I test drove the KGM Torres Coupe and Action. The Action is the first new car prepared after the launch of KGM, and is a strategic model that will continue the success of Torres. The low and wide exterior design and the interior design with matching color tones are highly satisfactory. However, the suspension setup and the overall length completion require rapid improvement.
KGM’s Torres Coupe and Action’s pre-sales were successful. Beyond building anticipation through teaser videos, the new approach, which was different from the past and included pre-sale marketing using coffee coupons from subsidiaries and online sales through collaboration with portals, felt refreshing.
Former Ssangyong Motors and KGM have to present a diverse model lineup with a limited platform configuration to make a profit. Since they have to satisfy consumers with one monocoque platform and one ladder frame platform, the Korando platform has been expanded to include the off-roader Torres and the urban SUV Actyon.
KGM’s model lineup is expected to include the Torres electric pickup truck, the off-road-style KR10, and the F100 electric vehicle, the successor to the Rexton, by 2026. In addition, the Torres Hybrid, which uses BYD’s hybrid system as a derivative model, will be added to the gasoline and bi-fuel models.
The exterior design of the Torres Coupe and Action emphasizes a sophisticated atmosphere. The front part has the headlights that used to accumulate snow in the winter moved to the bumper, and the LED daytime running lights are located at the top of the front part. The center part of the daytime running lights, which look like eye boogers, is expected to evolve in the direction of a simplified straight line in the future.
The rear is the highlight of the action design. If it has similarities to the Range Rover Velar design, it is one of the best designs among domestic SUVs. Compared to the Torres, the overall height was lowered, securing a low and wide proportion, and the strong atmosphere was emphasized unlike other competing cars in the same class. The tires are Michelin, the first for KGM.
The interior is based on the design presented through the Torres EVX, and the display interface has been improved, and the camel & beige two-tone and black & red two-tone have been applied to enhance the sense of luxury. It is not easy to match the color tones of different materials such as leather, urethane, and plastic, but this is the best in the 30 million won range.
Camel two-tone interior (400,000 won) and black two-tone interior (600,000 won) have unique materials on the upper part of the door trim. It looks like artificial leather, but it has a luxurious feel with a cushion. Like the Genesis brand’s signature design selection, it is an option with high value for money. We recommend that you select it when purchasing.
The trims of the Action are S7 (33.95 million won) and S9 (36.49 million won), but the high starting price is burdensome. The smart power tailgate preferred by consumers should be provided as a standard feature on the S7 to discuss cost-effectiveness. The 5-year/100,000 km warranty is an additional specification for the Hyundai Tucson priced at 773,000 won.
The powertrain of the Actyon is a combination of the e-XGDi150T 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine and Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, generating a maximum output of 170 horsepower (5000-5500 rpm) and a maximum torque of 28.6 kgm (1500-4000 rpm). The curb weight for the 20-inch 2WD is 1590 kg, and the combined fuel efficiency is 11.0 km/h (city 10.0, highway 12.5).
Noise and vibration when stopped are excellent. I couldn’t check the idling stop operation due to the hot weather, but it effectively blocked the noise and vibration from the powertrain that were transmitted to the interior. The manufacturer explains that NVH performance has been improved compared to Torres and Korando. Wind noise has also been reduced somewhat.
The ride quality in everyday driving is on the soft side. It is set up to absorb the bumps in the road surface and take into account situations such as passing over speed bumps. However, compared to the Torres, it has moved to a somewhat firmer side, and this is usually the setup when the coupe name is added. However, the balance has deteriorated due to the change.
The Action is 4740(+35)mm in length, 1910mm(+20) in width, 1680mm(-40) in height, and 2680mm in wheelbase. Compared to the Torres, the height has been lowered and the body has been raised. The front wheelbase is 1635mm(+25), the rear wheelbase is 1655mm(+25), and the curb weight has increased by 70kg, but the underbody remains the same. These are changes that may alter the characteristics.
In the 60~80km/h range, the suspension does not effectively handle the bumps in the road surface, and it behaves like a tuned car that cut the spring and installed a hub spacer for body lowering. It is soft but rough, and firm but not stable. I wonder if it has been tested in an actual car.
The stability at high speeds is acceptable. The tires with foam inserts have reduced some of the noise generated from the bottom to reduce resonance. When accelerating, the rotation increases unevenly in the 2000-3000 rpm range. It seems that the map data needs to be modified, and the gear ratio is set too long for the configuration.
Since the domestic consumers’ standards are quite high, the initial popularity of the Action will continue only if the level of completion is improved through quick modifications. On the other hand, the interior design and configuration of the Action are highly satisfactory. The first row as well as the second row are spacious, and the ergonomic seats that have been emphasized since before provide good seating comfort.
The curved steering wheel seems to have been chosen to ensure visibility of the instrument panel. The instrument panel design resembles BMW’s. The basic design of the infotainment system is good to look at, but the navigation guidance speed does not keep up with the vehicle speed. The exhaust sound on/off cannot be confirmed.
Active exhaust sound is a method of adding an actual sound box near the exhaust port to increase the exhaust sound, but considering the price of 1.4 million won, it is not recommended. It is also unfortunate that it does not support wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. It is regrettable that there are traces of a rushed release in many ways.
The ADAS system that is installed as standard is the latest version including lane keeping assist. After lane recognition, there is a clear steering assistance feedback. This is an element that reduces fatigue during long-distance driving. The latest elements such as the ambient light that runs across the bottom of the infotainment monitor and the 360-degree camera have been applied.
The Action has a design that stands out among domestic SUVs. The sophisticated atmosphere through the exterior design works magic to make it look like a luxury car compared to other competing cars in the same class. There is no shortage of interior space or trunk space either. I hope that the level of completion will be improved through rapid improvements in the suspension and overall length.
