It is not a secret that the national automotive sector is going through a strong contraction, since more than a semester ago the registrations of new units fell a lot, so much so, at the end of the first four months of the year. , the cumulative negative variation reached – 33.4%, according to the most recent report from Fenalco-Andi.
However, if you analyze the figures individually, we will see that some crisis affects other segments more; for example, while in the crowd from January to April cars fell to -50%, family trucks or SUVs have a variation of -28%.
Therefore, it is this better performance of SUVs that moves brands like SangYong to introduce a family of vans in the country with another, versatile and interesting proposal, such as its new model Torres, a vehicle with which we had the opportunity to have contact for the first time. its launch worldwide, at the end of last year, in Chile, and now we are testing it on our streets and roads in its top version (4×4 AT).
Despite its robust image, it should be noted that the towers are much closer to the Korando than the Rexton, because the monocoque platform of the former (obviously, modified and optimized) instead of the chassis is more resistant. purpose at Rexton stringers. In the case, the package has been increased for the maximum rigidity and capacity required for off-road accidents.
SsangYong Torres: much more than a rough image
We emphasize that the name of this model is inspired by a little-known Colombian place, but very iconic to the inhabitants of the extremes of South America, such as the Torres del Paine National Park, located in Chilean Patagonia, whose rugged mountains and boulders are adventures to explore and freedom.
All in all, under the motto “Unexpected Adventure”, the South Korean brand has designed a vehicle that offers the user greater freedom and allows him to express his desire for health. Such a poetic compendium turns into a body, the aesthetic of which is inspired by truly classic and unsophisticated models from the fabric, such as Korando (from 1983, which we did not know in these latitudes), Musso (1993) and New Korando. (from 1996, the most pleasant impression in our country).
The towers inscribe a new language of brand design, which is “Powered by Toughness”. The concept is visible in the distinctive grid, consisting of six segments, which give it a unique and visible appearance. For this very reason, many people think that such a property would make it strange that the Jeep is the closest to the universe; however, it is the result of the reinterpretation of classic models mentioned by SsangYong.
Also adding to the perception of strength are the long, angular and elongated hoods, as well as the character of the line and the hood decorated with hooks that hold the items loaded onto the roof rack. The set is completed by a special kit that makes a “C” column in aluminum color and a rear volute, which simulates the armor that used to fit the spare tire.
Regarding the dimensions, let’s say that the SsangYong wagon is slightly longer (4,700 mm) than its competitors Ford Bronco Sport (-317 mm) and Toyota RAV4 (-100 mm). Widest of the three (1,890 mm) and 63 mm shorter than the Ford wagon (1,783 mm). The RAV4 has the most in terms of wheelbase (2,690 mm), followed by the Towers (2,680 mm) and then the Blue Oval SUV (2,670 mm).
SsangYong Torres: the interior is more oriented towards comfort
Those familiar with SsangYong models will be able to confirm that the latest models of the South Korean brand have significantly improved the presentation and quality of their vehicles; Towers are no exception. It is worth noting that apart from the sunroof and cushions (fabric or eco-leather in polyurethane) present in the top-of-the-range model, the two versions that are sold in Columbia (Elite and Supreme) share almost the same. list of resources inside.
In the chamber, the first thing that is surprising is that the idea is more directed to comfort than to accidents, unlike physical labor; to the presentation of materials and ends. As we approach, it seems to us more like an urban SUV.
Firm plastic materials and good touch dashboards make up the dashboard and the covers are comfortable, it is also important to use a finish that imitates carbon fiber in the front, to decorate the cabin, and metal parts that add a touch of luminosity. the environment is dominated by various shades of gray, interior upholstery and ceilings. Favent: there is no excess use and abuse of the piano black.
Ergonomics and visibility are very prominent; in fact we really like that the hooks on the hood have a visible reference when driving on the road. The driver has three screens available: a 12.5″ one for the instrument panel (with numerous, but more configurable); for his part, the main monitor floating, 9″, touching and well oriented to the driver; It is compatible with Auto CarPlay and Android Auto, with digital buttons and a physical button to control the volume.Here also the image of the reverse camera is projected at a high definition level (HD).
Finally, there is an 8″ touch control panel, which is located just at the end of the center and through which the climate, modes and features such as the descent and the AWD system are controlled. which is required, but it is all about practice.
Regarding the comfort on board, there are very interesting details; For example, the technology embedded in the Tower seats is supposed to promote blood flow to the passengers, thereby reducing fatigue on long journeys, but we think they lack a little more lumbar support. Similarly, passengers in the rear seats can recline 32.5° for greater comfort.
As for cargo capacity, without the removable trunk area, it is available in Towers from 839 liters (the Bronco starts at 920 liters), which can be expanded to 1,662 liters with the second-row seats fully folded; This allows you to take a mountain bike on board, for example. Inside the armor in the closet, at least in the top version, we want the ability to charge the cell phone wirelessly.
SsangYong Torres: successful powertrain and safety
Besides capturing the Korando platform, the new Torres also shares its power. In this case we are talking about the 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine, which is optimized to obtain more power (especially when starting cold) and provide a large torque.
With 160 hp, the new SsangYong SUV has 21 horses less than the Ford rival, but the Turret with 280 Nm of torque surpasses the Ford by 22 Nm; even our host in office has 37 Nm more torque than the RAV4 Limited, which is powered by a 2.5 liter engine.
The mechanical management of the new Turret is handled by a six-speed automatic/sequential transmission with paddle shifters. Its four-wheel drive intervenes on demand, depending on the needs of the terrain, but when it is not required, the power is directed to the front wheels.
Safety features, in the Towers, the repertoire is extensive and appropriate, including seven airbags, airbags on all wheels (front airbags), ABS, EBD, ESP, brake assist, traction control, active anti-rollover system, hill start/descent assist, trailer stability control and driver fatigue warning, among others.
SsangYong Torres: a very human performance
Despite the image of the image, running in order, Torres offers a disciplined and well-mannered handling. Many think that their engine (which we do not say in a bad way) is not enough to move the set, which weighs to a good degree 1,610 kilos empty (which gives us a weight/power ratio of 10 kg/hp); but to twist this acemaniac SUV facing a rock is its good torque, which is available from 1,500 revs, and which is greatly helped by rolling in the lower part of the tachometer; By the way, the reading with the digital logs of this device is impossible to visualize on the fly.
Due to the configuration of the suspension scheme (McPherson in the front and multilink in the back), its performance is more oriented to an urban SUV than to a hard off-road vehicle, which is a very favorable reason when driving in the city; where it fully absorbs the potholes and worse the obstacles of the streets, it also rolls very conveniently on steep firmaments; however, its dynamic angles (18.2° attack, 17.6° ventral and 21.7° exit), the minimum ground clearance of the teeth of 195 mm and the condition of 300 mm of the capacity of the emission to really demand the face of the tracks.
Resources such as paddle shifters on the steering wheel, electronic-assisted steering and “intelligent” driving modes (Normal, Sport and Winter) favor relaxed driving, including a very good soundtrack and excellent interior level adjustment. aspects in which the device shows significant progress in this model.
The SangYong Torres is an attractive option for those looking for a vehicle with an original design that highlights the freedom, adventure and strength that an SUV offers, but who want to go with the comfort and ride quality that an urban SUV offers.
