By Ian Strachan.
When a new model gets launched into the crowded SUV market it’s got to be good. There are plenty of strong offerings to choose from in the sector, so a newcomer has to stand out.
Enter the KGM Actyon. With sharp, bold design and a strong road presence, the Actyon certainly draws attention to itself, from any angle. The side view is slightly Evoque-like, but with sharper lines, the front-end is attractive and eye-catching, and the back end will get attention from people trying to see what it is.
An explanation here: you’ll remember the Korean Ssangyong brand which had a good range of vehicles, but multiple ownership and lack of investment left them struggling to compete. Then in 2022 the company was taken over by the Korean KG Group, which christened the brand KG Mobility, or KGM for short. Much-needed investment followed and the brand has a competitive and impressive range of vehicles.
The Actyon is a bigger version of the KGM Torres. It certainly looks the part with muscular look, big grab handles on the bonnet, 20-nch diamond cut alloys and a purposeful road stance.
The KGM Actyon may not be the obvious choice for people looking for a biggish and practical SUV. But it certainly deserves to be on choice lists. The Actyon is versatile, well-equipped, roomy and bristling with technology.
It’s also reasonable value for money The 1.5 litre petrol-powered Actyon in K50 trim level which I tested comes in at a shade under £38,650.
Ride and handling on the Actyon are good, though some might find the suspension on the stiff side. Steering is light and body roll on cornering is minimal.
Despite its keen price, this Korean-built car has high build quality, good interior trim materials of leather and suede, not to mention a very roomy interior with great load-carrying capacity. It can absorb 703 litres of luggage.
The dash is simple and attractive, with a central 12.3 inch touchscreen satellite navigation system which also controls the sound and climate control. The sound system has Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth, with steering wheel mounted controls.
You get front and rear parking sensors rear view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, intelligent adaptive cruise control, eight-way powered and heated front seats, and the option we never knew we wanted but now can’t do without – a heated steering wheel.
Other standard features include all-round electric windows with rear seat sunblinds, privacy glass, hands-free powered tailgate, all-round airbags, LED front fog lights and multi-focus automatic headlights, electrically adjustable folding heated door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, light and rain sensors and electronic parking brake with hill-hold. You also get a host of driver assistance and safety features including autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, lane keeping assist and safety distance alert. The beeps and blips which tell you about speed limit changes, lane position and how much you’re exceeding the speed limit are quite loud and distracting but they can be easily turned off.
The 1.5 litre petrol engine gives out a more than adequate 163 bhp. Linked to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox, this is a very good unit, offering plenty of power with little fuss. Acceleration is pleasingly brisk for a vehicle of this size.
Fuel consumption of more then 33 mpg in mixed driving is respectable for this substantial vehicle.
There are five colour options. My test vehicle came in a striking metallic Iron Silver at £750 extra.
It’s difficult to fault this new offering from KGM. It’s a an impressive vehicle – capable of turning heads – with a keen price representing excellent value for money.
