KGM ACTYON: premium attention to detail

WHILE the push towards electric goes on, figures show there is still a very healthy demand for the good old internal combustion engine.

Figures for last year show that around a million motorists said ‘no thanks’ to full electric power and continued to opt for the ICE route.

With that demand very much in mind, that’s why the only option you have if you’re considering KGM’s all new Actyon is a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine.And it’s quite an engine – as lively as a terrier’s tail at teatime. Out of that 1500cc unit (hooked up to a six speed automatic transmission) you get 161bhp and 280Nm of torque, delivered with a remarkable level of aural restraint that is commendable considering the overall size of Actyon.

It’s longer, wider and taller than a Kia Sportage – currently the UK’s best selling SUV. And just for good measure, it undercuts it on price, spec for spec, by over two grand.
Now I’m not hinting it’s a better car than the Kia, but with a premium level of fit and finish and a very long list of standard equipment, it stacks up well with its price tag for the K50 trim level of a fiver under £37,000.

A briefest test run on the UK launch a couple of weeks ago gave an initial indication of a car that could seriously be demand for the family buyer looking for a highly specced and roomy SUV, but KGM have set their sights on what appears a modest sales target. They’re aiming to move 400-500 units a year but are prepared to be surprised.

Actyon is the first all new KGM to hit the UK after the SsangYong name was consigned to history in January last year. There’s a decent mix of luxury and comfort throughout.

There are five colour options – orange was deleted by the UK team on the grounds of taste (!) – but just the one K50 trim level, which gives you hand-stitched black Nappa leather seats, red Nappa leather side inserts, and premium materials such as quality suede, TPU-wrapped door trims, carbon fibre, and dark wooden finishes.

It features KGM’s first premium-quality steering wheel, providing a wider design that gives a clearer view of the instrument cluster, as well as new quick-access buttons and customisable “favourites” settings to allow the driver to instantly access commonly used functions.

It’s sleek, coupe-style design with 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels features distinctive dynamic daytime running lights that apparently are inspired by the four iconic trigrams of the Korean flag.

KGM Motors UK managing director Kevin Griffin said: “It is KGM’s first fully-fledged SUV since our rebrand in January 2024. With its distinctive coupe design, advanced technology, and versatile functionality, the Actyon is more than an SUV – it’s a statement. We are confident it will captivate both loyal customers and a new generation of drivers.”

Noise-cancelling Michelin tyres, laminated front door glass, and a dual 12.3” digital cluster and infotainment display with TomTom navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and vehicle information add to the overall experience.

It comes with rear-seat sleep mode and climate control. And there’s also ambient mood lighting, with 32 different colours for personalisation, allowing drivers to tailor it to their mood at any particular time.

On the safety side, Actyon is equipped with an swathe of advanced driver-assistance systems and includes 3D 360˚ ‘surround view’ monitoring system to ensure safe and easy parking.
Actyon comes with a 5-year/100,000 mileage warranty.

 

KGM Actyon K50

Price: £36,995
Engine: 1.5 litre G-Di, petrol, turbocharged
Power: 161bhp
Torque: 206 lb/ft
Transmission: 6 speed automatic
Top speed: 119mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
Economy: 33.1mpg
CO2 emissions: 194g/km

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