New name, new ideas

Meanwhile, KG Global took a majority shareholding in SsangYong in 2023, and with it, a production site in the Gangnan region of Korean capital Seoul with a capacity to build 240,000 vehicles per annum.

The new local distributor also oversees the Subaru and LDV brands. They have recently released details of the all-new KGM Torres medium sized SUV, in three variants, the Torres, Torres 4WD and the Torres EVX (battery electric model). Said to be the first model to reflect KG Mobility’s new global design language and philosophy ‘Powered by Toughness’, Torres is powered by a 1.5 G-Di turbocharged engine mated with a third generation Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.

The vehicle marks a departure from the previous owner’s traditional design with the introduction of a sleek and modern exterior. KGM New Zealand general manager Kym Mellows says “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”.

Head of brand marketing for KGM New Zealand Daile Stephens says, “KGM is a modern mobility brand that sets us on the path towards advanced electrification, autonomous driving, and greater mobility for all”.

The Torres 1.5-litre direct injection turbo engine delivers 120kW and 280Nm, while the pure-electric KGM Torres EVX is powered by a 73.4kWh, BYD-sourced Blade Technology 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 can deliver a combined pure electric range of 462km, a maximum towing capacity of 1500kg and V2L (vehicleto- load) charging capabilities, so its battery pack can be used to power appliances when you’re outdoors. Batteries are warranted for 1 million km or 10 years.