SsangYong rebrands to become KGM-SsangYong

THE “other” South Korean automotive brand, formerly called SsangYong, has rebranded to become KGM-SsangYong reflecting its current ownership.

In 2022, the Korean industrial company ‘KG Group’ made a big investment in the SsangYong Motor Company, rescuing it from financial straits to become majority shareholder.

The rebranding is taking place globally in the 100 countries where KGM-SsangYong has operations and retains the “iconic” winged logo as a nod to its heritage.

The SsangYong Motor Company is Korea’s oldest car company and has been making 4x4 vehicles and SUVs since 1954 with the help of various partners including Jeep and Mercedes-Benz.

The company says it remains focused on delivering well-built vehicles at an affordable price in many markets around the world…. despite financial travails that have plagued it regularly over the years through numerous owners and partners.

SsangYong’s history in Australia dates-back to the mid-nineties when the brand was first introduced here linked to Mercedes-Benz selling the Musso 4x4 and MB100 and 140 vans followed by the Korando and Rexton.

It has been operating in Australia as a factory owned and backed operation since 2019 with a National Head Office and National Parts Distribution Centre in Melbourne.

Marking the new era of KGM-SsangYong is a new model called the Torres, a smart looking medium-size SUV that will compete in the toughest market segment Down Under.

SsangYong says the feature packed Torres represents its future vision offering “enviable interior and boot space, value, quality and style from just $38,000 for the ELX and $43,000 for the Adventure and $47,000 for the Ultimate all driveaway”.

Powering the Torres is a 1.5-litre direct injected turbocharged petrol engine producing 120kW of power and 280Nm of torque through a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.

The engine complies with the Euro 6 emissions standard and a fully electric model is in the pipeline possibly here before the end of the year

“Torres is a full-sized medium SUV, cleverly designed with striking good looks and a bigger boot, so Torres owners can pack more in,” said KGM-SsangYong national marketing manager Stevan Dimitrovski.

“Us Aussie’s love to fill our lives and weekends with all sorts of recreational activities, and now there’s a medium SUV loaded with tech and safety features, with the room to pack more of the things we love.”

The newcomer is well equipped with safety features that include so called “intelligent technology” and the latest active and passive safety systems.

They include autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, front vehicle start alert, high beam assist, safety distance alert, driver attention alert, multi-collision braking, trailer stability assist, and front and rear parking sensors.

The body is built of an advanced high-strength construction using hot press forming with 78 per cent high-tensile automotive grade steel to minimise deformation in a collision and maximise occupant protection.

The Torres is fitted with eight airbags and seat belt reminders for all five seating positions.

Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 7.4 litres per 100km for the front-wheel drive variant and 7.9L/100km for the AWD.

The KGM-SsangYong Australia range also includes the Musso dual-cab ute and Rexton seven-seat large SUV with turbo-diesel engines and all-wheel drive, and a 3500kg braked towing capacity.

All models are backed by a brand wide seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty that includes commercial use.

“This all-new vehicle is set to raise the bar in terms of luxury and performance,” said KGM-SsangYong Australia head of sales Mathew Sondergeld.

“With its rugged design on the outside and its cutting-edge, high-tech interior on the inside, the Torres embodies the essence of KGM-SsangYong’s commitment to excellence.”

The new KGM-SsangYong Torres will be officially launched here next month.