SsangYong Actyon: the SUV that replaced the Musso

The SsangYong Actyon was a compact SUV built by SsangYong Motor from 2005 to 2011 in its first generation and from 2012 to 2018 in its second. It replaced the Musso and Musso Sports, was joined a year after launch by the Actyon Sports pickup, and took its name from a blend of the words ‘action’ and ‘young’.

SsangYong Actyon at a glance

Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the SsangYong Actyon.

History of the SsangYong Actyon

Launch and the Sports pickup

The Actyon appeared in 2005 as the replacement for the Musso and Musso Sports. A year into production a mid-size pickup variant was announced, the Actyon Sports; it outlasted the SUV, staying in production until 2018 with the arrival of the Musso Q200. Compared with the original Musso Sports the pickup had a wider track, an increased load capacity and a more fuel-efficient European-designed engine.

Engineering

Both body styles were available with two- or four-wheel drive and with either a third-generation common-rail variable-geometry turbo diesel or a 2.3-litre overhead-cam petrol four. The diesel, sourced from Europe, produced 104 kW (139 hp) at 4000 rpm and 310 N·m of torque at 2700 rpm; the petrol engine gave around 110 kW (148 hp) at 5500 rpm and 214 N·m at 4500 rpm. The chassis used double wishbones at the front and a five-link rear end, with electronic stability programme and hill descent control as standard on some models. Options included keyless entry, dual airbags, speed-sensitive central locking, an engine immobiliser and alarm, electric windows, child safety door locks and a tray liner.

Gearboxes and facelifts

The Actyon was initially offered with a four-speed automatic and was later upgraded to a six-speed automatic sourced from the Australian company Drivetrain Systems International. After a number of problems with that unit, and with the company in receivership, SsangYong reverted to a five-speed automatic for the automatic Actyon Sports. In June 2010 the Actyon received a facelift, and in April 2018 SsangYong declared the model discontinued after poor sales.

Later versions

In 2012 SsangYong launched an updated Actyon Sports pickup, called Korando Sports in Korea and essentially a production version of the SUT-1 concept car shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. A facelifted Actyon SUV appeared in 2014 as the SsangYong Nomad, sold mainly in Kazakhstan until 2017. Phoenix Motorcars of Ontario, California, built the electrically powered Phoenix SUV and Phoenix SUT for fleet managers on the chassis of the original Actyon and Actyon Sports. In 2014 SsangYong New Zealand started the Actyon Racing series, in which lightly modified cars with identical drivetrains and 2.3-litre Mercedes-Benz petrol engines race with a four-speed sequential gearbox, lowered suspension and a full roll cage.

Design and features

• Two bodies, one chassis: the SUV and the Actyon Sports pickup shared engines and running gear.
• European-designed diesel: the 2.0 common-rail unit gave 139 hp and 310 N·m, with a five-link rear axle for road comfort.
• Choice of drive: two- or four-wheel drive was offered across the range.
• Unusual name: ‘Actyon’ blended ‘action’ and ‘young’, part of SsangYong’s attempt to attract younger buyers.

SsangYong Actyon versions

• Actyon SUV (2005–2011): the original five-seat compact SUV.
• Actyon Sports (from 2006): double-cab pickup with a wider track and higher payload.
• Facelifted Actyon (2010): revised front and interior for the SUV.
• Korando Sports (2012): the updated pickup for the Korean market.
• SsangYong Nomad (2014): facelifted SUV sold mainly in Kazakhstan.
• Phoenix SUV and SUT: electric conversions built in California on Actyon chassis.

The Actyon replaced the Musso in the range and shared its market with the larger Kyron. More models are in the SsangYong collection.

Video: SsangYong Actyon test drive

Video on YouTube.

Sources

• SsangYong Actyon, English Wikipedia: production, engines, gearboxes, variants, motorsport