The company which is now called KG Mobility has had some ups and downs during its seventy years of manufacturing vehicles. KG Group, the owner since 2022, is certainly showing every sign of being serious about investing in what had been SsangYong, as multiple new models attest. Now, exports of the Actyon, which debuted in Korea last August, are underway with the sleek SUV-coupe about to be launched in the UK.

This really is a compelling back-from-the-dead story, home market sales rising to 67,000 vehicles in 2024 and 164,000 globally. That’s double the number of three years ago. Even so, KGM is cautious about making any big claims for 2025, the export target being just 3,000 more than last year. Hitting that six-figure goal does seem realistic though, given the continued roll-out of not only new models but additional derivatives such as electric and hybrid powertrains.

FWD-only in the UK

Perhaps strangely then, the lack of any form of electrification in the new J120 series Actyon seems a little odd. The model for Britain is also two-wheel drive, yet the brand is making all sorts of noises about its SUV and 4×4 heritage. There again, even Jeep sells front-wheel drive vehicles so there seems no reason why KGM can’t broaden the definition of what comprises a rugged Sports Utility Coupe.

This new model in fact looks more elegant and streamlined than a classic 4×4 with a lot of Evoque and Range Rover Sport similarities in its design. KGM won’t be too upset with those comparisons, the Actyon being marketed – at least in Britain – with a hint of it being more of a premium product than the usual emphasis on good value alone.

It may share a platform and yes, the same general style as the slightly older Torres and Torres EVX (electric) but the dimensions are quite different. The Actyon’s length is 4,740 mm and whilst the two SUVs’ wheelbases are an identical 2,680 mm, the coupe-SUV is lower and a little wider.

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One high-spec trim and one engine

KGM Motors, the UK importer, is offering just one engine and transmission, along with a high-spec K50 model grade, whereas the Torres can be ordered in less well equipped K30 and K40 trim levels.

As already mentioned, for now at least, all-wheel drive, which does exist in certain other markets, is not for Britain, while our sole powertrain is a 120 kW (163 PS) and 280 Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre engine and six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

While not especially heavy, the Actyon somehow doesn’t live up to its sporty looks, performance being a bit ordinary, as is economy. Zero to 62 mph takes 10.8 seconds, with WLTP averages for CO2 and MPG officially listed as 194 g/km and 33.1 mpg.

How are the driving dynamics?

Steering feel is a touch too light and the body could be tied down a little better yet none of this is said with the intention of denigrating KGM’s first fully self-developed model. It’s good, overall, but the feel of the vehicle is that there could be a lot more finessing to come.

British market vehicles have standard with 20-inch wheels and even though it’s FWD-only, the towing rating is up to 1,500 kilos, so traditional SsangYong owners need not worry that the Actyon isn’t for them. In fact, the transmission has three settings, one of which is Winter, again a strong hint that all-weather capability was part of the model development programme, even for two-wheel drive variants.

As well as the elegant exterior, KGM has also made a strong contemporary statement on the inside of the new model. K50 specification includes black leather upholstery with red detailing, that colour also extending to the seat belts. Plastics are mostly soft, the steering wheel chunky (this is also the first of the company’s models to have KGM in its centre rather than the logo) and generously-sized stowage spaces seemingly everywhere.

Dual 12+ inch displays

Similar to what you’ll find in BMWs and many other OEMs’ latest models, what looks like one long, curved digital display sits atop the dashboard. This comprises two elements, these being the gauges cluster and a centrally-located touch-screen. HVAC controls are on the latter though you can programme certain frequently used functions into a ‘Favourites’ button on the steering wheel. Actual real controls would be so much better.

No-one will ever complain about interior space, this being excellent while the luggage compartment capacity, at 668 litres, is simply vast (and there’s more room below the boot’s lift-up floor panel). Fold the backrest and this becomes 1,569 litres.

Along with 939 mm of legroom and 1,001 mm of headroom, rear-seat passengers also get heating and USB sockets as well as a mobile phone slot in the back of each head restraint – handy for those who might want to watch a film.

What are the sales expectations?

Refreshingly, KGM Motors’ head of sales is open about stating a volume targets, Clive Messenger reckoning between 400 and 500 examples should be retailed per annum.

The Musso is expected to remain the brand’s best seller in 2025 (1,689 sold in 2024), overall sales volume across both passenger and LCV categories expected to reach 3,775 vehicles this year, up from 3,306 in 2024. Helping things along will be the Korando, a legacy model which having been discontinued locally last year, is now being returned to the line-up.

More models to come

What about future models? The importer reckons a Torres Hybrid should be here by year-end plus the 0100 (codename), a yet to be revealed electric pick-up. Then in 2026, a new Musso, plus two e-SUVs are due to land. These are KR10 and F100, respectively Korando- and Rexton-sized. Both will use an EV-native architecture and batteries supplied by BYD-owned FinDreams.

Three months ago, an eight-year deal to license one or more platforms from Chery Auto was signed. This specifically mentioned ‘mid-size and large SUVs’ with sources noting the initial architecture will be Chery’s existing T2X. A PHEV powertrain was also mentioned but there were no specifics.

Global sales of 250,000 KGM vehicles is the goal for next year, of which 170,000 would be outside Korea if that target is hit – the extra EVs and new powertrains will be key for achieving the goal. And so while the UK remains a small market for the brand, myself and other journalists attending the Actyon’s media preview event were given the impression that KGM’s plans are realistic.

Summary

As far as the new addition goes, you can easily see where the money was spent – no SsangYong ever looked this urbane and sleek. It has a style of its own inside and out, while value remains a strongpoint. The Actyon will certainly attract new customers to KGM, helped by a dramatic and colourful ad campaign based on the tagline Lights, Camera, Actyon.

The KGM Actyon costs GBP36,9995 OTR with metallic paint (GBP650) the sole option. Deliveries commence in February.