KGM Actyon and Torres hybrids get a boost from BYD

KGM, the brand formerly known as SsangYong, has finally launched its first hybrid models, the new Torres Hybrid and Actyon Hybrid.

The pair deliver better performance and efficiency compared with the pure-petrol versions of the family SUVs, plus in the case of the Torres, the hybrid is cheaper, too. 

The KGM Torres Hybrid costs from £35,995, versus £36,749 for the pure-petrol version, while the Actyon Hybrid starts from £38,995, which is around £350 more than the regular version. 

For comparison, the Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid starts from £34,860, but you can save more than £10,000 on brand-new (pre-reg) examples through the Auto Express Buy A Car service. Similarly, the Kia Sportage Hybrid starts from £34,475. 

The KGMs’ new Dual Tech Hybrid set-up is designed to offer a driving experience that feels as close to that of an EV as possible, and has been developed with help from BYD. In fact, it was derived from the Chinese giant’s plug-in hybrid tech, adapted to create a full-hybrid system, meaning it doesn’t need to be plugged in for a charge. 

Under the bonnet is a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that on its own delivers 148bhp and 220Nm of torque, but it doesn’t always drive the wheels. It also acts as a generator, providing energy for two electric motors and their 1.83kWh battery, which KGM claims is the largest in this segment.

The primary e-motor provides 175bhp, 300Nm of torque and, according to KGM, the “effortless, linear response” that drivers expect from an electrified car. The other motor helps to generate energy, while both are located within the e-DHT (electrified Dual Hybrid Transmission) that was developed specifically for this set-up. 

There are no fewer than nine different modes for this powertrain, which it automatically switches between depending on the situation to maximise efficiency. There’s EV mode – with KGM claiming pure-electric driving is possible at speeds up to 62mph – as well as an array of optimised combinations of the engine and e-motors. 

Apparently, drivers can’t select the mode for the hybrid system, but an energy flow diagram in the instrument cluster will let you know what’s going on between the engine, motors and battery, and when regenerative braking is feeding the battery. 

There are three different strength levels for the regenerative braking system, which the driver can choose from, as well as a supposedly ‘Smart’ mode that automatically adapts the level of regen according to the distance to the vehicle ahead to help in stop-start traffic. 

KGM says the Torres Hybrid can achieve up to 46.1mpg and do 0-62mph in exactly nine seconds, an improvement over the pure-petrol version, which can only manage just over 30mpg and needs nearly 11 seconds to hit 62mph. 

The larger Actyon gets a similar leap in performance and efficiency, and is now capable of averaging 46.4mpg, versus 33.1mpg before.

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