[Test Drive Report] Reborn with an 8-speed transmission, KGM New Torres Gasoline AWD T7

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Verdict

If you need a car but don't drive often, there is no better vehicle than this.

Good

- A purely domestic vehicle with no Chinese technology or design elements

- Affordable, spacious, roomy, smooth, and performs well. As a compact SUV, it has virtually no drawbacks.

Bad

- The KGM badge… What is pride?

- A timid design update that feels like either a second facelift or a car purchased two years ago

Competitor

- Kia Sportage: Offers more refined styling and superior performance in mid-to-high speed ranges

- BYD Sealion 6 DM-i: A PHEV variant that is sufficient for just 5 million won

When the SsangYong Torres debuted in 2022, industry observers predicted this vehicle would be a watershed moment determining SsangYong's fate. At the time, Lee Gang (SVP), who designed and planned this car, stated it was "a vehicle that must succeed; failure is absolutely not an option." This reflected the deep hopes and future aspirations embedded in the model.

Ultimately, the Torres succeeded. Automotive journalists praised it extensively, creating a foundation for recovery that even led to overtime work to meet production targets. The KGM New Torres Gasoline AWD T7 tested this time is a second facelift model that incorporated results from consumer preference surveys. The core changes include upgrading the previous 6-speed Aisin transmission to an 8-speed unit and completely refreshing both interior and exterior design. Originally, KG Mobility had planned to implement the 8th-speed transmission in the Torres by April 2024. This was during a direct conversation with the executive overseeing KG Mobility's technology development; for some reason, this implementation was delayed by two years.

One might ask what difference changing only the transmission gear count makes, but alterations to key automotive components can be so significant that they completely alter driving dynamics. Additionally, given the positive consumer response to the previous model's design, the overall atmosphere was refined through minor updates to front and rear bumper details, infotainment system, shift lever, and slight design tweaks. As a result, the design itself changed very little; the original design was so highly favored that it was retained as-is. However, the headlamps, which some had compared to having "eye boogers" when snow fell, were redesigned into an integrated unit. Furthermore, a new exterior color called Plasma Shadow, recently popular among customers, has been added. Including this, a total of six colors are now available.

Notably, the Terrain Mode, which embodies KGM's technological expertise, has also been newly added. The Sand mode enhances steering stability on unstable road surfaces such as sand and gravel; the Mud mode supports driving on muddy or unpaved bumpy roads; and the Snow & Gravel mode assists driving on low-friction surfaces like snow-covered roads. Including existing driving modes, a total of seven driving modes are now supported. Given KGM's claim to be a renowned SUV manufacturer, we prepared ourselves to tackle dirt roads and camping site access roads with Gong (President) as if towing a vehicle. Honestly, our expectations were not high, but the sheer capability of pushing through made us involuntarily exclaim "Whoa!" in admiration.

In terms of infotainment, the next-generation integrated platform 'Athena 2.5' has been installed. Drivers can view drive and terrain mode information on a high-resolution screen centered around graphics. Wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates are provided as standard features.

For safety specifications, ultra-high-strength and high-strength steel plates cover 78% of the vehicle body. The system includes intelligent speed limit assistance, emergency braking assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, a 3D surround view monitoring system, and eight airbags including side curtain and driver's knee airbags.

Regarding powertrain, the KGM New Torres Gasoline AWD T7 is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged T-GDI engine paired with an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers a maximum output of 170 horsepower, peak torque of 30.6 kg·m, and a combined fuel economy of 11.0 km/L. According to the company, improvements in transmission response and acceleration performance have enhanced driving quality in everyday driving conditions.

The test drive covered various segments including urban areas, suburban national roads, highways, and off-road sections. The total test distance was approximately 300 km, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation. First, the seating comfort is excellent. The seat support is strong, and with appropriate cushioning, it delivers a comfortable experience. Thanks particularly to the large glass area, visibility is exceptionally clear, and there is no sense of confinement even when looking around in all directions. In terms of SUV visibility, this level is textbook-perfect.

The second-row space is equally impressive, and the trunk offers a base capacity of 703 liters, expandable to a maximum of 1,662 liters with the second row folded, ensuring sufficient cargo space for leisure activities. Additionally, climate control buttons are arranged as physical switches, which provided much-needed relief during our test drive amidst record-breaking heatwaves that shattered the highest temperature ever recorded in Korea in 122 years.

The engine sound is exactly what one would expect from a 1.5-liter gasoline engine. There is virtually no residual vibration or noise to cause concern. Initial acceleration is slightly sluggish but acceptable, and low-speed urban propulsion is generally smooth. However, compared to the previous 6-speed transmission, gear shifts are noticeably smoother, and shift matching at various speeds feels far less unnatural. The 8-speed transmission demonstrates exceptional performance from 60 km/h onward, particularly in the approximately 120 km/h range. Immediate shift responsiveness is excellent, and the overall driving quality has become significantly smoother.

The KGM New Torres Gasoline AWD T7 feels too small for a mid-size SUV yet too large for a compact segment. It is not difficult to recognize that its size was conceived with the Tucson and Sportage in mind. While it represents a practical choice, its handling agility is relatively unremarkable. However, this is a detail that requires close inspection; in daily use, the advantages far outweigh any shortcomings. In cornering sections, we had to reduce speed significantly to gain confidence. Braking performance did not provide overwhelming satisfaction, but given its vehicle class and usability, it is difficult to point out deficiencies. Instead, when driving straight on highways, the experience becomes refreshingly exhilarating.

The KGM New Torres Gasoline AWD T7 now features a newly added Terrain Mode with no fewer than seven options: Sand, Mud, Snow & Gravel… At this level, it is fair to say they deliberately included them all. We loaded the vehicle fully with camping gear and ventured onto access roads to challenge off-road conditions. By switching drive modes, we extensively tested the AWD system. The vehicle demonstrated reliable performance sufficient to avoid any sense of frustration on most courses.

At the conclusion of the overall test drive, the recorded fuel economy did not quite reach 10 km/L, settling in the late 9 km/L range. However, considering that we repeatedly performed aggressive acceleration and deceleration for the test purposes, this figure is not disappointing. It would be a lie to say there were no regrets whatsoever, but within this vehicle class, the performance capabilities fully met expectations. The KGM New Torres Gasoline AWD T7 is recommended for a wide range of consumers, from single-person households to family SUV users.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original