DIFFERENT week, same car. Well, not exactly, as we’re now fully electric as opposed to the petrol power of last week’s KGM Torres.

In reality, pretty well exactly the same as the petrol version sampled earlier – all that differs is what’s under the bonnet and the price. In this guise, the K40 EVX costs £47,495, so around 10k more than the similarly specced petrol variant.

Launched in the UK earlier this year, it comes with a 10 year / 1,000,000 kilometre battery warranty and while a totally new vehicle, it still hangs on to KGM’s distinctive chunky characteristics.

The new design philosophy shows through in distinctive features like the horizontal LED daytime driving lights and the bonnet grab handles (cosmetic rather than functional), while inside there are dual 12.3 inch digital screens showing all the driver needs to know.

The choice of background colour can make the screen directly ahead of the driver a bit indistinct in certain light, particularly if the horizon view is selected, so best to stick to the plain screen.

EVX has a 73.4kWh BYD lithium ion phosphate battery with its cell to pack technology for higher energy efficiency and enhanced safety.

Quoted range is 287 miles, and on a 100kW charger you can be up from 20 to 80 per cent in 37 minutes. Home charge time at 11kW (0-100 per cent) will take around nine hours.

The twin displays across the dash feature Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, Bluetooth, DAB radio and front USB and AUX ports. Both versions of EVX have TomTom navigation and a wireless phone charging pad, and you’ll be alerted when getting out of the car if you’ve left your phone in the slot.
In the K40 version you get premium leather seats with eight way adjustment for the driver. Front and rear seats are heated and ventilated in both models.

If you’re the outdoor type, you’ll be glad to know the load are is big, and its enhanced ground clearance means you can head off road without too much trouble.

Plenty of interior storage aboard, with front and rear door pockets able to accommodate a 1.5 litre bottle, the glovebox can swallow a tablet (computer variety), and there are even rear seat cup holders.

KGM Motors holds the distinction of being the only manufacturer in Korea that is exclusively dedicated to the production of SUVs and 4×4 vehicles. Over the years, the company evolved into the SsangYong Motor Company before transitioning to its current name, KGM Motors – “Korean Genuinely Made”.

The company has invested in a new factory, in the same area, which has been developed specifically to accommodate the production of pure-electric vehicles like the Torres EVX.

KGM Torres EVX K40

Price: £47,495
Engine: 73.4kWh battery
Power: 204bhp
Torque: 250lb/ft
Transmission: electric single speed
Top speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Economy: 287 miles
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

© wheelwrite.co.uk 2024