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Details of a hybrid KGM SsangYong Torres – using tech from BYD – have been leaked ahead of its launch, with the Australia arm keen to add the Toyota RAV4 rival to its line-up.
The KGM SsangYong Torres Hybrid using tech technology from Chinese car maker BYD has been leaked in South Korea ahead of its global launch – which could see it take on the hot-selling Toyota RAV4 in Australia.
Website Autospy has revealed a basic specs sheet revealing details of the Torres Hybrid, including its powertrain, equipment levels and pricing ahead of its imminent on-sale in South Korea.
KGM SsangYong Australia told Drive it is keen to have the Torres Hybrid added to the line-up, however it has not yet secured and cannot commit to any arrival timings, equipment levels or pricing.
It comes as the battery-electric version – the Torres EVX – has been put on hold for Australia as the local office as it re-evaluates “the best time to introduce it” to showrooms.
Sales of hybrids in Australia jumped 76 per cent year-on-year in 2024, with 172,696 hybrids making up 14 per cent of total new vehicle sales – with the Toyota RAV4 the most popular.
The mid-size Torres SUV – the first model from SsangYong to use the new ‘KGM’ branding in Australia – was introduced here in late 2024 as a petrol-engine only competitor to the RAV4, as well as the Kia Sportage, GWM Haval H6 and Nissan X-Trail.
Now, with news of an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) – a non-plug-in hybrid – the Torres may be available in Australia in petrol, hybrid and battery-electric choices by the end of 2025.
According to the leaked details, the Torres Hybrid powertrain – branded ‘e-DHT’ (Efficiency-Dual Motor Hybrid Transmission) – combines an electric motor, 1.83kWh BYD Blade battery and 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
Power and driving range were not among the details included in the leaked information.
China’s BYD has supplied the hybrid technology for the Torres Hybrid, the two car makers forming a deal for battery production and hybrid component sharing in 2023.
As well as its BYD tie-up, KGM SsangYong signed a deal with another Chinese car maker in 2024 – Chery – to use its platforms and hybrid parts to fast-track development of a broader hybrid SUV line-up.
Leaked pricing details from Autospy revealed a South Korea price of ₩31,400,000 ($AU34,580) for the Torres Hybrid, nearly $AU5000 over the petrol-only version’s ₩26,900,000 (AU$29,621) starting point.
In Australia, the current petrol-only Torres starts at $35,700 before on-road costs for the front-wheel drive ELX version, stretching to the top-spec Ultimate at $44,500 plus on-road costs.
Standard equipment on the entry level Torres Hybrid ‘T5’ sold in South Korea includes LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels outside, with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen and ‘leatherette’ seat trim inside.
There’s also a full suite of Driver Assist Tech including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning and rear parking assist.
Options include side-steps, an upgraded Alpine audio system and KGM Link navigation.
A higher-spec Torres Hybrid T7 brings 18-inch ‘diamond cut’ alloy wheels, insulated front-row window glass, utility roof rack, roller blinds and KGM Link navigation among its extra features for an additional ₩4,950,000 ($AU5451).
The T7 can be optioned with a Panoramic sunroof, two-tone exterior package, 20-inch alloy wheels and genuine leather seat upholstery among its extras.
BYD also supplies the electric components for battery-electric Torres EVX, which was set for Australian showrooms by the end of 2024 before its revised, yet-to-be confirmed arrival timing.
The Torres EVX has a 153kW/339Nm electric motor with a 73.4kWh ‘Blade’ battery and 462km WLTP claimed driving range.
The 2025 KGM SsangYong Actyon SUV has been shown by the car maker and is under consideration for the local line-up, while a battery-electric SsangYong Musso ute – also using the Torres’ underpinnings – has been locked in for Australia, with arrival timing yet to be confirmed.
