It will still take a long time for customers, as well as all those interested, to find out who the KGM brand is. There are many and somewhat better connoisseurs of cars who will not immediately connect that it is the until recently Korean manufacturer SsangYong, but automatically think that it is another Chinese brand because they have been arriving in large numbers lately. So, to conclude right at the beginning, KGM is still a South Korean brand, with a new name, but with the familiar SsangYong tradition. Why the new name? Because they changed owners, and from 2022 they are owned by the technology giant KG Group from South Korea, so KGM stands for KG Mobility. KG Steel, KG Chemical, KG Inicis, KG Zeroine, KG Enerchem, KG ICT and many other companies are part of the KG Group.
Let’s get back to today’s focus, which is the KGM Actyon Hybrid. It is a model that belongs to the middle segment of SUV models, and we know very well that SUV models are extremely sought-after goods. Although they already have the Torres model here, they believe that Actyon can attract a completely new clientele. Both models were created on the same platform, but the Actyon still looks much more harmonious and refined. The differences are in a few centimeters of height or length. Of course, there are visible similarities with some much more prestigious models such as the Range Rover Velar, which should definitely be a plus for the Actyon. By the way, Actyon is also available in a gasoline version, but not for our market.
So, it was created on a platform with a wheelbase of 268 centimeters. Compared to Torres, Actyon is 3.5 cm longer, 2 cm wider and 4 cm lower. The difference is also in the volume of the trunk. 668 liters are available, which is 35 liters less than the already well-known model on our market. The difference between these two models is also in the price. The Actyon costs 46,499 euros, which is certainly not small money, while the entry-level Torres Hybrid starts at 33,899 euros. Admittedly, these two levels of equipment cannot be compared, but even the most expensive Torres Hybrid costs 39,499, which means 7 thousand euros less. The difference is significant.
The differences are small, but at the same time large
Although these two models are very similar, the differences are visible both from the outside and in the passenger cabin. While in Torres the rear part of the roof and even more so the tailgate seems incongruous, in Actyon it is done extremely well. The models they prepared for the domestic presentation were also in a kind of golden color, which emphasized the impression of prestige. This is supported by the large, 20-inch diamond-cut aluminum rims.
As I already mentioned, the Actyon is also produced in a pure petrol version, but which (for now) is not available on our market either. There is only a hybrid edition, the same as the Torres model. BYD’s parallel hybrid circuit is used. The Dual Tech Hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine with an e-DHT hybrid transmission and serial twin motors. The newly designed petrol engine uses the Miller cycle to improve thermal efficiency and a variable geometry turbocharger for responsive performance throughout the rev range.
The fuel injection pressure has been increased from 250 bar to 350 bar. This improves combustion efficiency for more power and lower emissions. The engine delivers 150 hp and 220 Nm of torque and often works primarily as a high-efficiency generator, supplying electricity to the two electric motors and the battery, rather than always driving the wheels directly. The e-DHT, an electrified dual hybrid transmission developed specifically for this application, supports purely electric driving, series hybrid operation where the engine works primarily as a generator, and parallel hybrid and motor drive modes where the engine and electric motors are combined or handed over depending on speed and load.
The domestic importer has prepared two levels of equipment, which differ only in a few shades. So, the starting price is 46,499 euros and refers to the Ultra equipment level. Almost everything available is available there. Regardless of whether we are talking about numerous ADAS systems, a heated leather steering wheel, leather seats that are all heated, and the front is also ventilated, LED lights… Basically, the 500 euro more expensive Ultra Suede package also brings a panoramic roof, longitudinal roof rails in black, rear windows with built-in shades, wireless charging of mobile phones and a 360-degree view from the camera.
The domestic dealership is aware that there is a lot of competition in this segment, and that it is up to them to be present, without too much expectation that they will make some large quantities. After all, the leading model of the segment, Škoda Kodiaq starts at 37,440.22 euros for the mild hybrid, that is, the SportLine Plus equipment level of the plug-in hybrid costs 43,522.50 euros.
