KG Mobility's Actyon returns with a bang, or at least a lot of noise

The infamous SsangYong Motor SUV is back with a design that befits the times but a performance reminiscent of the early days of automobiles.

KG Mobility's Actyon SUV [KG MOBILITY]

[TEST DRIVE] PYEONGTAEK, Gyeonggi — The SsangYong Actyon may evoke a sense of nostalgia for many as one of the most unfortunate cars in Korean automotive history, getting discontinued just five years after its launch.

Once harshly criticized for its ugly “scarab” design, the resurrected SUV has its ducks in a row, with an entirely upgraded trendy front end and a new KG Mobility wing badging.

The Actyon is the very first new vehicle under KG since its acquisition of debt-ridden SsangYong Motor two years ago. Known as the coupe variation of the hit Torres SUV, the Actyon is faring well with more than 13,000 orders placed in just a week, a record for the Korean automaker.

Actyon has a much simpler interior with a gear shift dial instead of traditional gear knob. [SARAH CHEA]

A small table is mounted to the back of the front seats so that passengers in the rear seats can easily get some work done or set up their tablets. [SARAH CHEA]

The Korea JoongAng Daily recently got behind the wheel of the Actyon on a 33-kilometer (20.5-mile) journey in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, to check out the latest upgrades to the SUV in over two decades.

It seems like KG finally solved its biggest dilemma — a somewhat barbaric and crude design from an SUV-focused brand.

The Actyon boasts a much more polished and futuristic vibe, especially the rear design with thin LED lights and a coupe-styled sharp roof line.

Measuring 4,740 millimeters (187 inches) in length and 1,918 millimeters in width, the Actyon is slightly bigger than Hyundai’s Tucson and a bit smaller than its Santa Fe.

The interior of the Actyon, with the center console containing a display and all functions controlled through touch screens instead of physical buttons. [KG MOBILITY]

The interior got a much classier look as well, with the center console containing a display and all functions controlled through touch screens instead of physical buttons. It got a gear shift dial instead of a traditional gear knob.

A small table is mounted to the back of the front seats so that passengers in the rear seats can easily get some work done or set up their tablets.

"It's true that SsangYong, the predecessor of KG Mobility, was known for its masculine and sharp image," Kwak Jeong-hyun, head of business strategy at KG Mobility. "But now we'd like to change to a brand that satisfies customers of all ages and both sexes."

The Actyon offers a spacious trunk capacity, which extends to 1,568 liters (55 cubic feet) when folding down the second-row seats. It’s enough to carry up to four golf bags and four Boston bags, according to KG.

The rear of the Actyon SUV [KG MOBILITY]

The biggest downside is the disappointing power and driving performance.

The vehicle growled with an aggressive purr when pressing on the accelerator — but honestly, what was making the sound? Even when pressing the accelerator fully on the highway, the car only got up to about 140 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour), unlike today's cars that move quickly even when the accelerator is just tapped very lightly.

The specs explain why. Powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, the Actyon has a maximum of 170 horsepower with 28.6 kilogram-meters (207 pound-feet) of torque.

This is where this reporter understood why KG marketed the car as a good option for city driving.

The engine sound was very noticeable and vibrations and shaking made the driving a bit less enjoyable. Again, give up hopes of quiet driving with this car.

A heads-up display is also absent, which could be a minus factor for inexperienced drivers.

The price may be the biggest charming factor. The sticker price of the Actyon starts at 33.95 million won ($25,000), pricier than Hyundai's Tucson but cheaper than the Santa Fe and Kia's Sorento.

"The Actyon failed to be loved way back when, but now with better quality, price and design, I'm confident that the Actyon will be loved by all," said KG Mobility Chairman Kwak Jea-sun.

The Actyon will be exported to Europe soon, Kwak added.

KG Mobility's Actyon SUVs are parked at a cafe in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi [KG MOBILITY]

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]