The SsangYong Actyon Is Back To Rival The Hyundai Tucson!

SAUDI ARABIA : South Korean brand KG Mobility, a brand that is called SsangYong in Australia has brought back the Actyon, its middleweight SUV, to grab a piece of that hotly fought-for segment. 

• SsangYong has brought back this name after as many as 13 years since 2011 was when we last saw this name being used by the brand
• The Actyon will essentially be the production version of the J120 concept car
• It will probably get the 1.5-litre engine that makes a good 170 PS and about 280 Nm 

KG Mobility, still recognized as SsangYong in Australia, has introduced a new mid-size SUV reviving the long-discontinued Actyon nameplate. Built on the same platform as the upcoming Torres mid-size SUV, the Actyon presents a sleeker and more modern coupe SUV design, departing from the rugged, boxy look of the Torres. The company confirmed that the Actyon is the production version of the previously showcased ‘J120’ concept car.

When was this name last used?

The Actyon nameplate last appeared on an SUV in Australia in 2011, although the name persisted as the ‘Actyon Sports’ ute until 2014, serving as a predecessor to the current Musso.

Expected Engine:

Expected Engine	Specs
1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine	125kW (about 170 PS) 280 Nm

KG Mobility has yet to disclose further details about the new Actyon, including powertrain options or interior images. It is expected to feature a similar drivetrain to the Torres, which includes a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (125kW/280Nm) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

Design:

The new Actyon adopts a design language akin to the forthcoming Torres SUV, with similar light clusters but incorporating an LED pattern in the grille, body-colored wheel arch claddings, and a contemporary light-bar style across the rear. This design direction is part of SsangYong’s new owners' strategy to revitalize the brand’s lineup and compete more effectively with traditional Korean rivals and new entrants from China.

Similar to the Korando nameplate, which stands for ‘Korea can do,’ the Actyon name is a blend of ‘action’ and ‘young.’ The brand claims that the Actyon continues the design ethos initiated by the new Torres, described as ‘Powered by Toughness.’

KG Mobility also showcased a ute concept featuring this design language at the Seoul Mobility Show, named the 0100 concept. If the brand follows the same revival strategy as with the Actyon, this concept could potentially lead to a new Actyon Sports, a monocoque-based ute positioned below the ladder-frame Musso.

Market Performance:

Amid an aging lineup and the resurgence of supply to many mainstream brands, SsangYong has experienced a 20.3 percent year-on-year sales decline in Australia. However, its Musso ute has performed well for a small brand, with sales up 12.1 percent year-on-year, driven by competitive pricing and a well-equipped range.

Rebranding and Future:

The brand faces a potential identity crisis as it transitions to the ‘KG Mobility’ name in its home market, taking on the name of its new parent company, KG Group, after a prolonged period of bankruptcy and restructuring. 

KG Group previously stated that the new name would help the Korean automaker move past the ‘painful memories’ associated with the SsangYong name in its home market and that it plans to promote this new identity globally.