Actyon returns as a KGM coupe-SUV

TAKING the plunge and (finally) dropping the SsangYong part of its former name, KGM (Korea Green Mobility) Australia became a reality as of June 1 marking the occasion by concurrently launching a new model Actyon medium size SUV in highly specified K50 and K60 grades priced from $47,000 and $50,000 drive-away.

From now on, all vehicles in its line-up – including the Musso, Korando, Rexton, Torres and now new Actyon SUVs – will be prefixed by KGM only, not KGM SsangYong as they have been for a year or so all featuring a new corporate logo.

The name SsangYong appears to be dead and buried after years of carrying negative baggage as a result of a chequered past with numerous partnerships/owners over decades including Daimler-Benz, Daewoo-GM, Mahindra and Mahindra, SAIC and even went into receivership in 2009 said to be a consequence of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

That may all be behind it now after South Korean bankruptcy court intervention which awarded the reins of the company to Korean chaebol (family-owned industrial conglomerate) KG Group in June 2022… hence the name KG Mobility.

The new MY26 KGM Actyon five-seat SUV is the first fully developed and designed vehicle by KGM that is aligning itself with other South Korean brands Hyundai and Kia while at the same time distancing itself from perceived competitor Chinese brands through a new marketing slogan “Korean Built To Last”.

KGM says the new Actyon “is a modern revival of the world’s first coupe-style SUV”.

“Its sleek, contemporary design embodies a new brand philosophy, ‘Practical Creativity,’ blending style, practicality, and luxury,” said the Korean brand.

The fast-back coupe-style profile imparts a dynamic presence that flows through to the interior equipped with premium black quilted Nappa leather seats, red stitching, and quality soft-touch suede material on the door panels.

Complimenting this is a mix of carbon fibre and woodgrain fascia and ambient mood lighting which offers 32 different colours.

Centrepiece of the dash is a panoramic style 12.3-inch dual digital cluster and infotainment display that offers the latest connectivity including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new ‘wheel design incorporates the ‘KGM’ logo and includes two additional ‘quick access’ buttons, one to activate and deactivate auto-hold and the other can be customised to select favourites from one of the thirteen different functions in the infotainment screen.

The interior further includes eight-way power adjustment to the front seats fore and two way lumbar adjustment while rear seat convenience features include accessory pockets with mobile phone holders, two USB charging ports and adjustable backrests, which can recline up to 32.5 degrees.

In practical considerations, the Actyon offers 668 litres of cargo space expandable to 1568 litres with the rear seats folded with access to the area via a powered tailgate, which includes hands-free, kick-motion operation.

The model’s roomy interior has “over a metre of headroom” for all occupants and includes oversized door pockets, bottle holders and two cup holders in both the floating-style centre console and the fold-down rear centre armrest.

KGM specifies the new Actyon with an extensive array of safety equipment that includes so called “intelligent technology” and a comprehensive suite of the latest active and passive safety systems.

Augmenting its safety credentials is a body shell is built of an advanced high-strength construction using hot press forming with 78 per cent high-tensile automotive grade steel to minimise deformation in a collision and maximise occupant protection.

Power comes from a 120kW/280Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with idle-stop technology to cut fuel consumption. Emissions are rated at Euro 6 standard. Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 7.6 litres per 100km.

Drive to the front wheels is via Michelin and an Aisin six-speed conventional automatic transmission with paddle shifts. It is unclear if the new Actyon will be available with AWD.

 “Unveiling new vehicles is always a highlight for us all, particularly when it’s something as striking and appealing as Actyon, a modern revival of the world’s first coupe-style SUV,” said KGM Australia managing director Joseph Lee.

“It’s timely we fully embrace the KGM branding here in Australia and celebrate the latest vehicle design language with a brand logo re-fresh, to align with KGM’s global identity and better reflect our commitment to design excellence.”

2025 KGM Actyon pricing*:

*National drive-away price.