7 February 2011
Specialising primarily in SUV's and utilities with genuine off-road prowess, SsangYong is slowly gaining traction in this country and sales expectations are high for 2007. 750 units are predicted to sell through the country's 17 dealers in the new year, coming off the back of a slow 2006 - made worse by striking workers in Korea on top of the tightening business environment all car makers have faced this year.
One of the key players in the turn around will be the Actyon, available in radically styled SUV guise that replaces the Korando or in slightly less peculiar looking Ute form that bears the Actyon Sports moniker.
One look and you'll agree the Actyon displays either love 'em or hate 'em styling. While opinions will forever differ, we think the Actyon is actually quite cool. It is so separated from the norm, so alternative, just the vehicle for the Motocross riding action man who shares that similar 'buck the trend' chip on their shoulder.
Handily, SsangYong is the main sponsor of Motocross in New Zealand. The owner of SsangYong's Australian and New Zealand operations, Russell Burling is also the New Zealand Motocross team's manager.
Truth be said, it probably suits the jetski-ing adrenalin seekers more so than the backcountry farmer, and perhaps SsangYong acknowledges this with the Actyon's very name taken from the culmination of 'action' and 'youth'. Those reliant on a utility for income may also tend to err towards the more established brands they know so well.
To the SsangYong's credit though, the 2.0 litre Mercedes Benz sourced common rail four cylinder diesel engine, matched to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic is capable. It delivers 104kW @ 4000 rpm and more importantly a strong 310Nm of torque from 1800 - 2570 rpm. The low down pulling power and rugged ladder chassis help give the Actyon a 2300Kg maximum towing weight; to put that in perspective the much pricier Hilux 4WD 3.0 litre diesel out-tows the SsangYong by only 200kg.
Perhaps the biggest setback to the Actyon Sport's full time workhorse prospects is the lack of rear tray length, which has been compromised to offer greater rear occupant entry, egress and legroom.
Saving graces are the trays depth and width. Along with the depth of course comes a deeper tailgate that helps add the length you may need, fold this down and you the tray will accept a four-wheeler or trail bike. The tray width too is good, a pallet is claimed to fit between the well sides.
A durable tray liner also comes as standard fitment across the range.
The part-time four-wheel drive system (standard on all but entry-level 2WD) with Limited Slip differential is electronically changeable between 2WD and 4WD high and 4WD low ratios shifting on the fly when swapping tarmac for dirt surfaces. On the road, handling is more direct than one expects from a Ute, thanks in part to a five-link rear end and double wishbone front suspension. The ride would benefit from improved isolation between chassis and body shell however as every ripple can be felt reverberated through the agricultural underpinnings.
Available in three levels of spec the Actyon Sports Xdi starts at an affordable $34,990 and receives 4 wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloys, ABS and dual airbags. The four-speed auto adds $2000. SsangYong has also confirmed the Actyon will pick up a six-speeder auto in 18 months.
The auto-only Xdi Limited includes 4WD, a fully electric driver's seat, heated seating for front occupants and leather bound steering wheel.
For all the fruit, the best value for money is the Actyon Sports SPR, which includes full leather, two electric seats, auto wipers and lights, climate control and 18-inch alloys over the Limited. A manual SPR makes a strong value for money argument against the Japanese giants at $44,990, the auto $46,990.