KGM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, added a new full hybrid powertrain to its Torres SUV line-up late last year, alongside the fully electric EVX. Al Suttie evaluates the brand’s first-ever hybrid to see if it’s the pick of the range.

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KGM Torres Hybrid K40

List price (BiK): £35,400 (33%)   CO2: 139g/km   Economy: 46.1mpg   Test efficiency: 43.9mpg

Monday

Living out in the sticks, there are plenty of rufty-tufty 4x4s knocking about and the KGM Torres Hybrid that arrived this morning fits right in. It has just the right blend of chunky offroad attitude combined with its own distinct style so that it stands out from the near endless list of mid-size SUVs it competes with. To my mind, this is a good thing and there’s something of the old Škoda Yeti’s amiability to the Torres.

Tuesday

I’ve tried the Torres in pure petrol and electric forms, and now we have the Hybrid mode that bridges that divide. With the petrol Torres no longer listed on the company’s public website, this is a good best for those not wanting to go all-in with an EV. It’s not a plug-in hybrid, so EV driving range is limited by the 18.4kWh battery. Still, it happily drives along on electrons at lower speeds for much of the time.

Wednesday

There’s 176hp from its petrol-electric combo, yet the Torres doesn’t feel quite as sprightly as I thought it would. It’s not so much that it’s slow, and it puts the power down without fuss or scrabble, but nor does the Torres Hybrid feel that it gets going with much enthusiasm. Once up to speed, it’s a happier experience as the KGM cruises with little in the way of wind, tyre or engine noise.

Thursday

As is the way of the world now, pre-flight checks include switching off unwanted driver aids. In my case, this is usually lane keep assist and speed limit warning. Not because I like to veer across the road at anti-social speeds, but because these system are not suited to the rural roads I use much of the time. It’s a shame the KGM’s infotainment screen takes a little longer than is ideal to wake up and respond.

Friday

While not a four-wheel-drive SUV, the Torres does deliver a sense of go-anywhere ability much like a Dacia Bigster thanks to its raised driving position. You get excellent all-round vision, it’s easy to place the front corners for gliding through car parks, and the seat is comfortable. There’s also plenty of room in the back for adults, as proved by my son and one of his mates this evening.

Saturday

The sole K40 spec of the KG Torres Hybrid makes life simple and it comes with all the kit you could realistically hope for in a car of this class and cost. The heated front seats and steering wheel are very welcome, but it proved impossible for those in the back to turn on their heated pews by themselves. Instead, this was managed through the infotainment screen, which seems a tad strange.

Sunday

The KGM Torres Hybrid deserves a bit more fleet attention than it receives, I reckon, for a niche it fills adeptly. For country-dwelling types like me, it offers plenty of ground clearance and a cushy ride on cratered lanes. It cruises easily and economy is decent, if nothing to write home about, and it’s well kitted out for what it costs. Vitally, it’s just that bit more able in a rural setting than the average SUV.