Words: Richard Edwards
Published 25 August 2026
ANCAP has issued a consumer alert for the KGM Torres EVX, confirming the electric SUV was supplied to customers in New Zealand and Australia without a centre airbag that KGM advertised as standard.
Approximately 100 vehicles are potentially affected across both countries. In New Zealand, that covers Torres EVX vehicles sold between the model’s local introduction in March 2024 and the end of its availability in March 2025, around 70 cars according to Motor Industry Association figures. Around 33 have been sold in Australia since October 2025.
The alert extends advice ANCAP issued on Friday for the related KGM Musso EV ute, which was found to have been supplied in Australia without the same airbag. The Musso EV has not been sold here.
KGM marketed the Torres EVX as carrying a standard suite of eight airbags, with references in its specification brochure and website. The car is fitted with seven. The missing unit is the centre airbag, described by KGM as a “front row far-side” or “front seat centre airbag”, which is generally positioned inboard within the driver’s seat back to reduce injury in side impact crashes. The Musso EV was advertised with eight airbags and fitted with six.
ANCAP advises existing Torres EVX owners that the safety specification of their vehicle may differ from what was advertised, and that the omission may have an effect on occupant safety in side impact crashes. Owners with concerns are advised to contact KGM or their local dealer, and anyone considering a used KGM Torres EVX should be aware of the model’s actual safety specification.
Petrol and hybrid versions of the Torres are not believed to be affected, with centre and knee airbags verified on locally available vehicles. ANCAP says it encourages KGM to deliver a production change fitting the centre airbag, and KGM Australia has updated its marketing materials to reflect the actual specification.
The Torres EVX is no longer on sale as new in New Zealand. We have contacted Inchcape NZ, the model’s outgoing distributor, for comment.
