9 February 2011
New car report; The tradesman's entrance.
The SsangYong Actyon's radical styling remains largely unchanged from the model launched back in 2006. Since then, South Korea's fourth largest car company has had its fair share of problems, with 2009 being a year they'd probably rather forget.
With the receivers being appointed in January 2009, followed by a 77 day strike and worker riots, production finally re-commenced in August 2009. While it seems that the company is not out of the woods yet, trading continues and sharper pricing has revitalised the brand's presence here in New Zealand.
According to SsangYong, the name Actyon derives from the words "Action" and "Youth".
Well, maybe we were away from English class on the day that particular part of linguistics was being taught or maybe the people at Ssangyong have a deeper understanding of the English language than us, but we would never have connected those dots!
Having driven the double cab Actyon Tradie for a few days recently, any signs of youthful action eluded us, but maybe we're missing the point.
An Aussie colloquialism for "Tradesman", the "Tradie" is the no frills entry level model, equipped with steel wheels, a manual transmission, air-conditioning, electric windows and a tough tray liner.
The 104kW 1,998cc four cylinder common rail diesel powerplant lugs the unladen 1,912kg pick-up truck around adequately if not startlingly, and while we didn't put it to the test, we wonder how capable the Actyon might be when fully laden.
With a braked towing weight quoted at 2,300kg, which seems fairly impressive for a 2.0 litre vehicle, we also wonder how realistic that would be in real world pulling power terms, given that most of the competitors quote similar towing capability with 2.5 or 3.0 litre diesel power.
Colour options, just like Henry offered.
Currently, white is the only colour on offer in Australia and New Zealand but we're told that future models heading downunder will be available in the full colour range and with alloy wheels.
Safety equipment is limited to driver and passenger airbags, with an absence of any hi-tech electronic active safety aids such as ESP or even ABS brakes. The rear brake set-up of good old fashioned drum/shoe combination is a rare sight in the 21st century.
Like any ute, ride comfort is fairly agricultural, but in keeping with other competitors in the sector. With the double wishbone front coil spring and 5-link rear coil spring suspension set-up, handling is as good as anything in its class.
A part-time shift on the fly four wheel drive system is easy to operate and proved useful in the small amount of slippery country we did encounter.
It's fair to say that the Actyon Tradie isn't the most refined, highly equipped or (arguably) prettiest double cab ute around, but at $31,990 plus on road costs of $800, outside of the recent arrival of Chinese utes, there's nothing to touch it for keen pricing.