Home 
Car Articles Reviews Reviews Listings Ssangyong Reviews
Ssangyong Actyon Diesel 2.0 (A) Facelift Review
25 Jul 2014|13,281 views
This could be a little confusing. The car you see is essentially the Ssangyong Korando, which received a complete makeover last year and became the first monocoque vehicle for the Korean carmaker.
This time round, the compact SUV gets another nip and tuck and a brand new identity as Ssangyong prepares to ramp up its fight against the bevy of other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage and many others.
Up close and Personal
The Actyon retains the overall shape of the outgoing model. Standing at 4,410mm x 1,830mm x 1,710mm (L x W x H), the car is only a slight 35mm taller than before.
The front end looks sharper now, thanks to a new slim honeycomb black grille, redesigned headlights and taillights that look more sophisticated than before, as well as a lower and wider air intake.
Step inside the car and you'll realise the interior has been completely redesigned. A large central infotainment screen, new switchgear, upgraded plastics, wood trimming and leather upholstery find their way into the cabin, lending a hint of luxury that is a huge leap from its predecessor.
 |
The quality of fit and finish is largely commendable and the ambience is improved by the various soft-touch contact points that have been added with this facelift.
There is good practicality inside the Actyon, too, with plenty of useful storage space beyond the usual array of cup holders in the console or door pockets.
Three adults sit comfortably behind and at 486 litres, the cargo capacity is more than enough for the luggage and groceries. However, Ssangyong could have done with a lower loading sill for better convenience.
 |
The Drive
Behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is the rather weighty steering. Unlike other cars with an electric system, the Korando has a hydraulic setup that requires a little more gusto when manoeuvring.
Not to the extent of having sore arms, but for what it's worth, the extra heft of the steering is actually positive in more aggressive driving, though the numbness could have been replaced with better feedback.
Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine under the hood is strong enough to tug the 1,665kg Korando up to highway speeds without feeling strained.
There is an adequate dose of torque at the lower rev range and the engine feels perfectly adequate for quick take-offs from the lights, though it may get a little harsh under more pressure.
One of the few mechanical changes for the facelift is the tweak in engine mountings to help reduce unwanted noise and vibrations. As a result, the Actyon is now a little more civilised than before once the car reaches cruising speed.
It is then when the Actyon feels very much settled, although we detected a bit of body roll around corners, which is understandable for a car of its genre.
Conclusion
The updated Ssangyong Actyon is a step away from its past iterations and is a smart-looking compact SUV designed to take on its other rivals.
But at $139,888 (as of 24th July 2014), it clearly has a lot of decent, well-priced competition to beat, and without instant brand recognition, Ssangyong will have to offer a lot more in some respects to justify the Actyon's presence.
This could be a little confusing. The car you see is essentially the Ssangyong Korando, which received a complete makeover last year and became the first monocoque vehicle for the Korean carmaker.
This time round, the compact SUV gets another nip and tuck and a brand new identity as Ssangyong prepares to ramp up its fight against the bevy of other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage and many others.
Up close and Personal
The Actyon retains the overall shape of the outgoing model. Standing at 4,410mm x 1,830mm x 1,710mm (L x W x H), the car is only a slight 35mm taller than before.
The front end looks sharper now, thanks to a new slim honeycomb black grille, redesigned headlights and taillights that look more sophisticated than before, as well as a lower and wider air intake.
Step inside the car and you'll realise the interior has been completely redesigned. A large central infotainment screen, new switchgear, upgraded plastics, wood trimming and leather upholstery find their way into the cabin, lending a hint of luxury that is a huge leap from its predecessor.
The quality of fit and finish is largely commendable and the ambience is improved by the various soft-touch contact points that have been added with this facelift.
There is good practicality inside the Actyon, too, with plenty of useful storage space beyond the usual array of cup holders in the console or door pockets.
Three adults sit comfortably behind and at 486 litres, the cargo capacity is more than enough for the luggage and groceries. However, Ssangyong could have done with a lower loading sill for better convenience.
The Drive
Behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is the rather weighty steering. Unlike other cars with an electric system, the Korando has a hydraulic setup that requires a little more gusto when manoeuvring.
Not to the extent of having sore arms, but for what it's worth, the extra heft of the steering is actually positive in more aggressive driving, though the numbness could have been replaced with better feedback.
Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine under the hood is strong enough to tug the 1,665kg Korando up to highway speeds without feeling strained.
There is an adequate dose of torque at the lower rev range and the engine feels perfectly adequate for quick take-offs from the lights, though it may get a little harsh under more pressure.
Behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is the rather weighty steering. Unlike other cars with an electric system, the Korando has a hydraulic setup that requires a little more gusto when manoeuvring.
Not to the extent of having sore arms, but for what it's worth, the extra heft of the steering is actually positive in more aggressive driving, though the numbness could have been replaced with better feedback.
Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine under the hood is strong enough to tug the 1,665kg Korando up to highway speeds without feeling strained.
There is an adequate dose of torque at the lower rev range and the engine feels perfectly adequate for quick take-offs from the lights, though it may get a little harsh under more pressure.
One of the few mechanical changes for the facelift is the tweak in engine mountings to help reduce unwanted noise and vibrations. As a result, the Actyon is now a little more civilised than before once the car reaches cruising speed.
It is then when the Actyon feels very much settled, although we detected a bit of body roll around corners, which is understandable for a car of its genre.
Conclusion
The updated Ssangyong Actyon is a step away from its past iterations and is a smart-looking compact SUV designed to take on its other rivals.
But at $139,888 (as of 24th July 2014), it clearly has a lot of decent, well-priced competition to beat, and without instant brand recognition, Ssangyong will have to offer a lot more in some respects to justify the Actyon's presence.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Ssangyong Actyon Diesel 2.0 (A)
CAT B|Diesel|13.7km/L
Horsepower
129kW (173 bhp)
Torque
360 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Ssangyong Actyon Diesel
Thank You For Your Subscription.
Tags
Products & Services
For Owners
Quick Links
About Sgcarmart
