Now comes the 2nd generation Actyon with an all new Guigiaro penned sheet metal and some class leading features and engineering on the inside.
This new Actyon SUV rides on a wheelbase that is longer than the old one. This allows for ample second-row legroom with a design looking more towards rugged exterior styling, and the interior-featuring high-grade materials and extra space in all areas. Larger in all dimensions and improved in every conceivable way over the 2nd generation, it is stylishly modern, though no longer especially “cute” or compact.
Its standard powertrain is now using Ssangyong’s upgraded 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel, now good for 175 hp and 360Nm of torque and coupled to a slick shifting 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox with steering mounted gear shifters.
All seats in this Actyon were quite firm and conformable with hardwearing material on the doors and leather on all seats making for a quality fit and finish. We did like the front-seat side bolsters, finding them snug and secure without being constrictive. As for passenger space, the Actyon’s front and rear headroom measure more than the immediate competition. In rear-seat shoulder and legroom, it is bettered only by the bigger luxury SUV’s. In fact, the rear seat is among the most spacious in any compact crossover on the market. The Actyon’s interior features a lot of thoughtful storage spaces. A sunglasses holder, door pouches and drinks holders offer more than adequate storage.
The Actyon’s luggage space makes for family trips and hypermarket shopping an easy task. The cargo capacity also allows for easy storage of golf bags, luggage and a stroller. The easily removable rigid cargo floor shelf is a nice addition for hiding items from thieves and splitting the cargo area in to two compartments. The dashboard, center console and doors sported a tasteful mix of matte plastics. Panel gaps were even and build quality was solid overall.
On a city drive the handling is competent, with moderate body roll only in tighter corners. Push it harder on back roads and it does not falter in its pace and poise. This Actyon provides a generally secure feeling at the helm that should please all consumers. This Actyon’s turning circle is small, making parking lot maneuvers and U-turns easier. The four-wheel-drive system is typical for this “soft-roader” segment in that it functions in a front-drive mode until slippage is detected, at which point it sends power to whatever wheels have the best grip.
Tuned more for ride comfort than ripping through what few twisty, desolate roads you’ll find in city limits, the Actyon’s suspension works as promised, making long trips that involve traveling over highway expansion joints less irksome. Oddly, wind noise at highway speeds is not noticeable, perhaps more so because the Actyon’s diesel engine and road noise are quieter than most offerings in the segment.
If there is any argument to be made against this new Actyon is the lack of nationwide sales centers, otherwise its good looks, well thought off interior and hard to ignore selling price should have many more SUV buyers visiting Ssangyong showrooms nationwide to get their hands on a unit.
Ssangyong Actyon SUV 4WD Specifications
Engine: Turbo Diesel
Capacity: 1998cc
Max power: 175hp @ 4000rpm
Max torque: 360Nm @ 2000-3000rpm
Top Speed: 200km/h as tested
0-100km/h: NA
Transmission: 6-speed Auto
Price: RM128,000.00
