KGM Actyon
I think most people are aware of this by now, but for those of you who may not be totally up to speed with South Korean car brands and their monikers, KGM is the name for what was previously known as SsangYong.
They’ve been available in the UK since 1994, changing to KGM after a buyout nearly three decades later in 2022 and it’s fair to say they’ve always stood at the value-for-money end of the car-buying spectrum. Even when the likes of Kia and Hyundai massively upped their games in the last decade, SsangYong, well, didn’t.
But could that be about to change? There’s been some pretty serious movement in the KGM lineup recently and that’s possibly epitomised by this; the Actyon.
Premium compact SUV coupe. Quite
KGM’s own website describes the Actyon as a premium compact SUV coupe but that may be taking things a tad far. It’s around the same shape and size as a Kuga or a Sportage so the compact SUV bit stands up but I’m struggling to see the coupe in there. When it comes down to premium, it kind of depends on how you look at the Actyon. It definitely represents a major step forward in the KGM lineup in terms of styling, interior, kit and all-round image, and it is the second most expensive KGM product but in terms of drivetrain and overall feel it misses the mark somewhat.
One petrol engine. No hybrid, no electric
A large part of that is down to what’s under the bonnet. There’s no electric version, not even a hybrid; it’s a 1.5 litre, four-cylinder petrol unit mated to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission and that’s your lot. It drives the front wheels only so anyone who needs their SUV crossover to cut it off-road, and we know that’s not that many of you if we’re honest, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
More on the driving experience later, let’s get back to where the Actyon has clearly upped KGM’s game; how it looks. Ok, there’s more than a hint of Range Rover-ness about both the front and rear ends, but not the same model. The nose and headlights are a bit Evoque and the rear does a reasonable impression of a Velar. This is no Chinese pastiche, though, the grille does an impressive led light show which makes the Actyon stand out. We could do without those fake grab-handles KGM seem so keen on, though.
What is quite odd is the lack of nameplate on the Actyon’s snout. No biggie, granted, but when you’re a relatively new marque it might be a good idea to make your products easily identifiable at a glance, rather than making prospective buyers hunt around the rear end.
Massive step forward inside…..
There’s only one spec; the K50 and it’s inside the Actyon where the most obvious and significant improvements over the inherited SsangYong models lies. There’s nothing overly original but with its little crystal gear-knob, large, 12.3″ infotainment screen and sparing use of actual buttons and switchgear but that doesn’t mean it’s an unpleasant environment. The screen is slow to respond to inputs at times but apart from that it’s more than acceptable. One winner inside the Actyon is the space in the rear seats that’s ample to say the least. Even with its ‘coupe‘ styling, taller passengers shouldn’t find much to complain about.
……..roomy too
Not only is there plenty of space for rear seat passengers to spread out in, they get heated seats, USB sockets and window blinds. Leather seats come as standard too so the Actyon is impressively equipped, although wireless CarPlay would be a welcome addition.
What about the drivetrain?
So, the Actyon has some kerb appeal and the standards of comfort and kit inside are reassuringly high. That solitary drivetrain is not quite up to the same level, though. At 161bhp & 280Nm torque, you’d be within your rights to assume that’s just about what you want in a FWD crossover for a good combination of comfort and economy. Tickle the accelerator, however and the front wheels struggle to contain things, spinning up on the tiniest amount of moisture. The 6-speed automatic gearbox is sluggish and even on the move, if any level of performance is asked for the engine yells in disagreement.
KGM claim a combined economy figure of 33.1mpg for the Actyon but during our time with the car, combining motorways, towns and B-roads, we achieved less than this, more like 25mpg which isn’t great.
KGM has worked hard to make the cabin environment more cosseted in the Actyon and you can tell, with wind and tyre noise well suppressed. The ride quality leaves something to be desired, though, with imperfections feeding through the steering wheel.
Should I buy a KGM Actyon?
The Actyon does represent a big leap forwards for KGM in many ways including image and passenger comfort. For over £38k, the drivetrain and overall feel on the road needs improvement if they’re serious about competing, though, especially in terms of economy.
By Ben Harrington
2025 KGM Actyon Specifications:
Engine – 1.5l 4-cylinder petrol, Transmission – 6-speed auto, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 161bhp,Torque – 280Nm, Emissions – 194g/km CO2, Economy – 33.1mpg combined, Maximum Speed – 119mph, Acceleration – n/a – 0-62mph, Price – £38,649 OTR
The KGM Actyon is available now, priced from £38,649. For full details go to:www.kgm-motors.co.uk
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