Tough-looking SsangYong Torres revealed

Here’s our best look yet at the rugged looking new 2022 SsangYong Torres electric SUV, production of which has now also been confirmed for South Korea from next month – along with a heap of genuine accessories to be offered from launch.

Slotting into the Korean brand’s global SUV portfolio between the mid-size Korando and large Rexton, the tough-looking new SsangYong Torres will be aimed at capable but not a proper four-wheel drive SUVs like the Jeep Cherokee and the upcoming Haval Dargo and Subaru Wilderness range.

With the production start just around the corner, SsangYong has released three new teaser images of the Torres and its design certainly bodes well for those who fancy a toughened-up SUV.

The decidedly chiselled and square front fascia can be likened to that of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with a thin, slatted upper grille being flanked by narrow LED headlights, while the bumper sports chunky cheeks, an imitation skid plate and rectangular lower intake.

Bulging wheel-arches add an extra sense of masculinity, emphasised down the flanks by prominent contours and a contrasting oversized C-pillar.

The chunky theme continues at the back too, with plenty of creases, wide hips, another oversized imitation skid plate and some surprisingly aggressive all-terrain tyres.

Only one of the images includes previews of the accessories that will be on offer, showing roof racks and adjoining spotlights.

The overbearing ruggedness of the design shouldn’t come as much of a surprise; SsangYong says the Torres is the first model developed under its new ‘Powered by Toughness’ design philosophy.

According to brand executives, the Torres nameplate was chosen because the car is an “authentic SUV that embodies the values ??of adventure, challenging spirit, and free lifestyle through the Torres” (National Park).

This link with the national park is emphasised by a 61-second video posted to the SsangYong Motors Korea YouTube channel, showcasing the picturesque national park.

At the 45-second mark, however, a drone shot shows a far-off vehicle flying along the top of a ridge accompanied by the unmistakeable sound of a four-cylinder petrol engine (and an automatic transmission) having its neck wrung out.

The Torres was originally pegged as the brand’s next all-electric model and the notion of an internal combustion version hasn’t really been floated until now, with SsangYong even referencing “radiator” grille in its press materials.

While an all-electric powertrain would give the Torres an undeniable USP among its rivals, the inclusion of a traditional petrol engine inevitably opens the model up to a much broader customer base.

A cheaper petrol option would ensure the Torres stays competitive within its segment in terms of pricing and simultaneously make for a more viable adventure vehicle.

Regardless of what ends up under the bonnet, a SsangYong Australia spokesperson confirmed the Torres is in with a shout of being introduced locally, which is fitting given carsales uncovered a trademark application for the ‘Torres’ nameplate last month.

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