KGM Torres Facelift Brings Back Physical Climate Controls

If you've ever fumbled with a touchscreen trying to turn up the aircon while crawling through Perth CBD traffic on a 38-degree afternoon, you'll appreciate what KGM has done with the facelifted Torres. The Korean brand has just revealed an updated version of the Torres SUV in South Korea, and the headline change is simple: physical climate controls are back.

What's Changed Inside

The biggest interior update is a redesigned centre console. The previous floating-island layout has been replaced with a more conventional two-tier design, and the toggle-style gear selector is gone — replaced by a traditional transmission shifter. Two wireless charging pads are now available, which is a practical win for anyone juggling Apple CarPlay and Google Maps on the daily.

The climate control system no longer lives entirely inside the infotainment screen. A dedicated pod sits below the air vents, with rubberised knobs for temperature and fan speed. To be fair, some functions — seat heating, recirculation, demisters — still use capacitive buttons rather than proper physical ones, so it's not a complete return to old-school simplicity. But it's a clear step in the right direction.

The steering wheel has been upgraded to a two-spoke design with control knobs tucked under the spokes, and KGM's updated Athena 2.5 infotainment interface comes along for the ride.

Under the Bonnet and Out on Dirt Roads

The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine carries over unchanged at 125kW and 300Nm, but the old six-speed automatic has been swapped for a new Aisin eight-speed unit. More ratios generally means smoother progress and better efficiency — useful whether you're doing the school run in the northern suburbs or cruising the Brand Highway to the South West.

AWD variants now come with a terrain selector offering three modes: snow/gravel, sand, and mud. For WA drivers who like to explore beyond the bitumen — think tracks out toward the Wheatbelt or long weekends heading to Coral Bay — that's a genuine addition rather than a marketing tick.

The hybrid drivetrain (150kW total, combining a 110kW/220Nm petrol engine with a 130kW/300Nm electric motor and a 1.8kWh battery) carries over without changes. Hybrid models remain front-wheel drive only.

Exterior Updates Are Subtle

On the outside, don't expect a dramatic transformation. The front bumper's centre section has been reworked, with horizontal slats replacing the open lower grille. The side air intake inserts are slightly revised, the Torres badging below the upper grille has been removed, and there are new bash plates front and rear. Some grades get turbine-style alloy wheels, and a blacked-out styling pack is available on hybrid and petrol models in South Korea.

It's a mild refresh rather than a full redesign — but that's not unusual for a facelift cycle.

When Does It Arrive in WA?

There's no confirmed timeline for when the facelifted Torres will land in Australia. KGM has been building its presence here steadily, so an Australian launch in 2025 or 2026 is plausible — but nothing official has been announced. If you're considering a Torres right now, the current model remains on sale. If you can wait, the updated version brings enough real-world improvements that it could be worth holding off.

We'll update WA buyers as soon as local timing and pricing are confirmed.