KGM Actyon – space invader

IT was a case of Lights . . . Camera . . . Actyon as Korean manufacturer KGM heralded its new coupe SUV, a model the company believes will propel them to greater sales success in the UK.

Formerly known as SsangYong, and well known for products like the Musso pick-up, Tivoli crossover and new Torres petrol and electric models, KGM hit the ground running with its brand relaunch this time last year,

With 73 dealers already in place and plans to expand the number to 80 by the end of this year, the new Actyon is set to spearhead the charge.

Delivered to celebrate KGM’s 70^th anniversary, the SUV’s name isn’t a play on the word action  but instead is meant to reflect the concepts of Act Young and Act On – to embark on new adventures with confidence.

And that’s something you can certainly do with the Actyon which, visually at least, is every inch a statement car for the brand.

It’s a striking looker with a sleek coupe style fronted by distinctive dynamic daytime running lights inspired by the three line symbols in each corner of the Korean flag.

It arrives with a single engine option, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a six-speed automatic gearbox and in one high spec trim grade called K50.

Providing a premium experience at a more affordable price than its rivals – notably the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai which are both appreciably more expensive at their equivalent equipment levels – is a priority for the Actyon.

To that end the KGM costs £36,995 and comes fully loaded with kit like 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated eight-way electric front seats, sat nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay plus a powered tailgate with hands-free opening.

Step inside the cabin and you are greeted by hand stitched black and red Nappa leather seats, a blend of suede, carbon fibre and wood fittings, a crystal gear shifter, 12.3-inch digital cluster and racy flat-bottomed steering wheel – all very attractive and of upmarket quality.

But what strikes you the most is the sense of space, given that the Actyon is officially described as a mid-size SUV.

Nor is this an illusion because the degree of interior space on offer is genuinely impressive, especially in rear where there’s a huge amount of legroom, sufficient width for three passengers and plenty of light from the expansive glass area.

Those rear seats also recline by up to 32.5 degrees, have two-stage heating and there are also USB-C charge ports, a mobile phone pocket on the front seat backs and rear window blinds.

And for stowing everyday family paraphernalia or luggage the load space is 668 litres with the rear seats upright and 1,568 litres with the second row completely folded. There’s also a hidden space beneath the load floor.

KGM chose an area of the south Cotswolds, taking in picturesque countryside and rural villages but close to the M4 and M5 motorways for the Actyon press launch, ensuring a variety of driving – and weather – conditions.

The car’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the only powerplant on offer, delivers 161bhp and takes 10.8 seconds to hit 62mph from standstill – fairly modest figures though in practice it feels faster than that. Top speed is a potential 119mph.

Just don’t expect too much when it comes to economy as the Combined fuel return is 33.1 miles per gallon, a figure we were able to match on an extended test route.

The dynamics are firm but absorbing, dealing with the undulations of country lanes effectively even if there is a touch of body roll.

Particularly striking is just how quiet it feels aboard the Actyon, and not just because of the Michelin noise-cancelling tyres. KGM says it has placed foam pads strategically around the vehicle along with laminated door glass and improved sealing mechanisms.

Initially KGM is aiming to sell between 400 and 500 Actyon models a year, mainly retail rather than fleet sales, and has no plans for an electric variant though an electric pick-up truck is planned for later this year.

Either way, Actyon buyers will be getting an eye-catching coupe SUV that feels of premium quality, comes fully loaded with upmarket kit, offers loads of family space and has cutting edge safety systems – all at a value for money price.