KGM Actyon – much to like in this new SUV

Some cars can be quite a puzzle. Take the KGM Actyon. KGM was previously SsangYong. The Actyon is a SUV that fits between the Torres Rexton.

Actyon is a car that has a lot to offer. This includes a high-quality build, excellent paint, standard equipment, and a style that stands out. But there are also some things that will irritate you over time.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine is mated with a 6-speed auto. It’s the first irritation, as the normally refined drive breaks down under acceleration. The engine is a heavy load and the transmission takes ages to catch up, causing the engine to rev high. It doesn’t feel or drive like it is a good fit.

It’s a shame, as it is a refined and smooth machine when driven more gently. This engine and transmission combo would also be responsible for the poor fuel economy which, during my time driving the Actyon, averaged 27 mpg in mixed driving. Not good!

Actyon is a car that has a lot more positives than negatives. The metallic black flake finish of my test car had a superb paint finish. The interior of the car is very well finished, from the leather to the suede trim.

The standard equipment list is extensive, to say the least. It includes heated and cooled seats in front, heated seats in back, automatic lights and wipers and powered seats. Other features include keyless entry, power tailgates, intelligent cruise control with TomTom, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and much more. Even given the €45,843/£38,649 price tag it’s a voluminous list.

The Actyon has a lot of space and the seats are comfortable. It’s an excellent place to travel. The slightly curved touchscreen is much more integrated than many of the ‘bolt-on’ looking iPads we’re used to seeing on most cars and the Actyon dash looks far classier than rivals as a result.

The touchscreen is annoyingly slow to react but on the plus side it’s easy to switch off the driver annoyance…sorry assistance…features. If you leave them on, the bong is louder than Big Ben. And they are often too sensitive to tell why your car doesn’t want what you do.

The Actyon is a nice car, despite the fact that some critics have rated it as cheap or okay. I’ve certainly seen worse in rivals with similar prices. It will appeal to people who are tired of looking at the same cars. Add in the high build quality and striking design, and you have a car that will stand out. The negatives are likely to be the residuals, but more importantly it is the poor fuel economy. KGM is sure to address the touchscreen issue and hopefully the engine gearbox and poor fuel economy.

Model tested is UK Specification, and equipment levels and pricing may vary on other markets