip run.

Normal Torres is fine enough but lacks the fuel economy demanded by motorists enduring a cost of living crisis. Its 30+ MPG is boosted to over 40 thanks to the hybrid system, which is more palatable but still behind the opposition.

CO₂ emissions are decent at just 139g/km, while towing capacity of 1.3 tonnes is supported by Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). A waterproof chassis allows safe submersion up to 300mm, ensuring confidence in all conditions. Nice.

All the bingy bongy stuff is present and annoys with the best of them – speed limit warnings, lane keep assist with lane departure warning and rear cross alert. It means well but irritates.

Torres offers something a bit different in a sector full of SUVs. It is fab to look at and great to drive and if you want to make conversation at the tip it’s the right vehicle for that.