KGM Motors UK Brings Back to Life the SSangYong Actyon Nameplate, the Original Coupe-SUV

In many parts of the world, such as Europe and North America, the BMW X6 is generally considered the first of its kind, a coupe-SUV. Introduced in 2008, it was directly based on the BMW X5, but the Bavarians nicknamed it a "Sports Activity Coupe" (SAC) rather than a standard crossover – which are called "Sports Activity Vehicles" (SAVs) by the German company. However, in reality, the SsangYong Actyon is generally considered by experts as the world's first coupe SUV, a crossover SUV with less cargo space and a lower roof plus a higher price.

The body style has been pretty controversial ever since, but the automotive world seems to have embraced it – whether we like it or not. Today, we even have mainstream nameplates like the cheap Renault Arkana, which is based on the no-frills and quite old Dacia/Renault Duster B0 platform. Anyway, back to SsangYong and its Actyon model, the former is nowhere to be found nowadays, and the latter was defunct until very recently. That's because SsangYong disappeared in 2023, replaced by KGM Global (formerly KGM Motor Company), a South Korean vehicle manufacturer still specializing in 4x4s, SUVs, MPVs, and pick-up trucks. It has the company headquarters in the renowned Gangnam district of Korea's capital, Seoul, and a main vehicle manufacturing plant at Pyungtaek with an installed capacity of 240k vehicles per year.

They also invested in a new factory in the same area, developed specifically to accommodate the production of pure-electric vehicles, and have various sales representatives in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom through KGM UK Limited, the official importer and distributor of KGM vehicles, parts, and accessories. Well, KGM UK has now announced that the original coupe-SUV, the SsangYong Actyon, is coming back under their umbrella, and it's still called Actyon.

"The launch of the new Actyon perfectly reflects our commitment to delivering vehicles that inspire and empower. It is KGM’s first fully-fledged SUV since our rebrand in January 2024 and will represent the next exciting chapter in our journey, following on from the success of the Torres and Torres EVX. With its distinctive coupe design, advanced technology, and versatile functionality, the Actyon is more than an SUV - it’s a statement," said Kevin Griffin, Managing Director at KGM Motors UK.

The launch is set to coincide with the automaker's 70th anniversary, and the new KGM Actyon is coming as "a modern revival of the world's first coupe-style SUV, originally introduced in 2005." This will be a compact crossover SUV for the C+ segment available solely with a flagship K50 trim level and powered by a 1.5 G-Di turbocharged engine mated to a third-gen Aisin six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, the automaker promises "an intuitive driving experience" via a dual 12.3-inch setup for the digital instrument cluster and central infotainment screen.

Despite its newfound premium features, the KGM Actyon is also promised as a "practical and versatile" SUV – it has a trunk capacity of 668 liters that can expand to 1,568 liters and an array of advanced driver-assistance systems. There's also a five-year or 100k-mile warranty coverage, and the new KGM Actyon will be available in five colors: Grand White (Solid), Dandy Blue (Metallic), Iron Silver (Metallic), Forest Green (Metallic), Space Black (Metallic).