2023 SsangYong Torres due in Australia next year

SsangYong’s first new model in four years may arrive in Australia next year, powered by a turbo-petrol engine – though an electric option could follow.

The 2023 SsangYong Torres mid-size SUV could be in Australian showrooms before the end of next year, amid high demand in its domestic South Korean market.

Revealed in June, the Ssangyong Torres – which is positioned between the mid-sized car-derived Korando SUV and large heavy-duty chassis Rexton SUV – had been confirmed for an Australian launch.

However, with left-hand-drive countries receiving priority, arrival timing in Australia had not been announced.

A SsangYong Australia spokesperson told Drive this week a local launch in late 2023 is looking “likely”, though not locked in – with the first cars slated to reach the UK at a similar time.

MORE: 2023 SsangYong Torres revealed, Australian launch planned

The Ssangyong Torres is expected to launch in Australia with a petrol engine, such as the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder available overseas – shared with the smaller Ssangyong Korando – offering 125kW and 280Nm outputs, a six-speed automatic gearbox, and front- or all-wheel drive.

In addition, the Ssangyong Torres will launch in European markets with a battery-electric powertrain. This is yet confirmed for Australia, though if it gets the green light, Drive understands it’s unlikely to arrive before 2024.

SsangYong’s first electric car – the related Korando e-Motion – remains unconfirmed for Australia.

The electric vehicle was due in Australia for evaluation some time in early 2022, however it is yet to be shipped.

The South Korean car maker has previously indicated plans to offer a ute version of the Ssangyong Torres, however timing for this has not been announced. For more details on the new Ssangyong Torres, click here to read Drive’s earlier story.

Amid an anticipated Australian launch in 12 to 15 months, the Ssangyong Torres is enjoying huge demand in its home market of South Korea, with SsangYong posting a record 50,000 orders as soon as it launched – equivalent to more than half a year’s worth of sales.

SsangYong reported 47,709 vehicles as sold globally in the first half of this year, across five model lines.

Following the response to the Torres, SsangYong has scheduled overtime factory shifts on weekends to help clear its order backlog.

The car maker reported more than 10,000 cars as sold globally last month, the first time it has done so since December 2020, when it entered receivership.

Nearly two years on, SsangYong remains in search of a new owner, with a planned acquisition deal with South Korean bus company Edison Motors earlier this year falling through.

KG Consortium – a chemical and steel company – is the new prospective owner of Ssangyong. As of late June 2022, this deal was due to be finalised within the coming months.

SsangYong Australia continues to sell and service cars, and ongoing warranty support. It currently has three models locally: the Korando mid-size SUV, Rexton large SUV, and its ute sibling, the Musso.

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