KGM Actyon – First Drive (2025)

The stylish five-door Actyon marks the first all-new model from KGM, the company that recently acquired SsangYong, and it certainly has plenty to shout about.

Featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine and available in just one single, well-equipped K50 trim, the Actyon is an eye-catching coupe-SUV that perfectly combines stunning good looks, advanced technology, practicality and smooth driving, all for just under £37k.

The vehicle is a true head-turner with its strong kerb appeal, featuring Korean-flag inspired daytime running lights, upright taillights, black roof rails, privacy glass, and striking 20-inch alloy wheels. The Actyon is available in five colours called Iron Metal, Space Black, Dandy Blue, Forest Green and Grand White.

Moving inside, the eight-way power-adjustable seats are upholstered in a luxurious mix of Nappa leather and suede. And with plenty of adjustment on the hexagonal-shaped leather-wrapped steering wheel (a KGM first), finding the perfect driving position is effortless. The seats are both heated and ventilated, with the outer rear seats and steering wheel also offering warming features for added winter comfort.

The cabin exudes a premium feel, with a black-and-red theme throughout. The main focal point is a pair of 12.3-inch screens that are seamlessly integrated behind a curved glass pane. The left screen controls all on-board tech, including the navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and ambient lighting.

The steering wheel also features a favourites button, allowing the driver to customise frequently used features for quick access, reducing the need to navigate through touchscreen menus. And behind the steering wheel, another clear display shows essential driving data. The only minor downside is the piano black trim throughout the cabin, which may show fingerprints over time.

Not only is the interior well designed, it’s also surprisingly spacious. Up front, two six-footers will find ample room, while the rear offers 939mm of legroom, comfortably accommodating two further adults or three children. For added comfort, the rear seats can recline up to 32.5 degrees.

The boot, accessible via a powered tailgate, offers 668 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,568 litres with the rear seats folded down. A convenient hands-free kick sensor lets you open the boot by waving your foot under the rear bumper, perfect when your hands are full. Additional storage features include a practical glovebox, front and rear cup holders, door bins with bottle compartments, seat-back pockets, wireless charging pad, and plenty of USB-C ports to keep devices charged.

Powering the car is a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 161bhp and 280Nm of torque and this is matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Performance-wise, it accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 10.8 seconds (though it feels quicker) and reaches a top speed of 119mph. However, its WLTP-tested combined fuel efficiency of 33.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 194g/km are disappointing and will result in higher day-to-day running costs. 

Out on the road, the Actyon is impressively quick off the line, with a consistent flow of power to make light work of overtaking. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth, and the steering wheel-mounted paddles offer added driver engagement. There are three drive modes called Normal, Sport, and Winter to alter the car’s handling to suit conditions, with Sport mode sharpening the responsiveness significantly.

On twisty B roads, the Actyon offers excellent grip, with minimal body roll through tight turns. The cabin is well-insulated, keeping road noise at bay, and the suspension smooths out rough surfaces, enhancing comfort. Its light steering, a 10.9-meter turning circle and 360-degree camera make it easy to navigate busy city streets, though the wide pillars can slightly obstruct the over-the-shoulder view.

On the safety front, the vehicle comes equipped with eight airbags and a suite of smart safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Safety Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Front Vehicle Start Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Blind Spot Assist, plus Safety Exit Warning.

Despite being front-wheel drive, the Actyon can tow up to 1,500kg (braked) or 750kg (unbraked). It can also wade through water up to 300mm deep and boasts impressive approach and departure angles of 17.6 and 21.4 degrees, respectively.

As the automotive industry sees a surge of new brands, KGM stands out with its 70-year history and recent acquisition of SsangYong. The name “Actyon” combines “Act Young” and “Act On,” reflecting the company’s invitation to live life fully.

All in all, the Actyon brings robust styling, cutting-edge technology, excellent driving dynamics, along with bundles of practicality, all wrapped up in a competitively priced package. While its fuel efficiency could be better and it faces stiff competition in a crowded market, the car is worth considering for a test drive. You might be pleasantly surprised by this new offering from KGM.