Flying the flag for KGM

So that’s where and why they went; I wondered what had happened to SsangYong.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Korean manufacturer mainly because its cars are a quirky, rather good to drive, amazingly well priced and most people think they are new kids on the block when they have been around for 70 years. Good pub quiz that one – bet you wish I was on your team.

All of a sudden, cars and pick-ups I recognise are sporting a new moniker and that’s because the brand has been acquired by KGM, a 10-business strong giant that also makes chemicals and steel, among other things.

Turns out it is a happy marriage, and the first progeny has popped out in the form of the Actyon.

Looks like the parents are also prepared to invest in baby’s future and they are promising 250,000 units next year and other models including a Torres Hybrid, a 0100 electric pick-up, new Musso and something called KR10.

Torres is a great vehicle and going great guns by all accounts in petrol and EV forms. Actyon takes that winning formula and stretches it to become a sizable SUV that looks more EV than petrol.

It’s a crowded marketplace and getting worse thanks to the new brands from China, but KGM is being given the chance to learn to walk before it runs with modest sales targets for the year.

Keeping numbers small also helps KGM get around the ridiculous Vets/ZEV Mandate which is hell bent on forcing full electrics down the throats of a very unwilling public. It’s a bit like feeding a baby food it doesn’t want only for the little chap to spit it out again.

So on to Actyon, which looks like an EV inside and out – no bad thing – but is actually a petrol powered by a 1.5 turbocharged engine.

It is big and smart looking with a quality interior yet priced keenly at under £37,000.

From the back it looks like it could be a Range Rover and going through towns and villages it does turn people’s heads, and rightly so.

The style takes inspiration from the Korean flag, apparently, I’ll ask my boy, he’s a flag connoisseur. It is square enough to look bold and confident, with angular wheel arches, unusual running lights and attractive 20in alloys.

Yet somehow it also manages to look sleek with streamline headlamps and a coupe silhouette. It works, it really does.

It looks and feels luxurious with a high sheen on the paintwork and tactile materials used throughout the large, comfortable and accommodating cabin.

Specification is high as there is only one model being offered at the moment and occupants benefit from huge amounts of space inside the cabin and a gargantuan boot that is biggest in class and will take four golf bags, should you play the game and have friends to tee-off with.

Inside, there’s a chunky six-sided steering wheel which is a pleasure to grab and the cockpit feels exceptionally wide and hi-tech.

There are loads of hand-stitched Nappa leather and suede which oozes quality and blends traditional with contemporary.

Even the glovebox is well thought out as it will happily swallow a tablet and other digital devices.

There’s a floating centre console as well with capacious storage underneath which adds further to the sense of interior space.

On the road performance is very good. The 161hp 1.5 litre turbo is genuinely powerful and for a big car it takes off with alacrity.

The six-speed automatic gearbox is smooth with a willing kickdown and the brakes are powerful.

Soundproof windows and noise reducing Michelin tyres keep NVH to a minimum adding to the feel of plushness, as does the excellent ride.

With 26cm of ground clearance and the ability to ford 30cm, Actyon should be able to tackle mild off-roading too or at least extreme weather.

Add in a raft of safety features, heated seats, 360-degree cameras, a smart tailgate with kick sensor, eight-way adjustable seats and 32 colour ambient lighting, satnav, blindspot warning and the Actyon wants for nothing.

It’s the first model KGM has influenced and with abilities like this it’s going to be a model the buying public will come to get to know fast.