THE KGM Torres is a smart and rugged five-door SUV that has been around for a couple of years.

It was the first product to be launched with the KGM label after SsangYong had decided to rebrand.

The Torres range is now even stronger thanks to the addition of a hybrid model featuring a punchy 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and dedicated hybrid transmission.

The hybrid model is only available with the top K40 trim with an asking price of £35,995.

I sampled it recently and it offers 177hp and 300Nm of torque. It can reach 62mph in 9.0 seconds, tops out at 112mph and, according to testing, can deliver a combined 46.1mpg with carbon emissions of 139g/km.

It may not be cheap but you certainly get a lot of car for your money and stacks of equipment.

The Torres Hybrid is stylish with a strong road presence. It boasts a sculpted bonnet, a handsome front grille, wheel-arch cladding, skid plates, privacy glass, neat lighting clusters, a high-mounted brake light and smart 20-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is not fancy but it is well thought out and generously equipped with lots of space and kit. There is a pair of 12.3-inch infotainment screens with the right screen displaying all the necessary data, while the left hand screen is for the infotainment and everything else.

There is a TomTom navigation system, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You also get powered and heated front seats along with a heated steering wheel which is great in this chilly weather.

There is good vision from the high driving position and the Torres is a comfortable motorway cruiser. It is also more than useful on country roads and offers lots of grip and good balance. It is a big car but is easy to park because of the driver aids. The suspension deals with most surfaces to provide a smooth ride.

The drive modes can be found via a drop-down touch screen menu and there is a choice of Eco, Comfort and Sport to select from, and these change the dynamics of the car accordingly.

The Torres is very practical withroom for four adults and five for shorter journeys, while the large boot can take up to 703 litres of kit and if you collapse the 60:40 rear seats this goes up to 1,662 litres. More handy storage areas are available inside the cabin and there are four charging points.

This model also has the latest safety and driver aid features and comes with a five year 100,000 mile warranty and 12 month European breakdown cover.

I enjoyed my time with the Torres Hybrid and found it to have lots going for it. Its rugged good looks got lots of attention and with stacks of kit it offers value for money.