KGM Motors UK has launched full hybrid versions of its Torres and Actyon SUVs.

On sale now, the hybrid models join the existing 163hp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol versions of the Torres midsize SUV and the sleeker coupé-styled Actyon, plus the Torres EVX fully electric SUV, and are priced from £35,995 and £38,995 respectively.

The full hybrid powertrain has been developed by KGM, formerly Ssangyong, in collaboration with BYD.

The Dual Tech Hybrid System combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an e-DHT hybrid transmission and in-series dual motors. It’s also equipped with a “class-leading” 1.83kWh hybrid battery, the largest in its segment, paired with a lightweight 12V LFP low-voltage system.

The e-DHT, an electrified Dual Hybrid Transmission developed specifically for this application, supports nine different driving modes. These include electric-only EV driving up to 62mph, along with series hybrid operation where the engine works primarily as a generator, and parallel hybrid and engine drive modes where the engine and motors combine or hand over depending on speed and load.

During hybrid driving, the engine delivers 150hp and 220Nm of torque and is set up to frequently operate primarily in series hybrid operation, supplying electrical energy to the dual motors and battery rather than always driving the wheels directly.

The system automatically switches between operating modes and constantly selects the most efficient configuration for the conditions.

The Dual Tech Hybrid System is able to simultaneously carry out charging and electric driving with the dual motors, allowing the system to recover more energy and redeploy it more intelligently in everyday use.

The  powertrain also incorporates an adjustable regenerative braking system with three selectable levels of deceleration. When Smart Regenerative Braking is activated, the system automatically adapts the level of regenerative deceleration according to the distance to the vehicle ahead, helping to make braking smoother in stop-start traffic while capturing as much energy as possible.

The Dual Tech Hybrid System itself is derived from BYD’s plug-in hybrid technology and adapted by KGM as a full hybrid. The powertrain includes a 177hp drive motor with 300Nm of torque, mounted close to the drive shaft so that it can respond instantly to throttle inputs, providing strong acceleration and confident overtaking along with the “effortless, linear response” drivers expect from an electrified powertrain.

Both models are said to offer an extensive range of driver assistance, convenience and safety systems as standard. The Actyon Hybrid adds in a 360-degree camera, premium suede interior, noise cancelling tyres, a hexagon steering wheel and a kick-operation power tailgate.

The new hybrid models join KGM’s UK line-up as the brand continues to expand. Its range also includes the smaller Tivoli mini SUV and the Qashqai-sized Korando, plus the larger Rexton seven-seat SUV, the Rexton Commercial two-seater and the Musso diesel pickup. A fully electric Musso pickup, based on the Torres EVX SUV, is also on its way to the UK.

Kevin Griffin, managing director of KGM Motors UK, said: “The new Dual Tech Hybrid powertrain in Torres Hybrid and Actyon Hybrid shows exactly where KGM is heading in the UK. It gives our customers the smooth, near-silent feel they associate with electric vehicles, but with the range, robustness and everyday usability they expect from a KGM. This technology is the foundation for our next generation of powertrains, as we bring more practical, real-world electrified options to the market.”