The brand formerly known as Ssangyong has been through significant change over the past few years. It rebranded as KGM following a majority takeover by KG Global in 2022, with the UK operation changing its name accordingly at the end of 2023. The Torres SUV, launched last year, was the first new model to be introduced here following the rebranding, and it’s now been followed by the car tested here, the Actyon.
At first glance, the Actyon seems a surprising addition to the KGM range, since it’s very close in size to the Torres, which is only 40mm shorter in length. KGM says the Actyon is a coupe-style SUV – but we think this is a bit of a stretch, since the Torres is only 40mm taller, and having experienced the Actyon in the metal we’d say it’s far, far more SUV than coupe (not that we’d criticise the design, which is stylish and purposeful). The official explanation is that the Actyon is the first new car that bears the “full influence” of KGM following the Ssangyong takeover (the Torres was developed under the previous ownership) and follows the KGM design philosophy. The brand also argues that the Actyon represents a more premium offering in its range.
Interior and technology
That latter point seems like a reasonable one on climbing aboard, since although we wouldn’t call the Actyon a proper premium rival to cars from the likes of Audi or Mercedes-Benz, it does feel a step up compared to what we’d previously expect from KGM. There’s a mixture of wood-pattern detailing and soft materials on the dashboard, suede on the doors and gloss plastic. You also get sporty red-trimmed seats, which we like the look of – though we’re less keen on red seatbelts.
Only one equipment grade is available with the Actyon, bearing the K50 name that denotes range-topping spec with other KGM cars, and as this would suggest the level of standard equipment is high. Among the features included is a pair of 12.3in screens, representing a driver display and infotainment touchscreen. These are on the pace graphically, and there’s a useful shelf which makes it easier to operate the touchscreen on the move. However, the menus aren’t that intuitive, and the system isn’t always the most responsive to presses, Climate controls are also via the touchscreen – thankfully there’s a shortcut icon to access them.
An advantage of the not-very-coupe-really design profile is that there’s plenty of headroom front and rear. Legroom in the back is also good, and a 668-litre boot capacity is impressively commodious, with a near-flat load lip a further advantage.
Performance and drive
Only one engine option is available with the Actyon – a 163hp, 1.5-litre pure petrol. KGM argues that it can take advantage of allowances in the UK Government’s ZEV mandate for smaller-selling manufacturers to meet customer demand for non-electrified vehicles – but unsurprisingly, it is mostly expecting to appeal to retail customers.
That engine capacity might seem a little small for a car this size, but it can deliver brisk enough acceleration, though the six-speed automatic gearbox can be a little lethargic, and throttle response can be a bit abrupt when setting off. The engine can be a bit noisy under heavy acceleration but it’s nothing too serious.
The handling doesn’t bring sportiness to match that coupe billing, but it’s not bad at all for a family SUV. The Actyon corners reliably and there’s plenty of grip. The steering feels a little light in the ‘Normal’ drive mode setting, but switching to ‘Sport’ weights it up a bit more and solves that problem – though annoyingly the mode selection function is buried in the touchscreen. The suspension also does a decent job removing the harsh edges from ruts and bumps.
Running costs
According to KGM the Actyon is a “C+ segment” SUV, but at 4,740mm long it’s closer to D-segment cars such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008, than the C-segment likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Still, if anything this makes the KGM appear better value for money, since it comes in cheaper on P11D than an equivalent petrol Tucson or Sportage despite its greater size. However, for company car drivers this is likely to be of limited interest, since those cars are also available with plug-in hybrid powertrains offering single-digit company car tax BIK percentages, while the Actyon’s sole petrol engine option puts it in the top 37% bracket. This means a 20% taxpayer would pay more than £150 extra to tax it every month than the PHEVs, while even the petrol Tucson and Sportage fall into lower bands. In fact, with an official WLTP CO2 emissions figure of 194g/km, the KGM’s engine is so polluting that it also incurs a significantly higher first-year VED payment, while a fuel economy figure of 33.1mpg is also unimpressive. Therefore, while the Actyon has some good qualities, it will surely (as KGM acknowledges) attract little fleet interest.
Positive: Attractive design, spacious interior and boot, plenty of standard equipment
Negative: No plug-in powertrain options, CO2 emissions incur high tax, poor fuel efficiency
Standard equipment: 20in alloy wheels, kick motion powered tailgate, rear privacy glass, automatic headlamps with high beam assist, LED daytime running lights and LED indicators, nappa leather seat trim with suede inserts, power adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, heated leather steering wheel, 12.3in full digital instrument cluster, 12.3in touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, front and rear USB charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, reversing camera, 360-degree camera system, autonomous emergency braking, safety distance alert, lane departure warning, front vehicle start alert, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, speed limit warning, rear cross traffic assist, blind spot assist, safe exit warning.
Engines: Petrol: 163hp 1.5
Equipment grades: K50
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic
| Model | KGM Actyon K50 1.5 Turbo |
| P11D | £35,290 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 33.1mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 194g/km (37%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £218/£435 |
| Luggage capacity | 668 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,497cc/163hp |
| Score | 6/10 |
