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KGM continues to modernise its SsangYong-derived product range with new models. Here's another, the Actyon, a sleek Coupe-SUV version of the mid-size Torres crossover. But a car with its own distinct look and feel. The single combustion petrol unit on offer shuns electrification, but there's all the space and equipment you could want for the money.
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Detailed ratings
Medium-Sized Family Hatch-Based SUVs
Background
We're only just getting used to the Korean KGM brand, but already it's launched two completely new cars here. The first, the Torres mid-sized SUV, was actually developed by the brand KGM took over in mid-2022, SsangYong. But the model we look at here, the Actyon, is all KGM's own. At first glance, it's merely a sleeker Coupe-SUV version of the Torres, but the brand is promoting it as a separate flagship model, despite the fact that (unlike the Torres) it can't be had as a full-EV.
The Actyon name is supposed to be a combination of 'active young' and 'act on'. It was first used by former brand SsangYong for a model that lasted two generations from 2005 to 2018 and was, KGM rather controversially reckons, the world's first Coupe-SUV. The sales numbers targeted for this modern Actyon will be small; should you consider it? Let's take a look.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 36995 | 36995 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 194 | 194 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 119 | 119 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 4740 | 4740 |
| Width (mm) | 1910 | 1910 |
| Height (mm) | 1680 | 1680 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 668 | 668 |
Driving experience
The Actyon can't be had as an EV or with 4WD. The single variant offered here is front-driven and uses essentially the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit as the Torres. As with that car, it's bereft of any kind of electrical assistance and is driven through an Aisin-produced six-speed auto gearbox which shifts rather too readily. As with the Torres, it produces 161bhp and 280Nm of torque, but KGM says it has here been tuned for 'improved real-world performance'. 62mph takes 10.8s en route to 119mph. The suspension has been tweaked over the Torres too, though you're still likely to feel speed humps and potholes rather too keenly.
More effective has been the work done on refinement, which is near best in class. That's courtesy of sound absorbing materials and foam pads built into the chassis, plus laminated glass door sills and special noise cancelling Michelin tyres. As with other KGM models, there's not much reward for throwing this car through the bends - nor is there much steering feedback, but most customers aren't likely to be much bothered by that. As with so many new cars these days, the lane keeping assist and speed limit warning systems are over-intrusive and you'll quickly want to use the screen short-cut menu to turn them off.
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Design and build
KGM thinks correctly that this car will primarily be bought because the way it looks. Much of the styling is inspired by its Torres showroom stablemate, but at 4740mm long, 1910mm wide and 1680mm tall, it's 35mm lengthier, 20mm wider and 40mm taller than that car. The Korean maker wants to position this as an SUV-Coupe, hence the swept-back profile perspective emphasised by a rear accent line on the C-pillar and roofline silver design elements. At the front, narrow daytime running lights flank a thin grille incorporating shapes said to be inspired by the Korean flag. As with the Torres, there are pointless SUV grab handles on the bonnet and the car sits on big 20-inch wheels.
The front of cabin experience is designed around what the brand calls 'horizontal simplicity'. Primarily, that means two 12.3-inch screens in a single unit, the instrument part of the panel viewed through a squarical KGM-branded wheel. Your left hand falls across a large floating centre console that contains a crystal-style gear selector, a premium touch amongst various others, including black Nappa leather upholstery, red stitching trim, carbon fibre-style graining and a mid-level wood veneer-style inlay strip. Predictably, it's still not quite enough to make the cabin feel properly premium though.
At least the swept-back roofline doesn't unduly hamper rearward vision. Nor is there much of a headroom downside for rear seat passengers, who enjoy palatial standards of legroom helped by the generous 2,680mm wheelbase length. There's a large boot too, though at 668-litres, capacity is 35-litres less then you'd get in the boxier Torres (but 138-litres more than can be offered by a comparably priced Coupe-SUV rival like the Audi Q3 Sportback).
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Market and model
Only one (fully-specced) trim level is offered to Actyon customers - 'K50'. From launch, KGM was requiring £37,000 for it. Which perhaps is not quite as cheap as you might have hoped for a petrol-powered mid-sized SUV with 161bhp in this segment. The pricing reflects the fact that the company doesn't want to sell too many Actyons; currently, its tiny 1% of the UK market means it's not classified as a large enough manufacturer to be covered by the government's ZEV Zero Emissions mandate. If it was, the small proportion of EV KGM sales in the UK would make brand liable for some hefty fines.
In true Korean style, you get plenty of kit for the money. Including 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail lamps, keyless entry, power-folding mirrors, a kick-motion powered tailgate, rear privacy glass and electronic cruise control.
Inside, there's leather and suede upholstery, a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 360-degree Around View monitoring system, heated front and rear seats, front seat ventilation and a heated leather steering wheel. Media connectivity is taking care of by a 12.3-inch centre screen which incorporates TomTom navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a six-speaker audio system.
Safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic warning, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, driver attention alert, front vehicle start alert, lane keeping assist, trailer sway control and a smart high beam system for the headlights.
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Cost of ownership
In terms of running costs, the Actyon is considerably hampered by its old-tech un-electrified 1.5-litre petrol engine. This is supposed to return 33.1mpg on the combined cycle, but we doubt that you'll get very close that regular use; 25mpg might be possible. CO2 emissions are rated an at unimpressive 194g/km.
On the plus side is the peace of mind that comes as standard with this car thanks to KGM's impressively complete five year 100,000 mile warranty. KGM's paintwork and anti-corrosion warranty covers the car for 3 and 6-years respectively, regardless of mileage. Any defects in the paintwork caused during the manufacturing process will be repaired by an authorised KGM approved body shop at any time during those 3-years, and any corrosion at any time up to 6-years.
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Summary
Fortunately, KGM doesn't need the Actyon to sell in significant numbers. If it did, that might elevate the brand to a point where it would have to conform to the expensive terms of the current UK government Zero Emissions mandate imposed on larger makers. That this Korean maker isn't quite ready for that is evidenced by the electrified old-tech engine that here beats beneath the bonnet.
But if you can look beyond the restrictions (and running costs) of that, there's plenty to like about an Actyon; principally smart looks, but also refinement and generous amounts of rear seat and boot space. You get lots of kit too - though that would be more notable if KGM were offering this car more cheaply. As it is, the Actyon will find a small but perhaps loyal band of buyers who want something defiantly different.
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