Actyon stations for new KGM SUV

When it comes to introducing new cars, clever marketing will always catch potential buyers' attention.

Naming a new car the Actyon (action, geddit?) certainly does that and the new SUV from KGM, formerly SsangYong, has been launched with the razzmatazz of a film premiere. Lights, camera, action etc.

How good is it? First thoughts are positive, but it lands in the fiercely competitive C+segment, dominated by the all-conquering Kia Sportage at the moment, so good luck with that.

But with a single, high-level specification the K50 and premium features, it does undercut the equivalently specced market leader by £2,300, priced at £36,995.

The name "Actyon" says the company, in market-speak, combines "Act Young" and "Act On,"  a reflection philosophy of "Practical Creativity,” whatever that means.

But it offers a spacious cabin and load area, not to mention a lively and reasonably economical petrol engine and a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Sitting below the larger Rexton, the Actyon features a 1.5 G-DI turbo-charged engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SUV can definitely call itself premium quality with high-end fixtures and fittings. 

It is an attractive vehicle with brave and bold styling and KGM says the front design draws inspiration from the Korean flag. It does have an imposing silhouette and is enhanced by daytime running lights and smart light clusters around the signature grille.

The rear features a high-mounted rear spoiler with a central stop lamp, while the premium look is rounded off by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a 'kick' function powered tailgate. What I don't understand are the grab handles on the bonnet, to give it a rugged look which seems superfluous and of no real purpose.

There is soft touch finish throughout with various accents and ambient lighting adds to the premium feel. In addition, it features eight-way powered, heated and ventilated two-way lumbar support suede seats,  heated reclining rear seats, glossy carbon and matte black finishes with red trim and a crystal-type ‘shift by wire’ toggle switch for the transmission. 

The whole interior feels roomy and there is plenty of glass allowing light to offset the darker upholstery.

Central is a multimedia system that includes a dual 12.3-inch high-resolution digital cluster and infotainment display. This controls major functions like infotainment and navigation and offers  Bluetooth, USB connecttion, DAB, AM, and FM radio and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. A top swipe down menu provides quick control over volume, drive modes, and parking assist. The hexagon-shaped multi-function steering wheel may not be to everyone's taste, however, but does allow for a clear view of instrumentation.

A neat innovation is a favourites control. With the numerous and sometimes bewildering array of functions on offer with digital controls, this allows the user to set favourites like climate, phone or infotainment, which can be selected at the touch of a button. On the road the 163PS engine, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission is a lively performer, as discovered on a varied journey through the Cotswolds. 

It is quick off the mark, hitting 60mph in just seconds, in around 10.5 seconds. It feels quicker when using the paddles, while the decent level of engine torque allows for comfortable overtaking. Handling is good while the electric power steering is direct and adjusts the torque based on the SUV's speed, just the job on challenging Cotswolds roads. However, modest economy of around 33mpg and CO2 emissions of 194g/km, mean it is not so benefit-in-kind friendly.

Ride wise it is definitely on the firm side not uncomfortably so, and handles both sweeping bends and tighter turns well. Refinement is another key area and yes it is refined with cabin noise and vibration minimised through sound-deadening materials and laminated front door glass, aided by  Michelin noise-cancelling tyres which reduce road noise by a claimed 50 per cent.

With one model, it is packed with equipment, which includes a 360-degree camera, the full digital screen, parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. The company claims best in class in two areas, load capacity and safety kit. 

The stowage space is a capacious, 668-litres expanding to 1,568-litres with the second row completely folded, with ease of access via the powered tailgate.

 This is supplemented by a hidden space beneath the load floor, and space in the centre console, rear seat storage, and large door trays.

Safety kit includes and the high strength steel body is supplemented by S eight airbags, emergency braking,  lane departure and lane assist, stability programme, traction control, blind spot detection, hill descent control and rear cross-traffic alert. To name a few

.It's a pretty impressive, first all new SUV from KGM, despite the pretty average economy and highish emissions. But with an attractive price,  impressive specification. and lengthy warranty it looks a serious player.

It is front-wheel drive only at the moment, but the design is clearly tailored for the introduction of an all wheel drive version at some point to make the most of the 1.5 tonne towing capacity.