KGM Actyon Hybrid (2025 - )

KGM has bolstered its rugged Actyon SUV line-up with the introduction of a hybrid variant, delivering notable gains in fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, while still delivering the goods when it comes to handling, comfort and everyday practicality.

And there’s more good news as the step up from the petrol to hybrid powertrain costs just £346.

Similarly to its petrol sibling, which was launched last year, the Actyon Hybrid is only sold in one high-end trim level called K50 and, as the car is packed to bursting with tech and creature comforts as standard, there’s little need to go searching for any optional extras.

The front-wheel drive Actyon Hybrid features KGM’s new Dual-Tech Hybrid powertrain technology, as seen in the recently-launched Torres Hybrid. Designed in collaboration with BYD, it sees a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.83kWh battery. 

It delivers 176PS and 300Nm of torque, and while KGM do not quote an official figure for the 0-62mph sprint time, it was 10.8 seconds in the petrol-powered car and this is quicker. The vehicle has a top speed of 109mph.

Thanks to the hybrid technology, the Actyon Hybrid feels noticeably more responsive off the line than its petrol sibling, along with extra zip when fizzing along twisting country lanes. The six-speed automatic transmission is nicely timed and there are drive modes, accessed via the touchscreen, to alter the dynamics and driving characteristics of the car. These are called Eco, Comfort and Sport. 

Additionally, steering wheel mounted paddles can be used to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking which is beneficial in stop-and-go town traffic. And, according to KGM, the vehicle operates up to 94 per cent of the time in EV mode during city driving, providing a quiet, refined experience.

It’s nicely balanced on the open road and can sit comfortably at 70mph when venturing further afield. The refinement levels do take a bit of a hit at higher speeds with more engine and road surface noise creeping into the cabin, but generally it’s a comfortable place to be.

And the slightly elevated seating position results in excellent driver visibility, which is always a bonus in busy town centres with cars, cyclists and pedestrians appearing from every angle.

Admittedly there are more engaging compact SUVs out there, but the Actyon Hybrid delivers an impressive all-round performance.
 

If you’re looking for an SUV with stand-out design cues, the KGM Actyon Hybrid is definitely worth exploring. It features a distinctive front end with Korean flag-inspired daytime running lights and headlamps. The grille mirrors the same flag motif while the side profile is defined by clean streamlining, a tapering roofline and privacy glass. There are angular wheel arches along with 20-inch alloy wheels and, at the rear, the car adopts a powerful, wide stance complemented by a high-mounted rear spoiler and signature tail lamps that once again take inspiration from the Korean flag.

Moving inside, the powered seats are crafted from a smart leather and suede upholstery mix and these can be heated or ventilated. The leather-wrapped hexagonal-shaped steering wheel, along with the outer rear seats, can also be warmed against the winter chills.

The main focal point within the modern and elegantly designed cabin is the pair of 12.3-inch infotainment screens that merge together behind a single curved display panel. While the right screen clearly shows all the important driving data, such as current speed, fuel levels, and drive modes, the left screen offers access to the many on-board features.

And the Actyon Hybrid has plenty of tech to explore too, all included in the asking price. For example, expect to find full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, Bluetooth, and  a rearview camera. The screen is not always the quickest at responding to touch, but generally works well enough.

We should also mention the 32-colour ambient lighting system. Our car was set up with a striking neon blue shade that perfectly contrasted with the predominantly black interior.
 

With its rugged styling, the KGM Torres certainly looks the perfect match for any active family, but how does it fare on the practicality front? In fairness, it does really well with a spacious cabin and generously-sized boot. The car has identical dimensions to the petrol model stretching 4,740mm in length, 1,910mm across (with door mirrors), 1,680mm tall and has a 2,680mm wheelbase.

There is bundles of room up front for two six footers to sit side by side and, with family practicality in mind, there is enough room in the back for two more (provided the front seats are not pushed too far back). It’s an ideal space for three youngsters though and there are Isofix child seat anchors to the outer rear seats. For added comfort on longer journeys, the rear seats can be reclined by 32.5 degrees.

A powered tailgate offers access to the deep boot which can swallow 668 litres of luggage. However, that capacity increases to an impressive 1,568 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats lowered. 
Elsewhere there’s numerous convenient storage compartments scattered throughout the car, including a glovebox, large central cubby, door bins with a section for water bottles, a large area beneath the centre console, seat back pockets with a slot for mobile phones, front and rear cup holders and USB-C ports to stay fully connected on the move.

When faced with more testing conditions, the Actyon boasts 205mm ground clearance, it can ford depths up to 250mm thanks to its fully waterproofed chassis and the hybrid variant also features improved approach and departure angles than the petrol model at 19.7 and 22.9 degrees respectively. Additionally it has a towing capacity of 1.3 tonnes.

With cheaper running costs and far better fuel efficiency, moving up from the pure petrol-powered Actyon to the hybrid version really is a no brainer. Many carmakers impose quite a hefty price hike for the step-up but the Actyon Hybrid costs £38,995 compared to the similar £38,649 asking price for the petrol model.

With KGM selling vehicles that are generously kitted out, any optional extras will be few and far between, although our car had striking metallic paintwork adding £750 to the final bill.
The day-to-day running costs are far more appealing than its sibling too with the hybrid version delivering a WLTP-tested 46.4mpg compared to the poor 33.1mpg on the petrol car. During our test drive, we were seeing around the 39mpg mark, which isn’t too far off the official figure.

The carbon emissions figure of 138g/km is also significantly lower than the 194g/km on the Actyon petrol, and it would result in a first-year road tax charge of £540 dropping to the standard fee of £195 after 12 months. For any business drivers considering the Actyon Hybrid as a company car, the Benefit in Kind tax rating would be 33 per cent.

But, as the vehicle costs less than the government’s £40k Expensive Car Supplement threshold, there are no extra costs to be factored in.
And for added peace of mind, the Actyon Hybrid is sold with an excellent five-year, 100,000-mile warranty, that also includes European breakdown cover for 12 months.
 

KGM faces a tough battle. Firstly, the Actyon is vying for sales in a fiercely competitive sector against established and highly-rated rivals, many of which offer superior fuel efficiency figures. The other main issue is getting the KGM name out there – so many people still don’t realise they are the brand formally known as SsangYong.

But that said; the Actyon Hybrid is an impressive all-rounder that is very generously kitted out for the price, drives well, it’s comfortable and covers all the practicality bases exceptionally well.