BYD-powered KGM Torres Hybrid will take on Toyota RAV4 in Australia

KGM (formerly known as SsangYong) has confirmed the new Torres Hybrid mid-size SUV will be launched in Australia by the end of 2025 – with a sub-$50,000 price.

The move will expand the current KGM Torres lineup, which was introduced in Australia in 2024 with three variants powered by a single petrol engine, to rival popular medium SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5.

The first Torres Hybrid was launched in the UK this week, employing a two-motor petrol-electric system developed by Chinese automaker BYD. 

While it’s available in the UK in a single model grade priced at £35,995 ($A73,812) – making it cheaper than the petrol Torres, which starts from £36,749 ($A75,358) – it will be offered in Australia in two yet-to-be-confirmed variants priced from under $50,000. 

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The petrol Torres starts at $38,000 drive-away in Australia, where the flagship Torres Ultimate is priced at $47,000 drive-away.

The UK-spec Torres Hybrid, which the Australian version is expected to match, makes a combined 130kW of power and 300Nm of torque from a BYD-developed powertrain incorporating a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, six-speed transmission and two electric motors.

It has nine different driving modes including EV-only mode, HEV mode and other engine drive modes.  

Driving only the front wheels, it offers electric-only capability at speeds of up to 100km/h, but KGM does not specify an EV driving range. It does, however, claim combined fuel-efficiency of 6.1L/100km. 

That’s more than the top-selling RAV4 Hybrid, but less than the 7.4L/100km figure for the entry-level front-drive petrol Torres already on sale here, which is powered by a 120kW/280Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine matched with a six-speed automatic.

Cargo space remains identical for both the petrol and hybrid Torres, at a sizeable 703 litres, which expands to 1662L with the second-row seats folded. 

Braked towing capacity falls to 1300kg for the Hybrid compared to the petrol version’s 1500kg rating, although both are rated to tow an unbraked trailer of up to 500kg.

Standard equipment in the UK includes 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster joined to a curved 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Safety and driver assist tech includes eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and lane keeping assist. 

More details are expected ahead of the Torres Hybrid’s local launch later this year. 

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