South Korean marque KGM, the artist formerly known as SsangYong, is currently playing a tantalizing game of “will they, won’t they” with the New Zealand market. The object of this vehicular flirtation? The rather dashing, and potentially quite sensible, TORRES Hybrid. This “future-focused” manufacturer is giving Kiwis a cheeky sneak peek of a European market preview model of the TORRES Hybrid this week at the bustling Fieldays event in Hamilton, all to gauge local interest and gather feedback before deciding if it’s “the one” for Aotearoa’s roads.
KGM, having shed its SsangYong skin under new ownership by the KG Group, is keen to emphasise its forward-thinking approach, and what’s more future-focused than a hybrid in today’s eco-conscious climate? The TORRES itself, in its internal combustion engine forms, is already known as a robust and stylish SUV, designed to turn heads and tackle a bit of the rough stuff. The addition of a hybrid powertrain would undoubtedly broaden its appeal, offering a blend of that rugged charm with the ever-more-desirable whisper of electric assistance and, presumably, fewer wince-inducing moments at the petrol pump.
The decision to showcase the TORRES Hybrid at Fieldays is a strategic one. This iconic agricultural event draws a massive and diverse crowd, providing an excellent litmus test for public appetite beyond just the urban centres. KGM, via its New Zealand distributor Inchcape New Zealand Limited, is essentially putting out feelers, asking the Kiwi public, “So, what do you reckon?”. Apparently, the future of the TORRES Hybrid joining the existing TORRES lineup here rests squarely on this customer response. No pressure, Fieldays attendees, but the fate of a potentially awesome hybrid SUV might just be in your hands (and your expressed opinions)!
So, will New Zealand embrace another hybrid contender? The stage is set. KGM is watching, Inchcape is listening, and the TORRES Hybrid is, one imagines, doing its best to look irresistible amidst the tractors and prize-winning livestock. If the feedback is positive, we could soon see another “future-focused” South Korean option vying for a spot in Kiwi driveways. Only time, and those crucial feedback forms, will tell if this Fieldays fling blossoms into a long-term relationship.
In the meantime – here’s our Torres EVX review:
