At the Pretoria launch of the latest Actyon Sports, SsangYong draped covers over the launch vehicles parked on the grass to build expectation. In the past this would have suggested an unappealingly styled vehicle hidden underneath. But thankfully that's not the case anymore.
The marketing brief informed us that this Double Cab is styled to look like a SUV and from the front this rings true – elegant, even leaning towards attractive. Down the sides the sculpturing starts well but halfway a deep crease appears that divides opinion. The view from the rear is still odd but as a whole the Actyon’s looks can be described as pleasant – a term that simply couldn't be levelled at the previous model. Inside the DLX model tries to create an upmarket feel with leather seats and a clean, modern dash. Unfortunately the quality of some of the materials used does not complement the design intent.
The vehicle is packed with features including climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and satellite steering wheel controls. On a safety front the Actyon is fitted with two airbags but more importantly also ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). On the 4×4 unit we sampled the selection to engage four wheel drive, including low range, is done via an electronic switch on the dash.
Due to the fact that much of our time was spent in the business centre discussing the future of SsangYong in South Africa under the new ownership of Mahindra (read article here), little time was left to sample the vehicles. Therefore, we only got a short peroid to sample the vehicles on tarred roads – hardly the ideal setting to get a sound impression of a vehicle aimed at the leisure off-road market.
Riding as a passenger in the rear and not being vertically challenged (read beanpole) I found the rear to be cramped and uncomfortable. The ride quality is still bakkie-like – even though the modern suspension setup of double wishbones up font and multi-link rear promises differently.
From the driver's seat things improve a little as the seat itself is comfortable and the cabin more spacious. The steering wheel can only adjust for height but even so the driving position is decent. Handling could not really be evaluated given our motorway test route but should be on par for the segment. One problem, however, is an over-assisted power steering that provides little feedback to the driver. On a positive note the cabin is well isolated from wind and road noise at motorway speeds.
The up-to-date 2,0-litre diesel engine producing 114 kW and 360 Nm feels smooth and refined while returning an excellent claimed consumption figure of 8,0 L/100 km. Mated with a six-speed manual transmission the rate of progress is good but would not set any records. Towing capability is a commendable 2 300 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. A 2,3-litre petrol unit delivering 110 kW and 214 Nm is now also available for the first time in the Actyon range.
In summary, the vehicle provides good value for money. It will be up to the public to decide if the relative saving is enough compared to the more established competition to swing their purchasing decision towards the SsangYong brand.
Specifications
Model: SsangYong Actyon Sports 2,0 L diesel 4×4 DLX
Engine: 2,0-litre diesel, four cylinder, electronic common-rail direct injection, turbocharged, intercooled
Power: 114 kW at 4 000 r/min
Torque: 360 N.m at 1 500 – 2 800 r/min
0-100 km/h: N/A
Fuel consumption: 8,0 L/100 km
CO2: 199 g/km
Top speed: N/A
Price: Approx. R319 000
Service plan: 3 years/60 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km
