The Actyon won’t sneak on to any scene. Big, daring and unashamedly different, the Actyon marks KGM’s first all-new SUV since its rebrand from SsangYong in January 2024, and it’s out to upstage the crowded C-segment SUV market.
Sitting barely wider and longer than the KGM Torres, the Actyon delivers the type of road presence that gets noticed.
And while its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine won’t appeal to zero-emissions evangelists, there’s a real-world honesty to this rugged family SUV that some customers will find refreshing.
At £36,995, the Actyon sits in the identical pricing territory because the Kia Sportage, nevertheless it comes with a single high-spec trim that throws in every part bar the metallic paint – a £650 option.
There’s no plug, no fancy hybrid, only a six-speed automatic gearbox, 161bhp and a surprisingly refined drive for what’s, at heart, a practical utility vehicle in stylish clothing.
It’s pitched as a coupé-SUV, a sportier spin on the Torres platform, and its design actually helps it stand other than more conservative rivals. There are even bonnet grab rails (not weight-bearing, before you ask), and wing mirrors large enough to land a drone on – each quirky, each memorable.
On the move, it’s got a little bit of character. The petrol engine is punchy, possibly too eager at times – even light throttle inputs can provoke wheel spin off the road, and there’s a noticeable pause before the transmission kicks down.
The gearbox isn’t the slickest in school, with an almost theatrical pause between first and second gear, but once in control, it settles right into a paced rhythm.
Steering is vague around centre and wishes conscious correction on twisting roads, but surprisingly, body roll is minimal.
Despite its height, the Actyon feels planted, thanks partly to its firm suspension – which, while robust, isn’t probably the most forgiving over potholes. The lumbar support will definitely earn its keep in the event you’re spending loads of time within the saddle.
Fuel economy is where the Actyon might raise eyebrows though. Officially rated at 33.1mpg, in AM’s long run test drive experience it struggled to interrupt past 30.
Realistically, most owners can expect around 25–28mpg, which puts it well behind hybrid rivals just like the Sportage.
Range from a full tank hovers around 300 miles, which can give pause to economy-conscious buyers. But this SUV was never attempting to be a fuel-sipping hybrid – it’s built for individuals who still want traditional motoring dynamics with modern tech layered on top.
Interior
Speaking of which, the cabin is impressive for the cash. Twin 12.3-inch digital displays stretch across the dash, one replacing the instrument cluster and the opposite handling infotainment duties.
The system could be clunky and the touchscreen lacks somewhat sensitivity, but all of the essentials are there, from a heated steering wheel to 360-degree parking camera.
A square multifunction steering wheel adds a touch of character, while electrically adjustable front passenger seats, manual steering column adjustment, and generous rear seat recline mode make for a snug journey each for those piloting or lounging within the back.
Rear passengers also profit from USB-C ports and pull-up sunshades for added privacy on longer trips because the chill on Nappa leather and suede seats are heated within the rear while heated and cooled within the front.
When it comes to space, the Actyon delivers. At 4740mm long and 1910mm wide, it’s larger than many direct rivals, and the 668-litre boot doesn’t disappoint, even though it falls just in need of the Torres’s 703 litres on account of the sleeker roofline.
Still, it comfortably beats the Sportage’s 562 litres. There’s also a handy kick-activated power tailgate too – one among those features that quickly becomes indispensable for families loaded with shopping and sports kit.
On the security front, the Actyon hasn’t yet been through Euro NCAP, but when the Tivoli’s five-star rating from 2019 is anything to go by, the platform has potential.
As standard, the Actyon comes loaded with energetic safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warnings.
It’s got the bases covered, even when the suite is usually a bit overzealous with its chimes and reminders — thankfully, most of them could be switched off when you’ve familiarised yourself with the system.
KGM’s five-year/100,000-mile warranty adds a layer of reassurance, and a three-year servicing plan at £35 monthly helps take the sting out of ownership costs – particularly useful once you consider the problematic fuel economy.
Still, for the fitting buyer, the Actyon offers something few others on this segment do: individuality.
It’s not attempting to be German. It’s not chasing electrification trends it will probably’t sustain with. As an alternative, it delivers road presence, comfort, equipment, and space in spades.
The Actyon won’t be a volume leader as KGM is capping UK sales at 400-500 units to maintain total automobile sales below 2,500 — the magical ZEV threshold at which automobile makers disappear right into a puff of regulatory smoke.
But that’s precisely the point. For purchasers who don’t want what everyone else has, who desire a proper SUV with a splash of flair and loads of kit, it is a genuinely interesting proposition.
For dealerships, the pitch is obvious: in case your customer doesn’t want the same old suspects, in the event that they need to stand out, in the event that they still consider in petrol power – hand them the keys to the Actyon. It’s got attitude, and sometimes, that’s all that matters.
Price: £36,995
Performance: 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds
Engine: 1.5L Turbo Petrol
Horsepower: 161 bhp
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Fuel Economy: 33 MPG (WLTP)
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
