The Ssangyong Actyon is undoubtedly one of the models that helped the Korean carmaker establish its market position. Although not the prettiest car around, this SUV had a lot of qualities, and even today, it could be a good alternative on the used car market.
Capable engines, refined suspension, and a long list of standard equipment are some of the strong points of this SUV. On the other hand, brand recognition is one the main reasons why potential buyers feel sceptical about the Actyon and instead choose models with more reputable badges. Is a used Ssangyong Actyon a good choice? Let's find out in the following paragraphs.
The First Generation of Ssangyong Actyon (2007-2013)
The Ssangyong Actyon was initially launched in 2005, while the version for the Australian market debuted two years later. The Korean company, which also brought us Musso and Rexton, offered a compact SUV that was supposed to compete with much more expensive competitors from Europe and Japan. For that reason, the new SUV came with a refined suspension setup, two powertrain options and many standard and available equipment.
We don’t want to sound harsh, so we’d say that this SUV featured a polarizing exterior design. On the other hand, it has a lot of qualities to offer, one of which is a pretty long list of standard equipment.
Base versions featured goodies like dual airbags, air conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, remote central lock, foglights, leather steering wheel, parking sensors, power mirrors and windows, a 6-speaker audio system, and more.
Mid-range models were equipped with extra features like automatic climate control, traction control, brake assist, and side airbags.
Finally, versions with petrol engines were also available in the range-topping trim called Limited. This grade offered more perks, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, power front seats, power sunroof, and hill descent control.
Design
The Australian version debuted as the Ssangyong Actyon 2008, bringing a design that wasn't much different compared to versions for other markets. This compact SUV's layout included a longitudinally-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive versions were available, as well as a few off-road features like hill-descent control.
The ground clearance of 185mm provided relatively decent off-road potential, although the primary purpose of this vehicle was on-road drive, which was pretty smooth and comfortable. The handling was good, which isn't surprising considering that Korean engineers worked closely with colleagues from Mercedes-Benz at the time. Even the diesel engine was designed by German engineers.
The front suspension included a nice setup with coil springs, double wishbone and hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers. The rear end also featured a refined setup with multi-link suspension, coil springs, and double-acting shock absorbers. For the brakes, the Actyon featured ventilated discs at the front and classic discs at the rear end.
Dimensions
Since the Ssangyong Actyon came as a compact SUV, its dimensions were typical for the class, starting from 2740mm in wheelbase. It is 4455mm long, 1745mm high, 1880mm wide, and decently manoeuvrable for its size, with a turning cycle of 11.2 meters.
It has a kerb weight of 1900kg and a respectable towing capacity of 2300kg.
Ssangyong Actyon Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2740mm
- Overall height: 1745mm
- Overall length: 4455mm
- Overall width: 1880mm
- Ground clearance: 185mm
- Turning circle: 11.2m
- Rear track: 1570mm
- Front track: 1570mm
- Kerb weight: cca 1900kg
- Gross trailer weight braked: 2300kg
Engines
The Ssangyong Actyon was initially offered with two engines. One was a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (104 kW and 310 Nm) designed by German engineers from Mercedes-Benz, and this was available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. It performed quite decently and had excellent fuel economy, with the manual gearbox version capable of doing under 8L/100km of combined driving.
The other was a petrol version with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder normally aspirated engine (110kW and 210Nm), available with either automatic or manual gearbox. It was a bit faster and smoother but also notably thirstier, with the average fuel economy going up to 12L/100km for the automatic transmission. The petrol version was discontinued in 2010.
Ssangyong Actyon 2.0 Diesel Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 1998cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Fuel injection: Common Rail
- Forced Induction: Variable Geometry Turbocharger
- Maximum torque: 310Nm
- Maximum power: 104kW
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual
- Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km (automatic); 7.8L/100km (manual)
- Fuel tank capacity: 75L
Ssangyong Actyon 2.3 Specs:
- Engine Capacity: 2295cc
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel type: Regular Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: -
- Maximum torque: 214Nm
- Maximum power: 110kW
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual
- Fuel consumption: 11.9L/100km (automatic); 11.3L/100km (manual)
- Fuel tank capacity: 75L
Ssangyong Actyon Sports
Along with the SUV, the Korean manufacturer also launched a pickup truck version called Actyon Sports. This model featured essentially the same mechanics, with a key difference in body style and dimensions.
The Ssangyong Actyon ute was wider, longer, and higher, with better load and towing capacity. It measured 3060mm in wheelbase, nearly 5m long overall, 1910mm wide, and 1790mm high, with its ground clearance raised to 193mm.
Ssangyong offered the pickup version in a double cab layout with four doors and five seats. Unlike the SUV, the Ssangyong Actyon Sports came only with a diesel engine with the same output power and torque.
The pickup used a more modern 6-speed automatic transmission, with a 6-speed replacing the 5-speed manual in 2012.
Interestingly, the pickup outlived the SUV significantly. While the SUV was available only until 2013 in Australia, the ute remained in production until 2018. Moreover, the pickup was significantly updated in 2012, when it received completely new styling, features, transmission, and more. Also, the diesel engine gained more power and torque (114kW and 360Nm).
Ssangyong Actyon Sports Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 3060mm
- Overall height: 1790mm
- Overall length: 4990mm
- Overall width: 1910mm
- Ground clearance: 193mm
- Kerb weight: 1873kg
- Turning circle: 12m
- Rear track: 1570mm
- Front track: 1570mm
- Max Towing Capacity: 2500kg
Is Ssangyong Actyon a reliable SUV?
In today’s used car market, this SUV is cheaper than most of its classmates. Of course, brand recognition is one of the reasons, but how about Ssangyong Actyon's problems? No car is perfect, so there are some things to consider when looking for a used Ssangyong Actyon.
Suspension issues are some of the first things that come to mind, while there is also the matter of in-car electronics. Problems with automatic transmission have been reported as well. These repairs can cost more than usual, and finding replacement parts can be challenging.
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By Nebojsa Grmusa