A new standard for cost-effective hybrid SUVs..Torres Hybrid Attention
Apr 21, 2025
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According to the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association, hybrid sales by five local carmakers stood at 361,151 units in 2023, accounting for 26.5 percent of the total sales. The share, which was only 7.9% in 2020, has nearly tripled in just three years. In particular, in the first quarter of this year, sales of new cars by five domestic automakers rose 1.4% year-on-year to 326,662 units, with strong sales of hybrid models at the center.
The popularity of hybrid vehicles has become a reality beyond temporary fashion. This is because practical benefits such as fuel efficiency reduction, low maintenance costs, and eco-friendliness are large. In particular, when electric vehicle infrastructure is still insufficient, the fact that it enjoys some of the advantages of electric vehicles while providing stability and convenience of internal combustion engines is a realistic alternative for consumers.
With quiet urban driving, stable long-distance driving, energy efficiency through a regenerative braking system, and various tax benefits, the number of consumers who choose hybrid continues to increase.
With the release of various models such as SUVs and sedans as hybrids, market options have expanded. In particular, consumers who pursue practicality and outdoor sensibility at the same time are actively choosing hybrid models in the SUV sector.
In the hybrid market, where demand is growing rapidly, KGM is attracting consumers' attention by launching a "tores hybrid" that represents a cost-effective hybrid.
KGM's first hybrid model, the 'Tores Hybrid', is a strategic model that focuses on next-generation eco-friendly technology while maintaining the authentic SUV sensibility, which is a brand identity. With 31.4 million won in the T5 trim and 36.35 million won in the T7 trim (when the opening tax is cut and tax benefits are applied), it is only slightly higher than the gasoline model, and it is in the spotlight among consumers who value practicality and lifestyle due to its position as a "high-fuel SUV enjoyed at a reasonable price."
Torres Hybrid is equipped with a "Dual Tech Hybrid System" developed by KGM in cooperation with BYD. Designed with a serial-parallel dual-motor method, the system maximizes the advantages of electricity and engines and realizes a driving feeling and efficiency close to electric vehicles. In particular, the e-DHT (dual motor transmission) allows you to freely switch EV, HEV, and engine driving modes, so you can drive as quietly as an electric car in the city center and powerfully at high speeds.
Combined fuel efficiency is 15.7km/l (city 16.6km/l) based on 18-inch wheels, which is about 41% better than conventional gasoline. Compared to competing models usually showing an improvement rate of 30%, it is a higher level of efficiency. Models with 20-inch wheels also have a combined fuel efficiency of 15.2km/l to satisfy consumer needs that want both design and efficiency. In addition, a regenerative braking system and a large-capacity battery (1.83 kWh) were added to minimize energy waste.
We focused on physical noise blocking as well as quiet driving based on electric motors. It effectively suppresses noise by applying sound-absorbing materials to engine rooms, covers, and wheelhouses, as well as sound-absorbing 20-inch tires. In addition, the shock absorber upgrade provides a stable and smooth ride even on high-speed driving or rough roads. This combination adds a hybrid-specific quietness to the SUV's inherent solid driving sense.
Digital clusters and infotainment systems have evolved based on 'Athena 2.0'. It has both intuition and practicality, including 12.3-inch digital cluster, dual-map extension, OTA wireless update, and second-row heating seat control. The newly introduced "KGM Link" makes vehicle management simple with improved UI and UX, and options such as smart key design changes, digital key upgrades, Alpine audio, and panoramic sunroof have also been diversified. It is a model that is evenly equipped with three beats of technology, emotion, and practicality.
Hybrid vehicles are in the spotlight as an alternative that can satisfy both eco-friendliness and economy without the burden of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles both in Korea and in the global market. Hybrid demand is steadily expanding in the North American, European, and Southeast Asian markets, and related markets are growing faster due to strengthening environmental regulations in each country and rising energy costs.
The launch of Torres Hybrid is expected to be a strategic turning point and growth momentum for KGM, targeting both domestic and foreign markets. It plans to expand its domestic market share and actively seek opportunities to expand exports by establishing a differentiated position called a "practical hybrid" in the global SUV market.
To this end, KGM is strengthening its global target by inviting local dealers in the export market to hold a test drive event before the full-fledged Torres hybrid global launch.
On the 8th, excellent Australian dealers were invited to hold a test drive event, and on the 11th, global dealers such as Germany, Poland, and Hungary, including Turkiye, which won the fastest-growing brand award last year, were invited to hold a test drive event.
Dealers and others who participated in the test drive event showed great satisfaction with high fuel efficiency, noise, and quiet interior, as well as smooth driving and stability like Torres Hybrid's electric car.
A KGM official said, "Tores Hybrid is a brand representative strategic model with high fuel efficiency, quietness, driving performance, and price competitiveness. Starting with the launch of this model, we will solidify our position in the eco-friendly car market at home and abroad through continuous technology development and aggressive sales expansion, and actively respond to market demand."
Editor Kim Tae-jin, tj.kim@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
