The Actyon won’t sneak on to any scene. Big, bold and unashamedly different, the Actyon marks KGM’s first all-new SUV since its rebrand from SsangYong in January 2024, and it’s out to upstage the crowded C-segment SUV market.
Sitting slightly wider and longer than the KGM Torres, the Actyon delivers the kind of road presence that gets noticed.
And while its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine might not appeal to zero-emissions evangelists, there’s a real-world honesty to this rugged family SUV that some customers will find refreshing.
At £36,995, the Actyon sits in the same pricing territory as the Kia Sportage, but it comes with a single high-spec trim that throws in everything bar the metallic paint – a £650 option.
There’s no plug, no fancy hybrid, just a six-speed automatic gearbox, 161bhp and a surprisingly refined drive for what is, at heart, a practical utility vehicle in stylish clothing.
It’s pitched as a coupé-SUV, a sportier spin on the Torres platform, and its design certainly helps it stand apart from more conservative rivals. There are even bonnet grab rails (not weight-bearing, before you ask), and wing mirrors big enough to land a drone on – both quirky, both memorable.
On the move, it’s got a bit of character. The petrol engine is punchy, maybe too eager at times – even light throttle inputs can provoke wheel spin off the line, and there’s a noticeable pause before the transmission kicks down.
The gearbox isn’t the slickest in class, with an almost theatrical pause between first and second gear, but once up to speed, it settles into a paced rhythm.
Steering is vague around centre and needs conscious correction on twisting roads, but surprisingly, body roll is minimal.
Despite its height, the Actyon feels planted, thanks in part to its firm suspension – which, while robust, isn’t the most forgiving over potholes. The lumbar support will certainly earn its keep if you’re spending a lot of time in the saddle.
Fuel economy is where the Actyon might raise eyebrows though. Officially rated at 33.1mpg, in AM’s long term test drive experience it struggled to break past 30.
Realistically, most owners can expect around 25–28mpg, which puts it well behind hybrid rivals like the Sportage.
Range from a full tank hovers around 300 miles, which may give pause to economy-conscious buyers. But this SUV was never trying to be a fuel-sipping hybrid – it’s built for those who still want traditional motoring dynamics with modern tech layered on top.
Interior
Speaking of which, the cabin is impressive for the money. Twin 12.3-inch digital displays stretch across the dash, one replacing the instrument cluster and the other handling infotainment duties.
The system can be clunky and the touchscreen lacks a little sensitivity, but all the essentials are there, from a heated steering wheel to 360-degree parking camera.
A square multifunction steering wheel adds a touch of character, while electrically adjustable front passenger seats, manual steering column adjustment, and generous rear seat recline mode make for a comfortable journey both for those piloting or lounging in the back.
Rear passengers also benefit from USB-C ports and pull-up sunshades for added privacy on longer trips as the kick back on Nappa leather and suede seats are heated in the rear while heated and cooled in the front.
In terms of space, the Actyon delivers. At 4740mm long and 1910mm wide, it’s larger than many direct rivals, and the 668-litre boot doesn’t disappoint, although it falls just short of the Torres’s 703 litres due to the sleeker roofline.
Still, it comfortably beats the Sportage’s 562 litres. There’s also a handy kick-activated power tailgate too – one of those features that quickly becomes indispensable for families loaded with shopping and sports kit.
On the safety front, the Actyon hasn’t yet been through Euro NCAP, but if the Tivoli’s five-star rating from 2019 is anything to go by, the platform has potential.
As standard, the Actyon comes loaded with active safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warnings.
It’s got the bases covered, even if the suite can be a bit overzealous with its chimes and reminders — thankfully, most of them can be switched off once you’ve familiarised yourself with the system.
KGM’s five-year/100,000-mile warranty adds a layer of reassurance, and a three-year servicing plan at £35 per month helps take the sting out of ownership costs – particularly useful when you consider the problematic fuel economy.
Still, for the right buyer, the Actyon offers something few others in this segment do: individuality.
It’s not trying to be German. It’s not chasing electrification trends it can’t keep up with. Instead, it delivers road presence, comfort, equipment, and space in spades.
The Actyon won’t be a volume leader as KGM is capping UK sales at 400-500 units to keep total car sales below 2,500 — the magical ZEV threshold at which car makers disappear into a puff of regulatory smoke.
But that’s exactly the point. For customers who don’t want what everyone else has, who want a proper SUV with a splash of flair and a lot of kit, this is a genuinely interesting proposition.
For dealerships, the pitch is clear: if your customer doesn’t want the usual suspects, if they want to stand out, if they still believe in petrol power – hand them the keys to the Actyon. It’s got attitude, and sometimes, that’s all that matters.
Price: £36,995
Performance: 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds
Engine: 1.5L Turbo Petrol
Horsepower: 161 bhp
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Fuel Economy: 33 MPG (WLTP)