KGM

KGM Torres Actyon: when 'luxury' doesn't mean expensive

Amidst the brand's expansion, KGM continues to broaden its product portfolio around its current flagship model: the Torres. Following the arrival of the Torres Hybrid a few months ago, the Torres Actyon now joins the lineup, positioned as the most luxurious and coupe-style alternative within the Torres family. A true top-of-the-line model, it will lose that status later this year when the South Korean company introduces a larger, more sophisticated model. But until then, the Torres Actyon can boast of being the best-built KGM currently available.

This is confirmed by an interior that, while very similar to the Torres EVX and Torres Hybrid, offers an additional edge thanks to the use of more refined materials, such as leather on the dashboard, doors, and center console, contrasting red stitching, and decorative trim.

Its dimensions have also been improved, measuring 4.74 m in length, 1.91 m in width, and 1.68 m in height. These dimensions are wrapped in a much more attractive design, featuring elements such as the new backlit grille that appears to merge with the Big Dipper-shaped daytime running lights, wheels up to 20 inches, and a palette of five elegant colors. In this sense, its slightly more coupe-like side profile stands out (although the roofline is not drastically inclined), culminating in a wide and well-sculpted rear. A black strip runs the entire width, on which is the Actyon logo, flanked by two thin LED lights on each side. The taillight assembly adopts a unique design in the shape of the "Gon" symbol of the Korean flag, while the third brake light, also LED, is integrated into the upper part of the spoiler to improve visibility.

Returning to the interior, the highlight is the dual panoramic screen, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and another 12.3-inch central screen for the infotainment system. This system debuts the Athena 2.0 graphical interface, which offers faster response times, clearer menus, and smoother navigation, as well as compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration. Another detail is the completely new steering wheel compared to the Torres model, incorporating two circular selectors. These do not correspond to the driving modes (which are still selected via the screen), but rather to AutoHold (on the right) and the quick menu chosen by the driver (on the left).

In terms of space, this slightly sportier body style doesn't compromise habitability or cargo capacity: the Torres Actyon boasts the largest trunk in its class, with 796 liters up to the roof, including a 128-liter compartment under the floor, and up to 1,568 liters with the second row of seats folded down (in a 60:40 ratio).

Furthermore, the rear seats can recline up to 32.5 degrees, improving comfort on long journeys compared to a typical sedan and further expanding the already generous interior space of a car of this type. Perhaps the only thing missing is the ability to slide the rear seats forward or backward, to further enhance modularity. Speaking of ergonomics, the floating center console includes two cup holders and additional storage space underneath.

Dual mechanical option...The KGM Torres Actyon range is almost identical to that of the Torres Hybrid, starting with a 1.5 GDI four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that develops 163 hp and 280 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox to homologate a consumption of 8.0 l/100 km and with another HEV with an ECO label.

The latter uses the new self-charging hybrid propulsion system developed in conjunction with BYD and presented for the first time in the Torres. The system combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, specifically designed for hybrid applications, producing 150 hp, with a Miller cycle, variable geometry turbocharger, and high compression ratio, with two electric motors integrated into the e-DHT transmission and a 1.84 kWh, 353 V lithium-ion battery.

The main electric motor delivers up to 130 kW (177 hp) and 300 Nm of torque and, working in conjunction with the combustion engine, achieves a maximum combined power of 204 hp, sent to the front axle. The second electric motor acts as a generator, charging the battery and supplying power to the system on demand, which reduces the number of components and improves overall efficiency.

Note that this is not an all-wheel drive system, but it does have a unique feature: the Dual-Tech system integrates the advantages of a series hybrid and a parallel hybrid into a single unit, automatically managing up to nine different operating modes. The most notable are the EV mode, in which the car can run in purely electric mode up to 100 km/h, and the HEV mode. The latter, however, can operate both in series mode, with the combustion engine acting as a generator and allowing the car to continue moving exclusively on electric power; and in parallel HEV mode, where the gasoline engine couples to the transmission to provide additional power when maximum acceleration or high speeds are needed.

With these considerations in mind, and with the positive impression left by the Torres Hybrid, we set off to drive the Torres Actyon Hybrid along the winding roads of the Sierra Nevada in Granada. However, Storm Leonardo prevented us from driving normally and from focusing on safety and survival. Even so, we were able to confirm once again that the hybrid system is as enjoyable as it is efficient.

The transition between engines is imperceptible, and with the energy management diagram on the instrument panel, the driver can see how the electric motor effectively prioritizes its use to optimize fuel consumption. In fact, this value was as positive as that of its combustion equivalent, not exceeding 6.3 l/100 km, while the official value is 5.9 l/100 km.

Where we notice differences compared to the Torres is in the important insulation work, with acoustic insulation materials in the engine compartment, wheel arches, pillars and structural areas, to reduce road noise, as well as external noise from wind and rain hitting the body, but practically without us noticing anything.

Another striking feature, unusual for hybrids, is the regenerative braking system with three adjustable levels of deceleration controlled by paddles on the steering wheel. It also includes an intelligent regenerative braking system that automatically adjusts the intensity based on the distance to the vehicle in front, optimizing fuel consumption. As for driving modes, it offers three: COMFORT, SPORT, and ECO, focused respectively on balance, performance, and power delivery.

Although it didn't offer many opportunities for dynamic testing, we noticed a smooth, quiet, and very comfortable ride, with steering that also provides excellent feedback. Added to this is safety, as KGM states that the Torres Actyon has level 2.5 autonomous driving capability, thanks to a comprehensive set of driver assistance systems, supported by front and rear sensors and a high-definition rear camera. These systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and centering, intelligent adaptive cruise control (IACC), multi-collision braking, and traffic sign recognition. It's worth highlighting that, despite its more aerodynamic design and the fact that it's a classic front-wheel-drive vehicle, the Torres Actyon maintains respectable off-road capabilities: 19.3 cm of ground clearance, 19.7º approach angle, 22.9º departure angle, and 19.6º breakover angle.

Best of all is the price....With this approach, the KGM Torres Actyon positions itself as a generously sized SUV coupé, very well equipped in terms of safety and technology, and with a hybrid HEV version that may be particularly attractive to those who need space and drive daily in the city or in areas with emission restrictions. But the big difference is the price, since, offering only one version, the Life Plus, although full of features, the starting price is €33,500 for the gasoline version and €37,500 for the hybrid.

Autonews and Mundoquatrorodas