Cool design KGM Actian..It's a bouncy ride problem
May 28, 2025
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Actian is actively targeting the European export market. How is it competitive in Europe. He went on a test drive in auto-express, an automotive media outlet. After riding the KGM Actian, the obvious advantage is that it starts at 38,649 pounds (about 71.5 million won), but the 668-liter trunk capacity was much larger than that of the BMW X5.
We tested the size of the space with a huge amount of large battery handles.If you need a larger loading space, you can fold the seats in the second row.It can secure a whopping 1580 liters of space. The options are not what they used to be to buy a cheap new car. The heightened legal standards for safety and the environment make it increasingly difficult for automakers to offer cool and safe models at affordable prices.
Global brands are also moving to avoid price competition with Chinese cars by withdrawing from the low-end market.All of these factors are making KGM Actian's future interesting. Since the days of Ssangyong Motor, KGM has always valued cost-effectiveness in the UK. With the launch of new cars such as Actian, it is attempting to transition to a higher-end market with a higher price point.
KGM is counting on Actian's interior space, various convenience specifications, and design. It expects to compete on par with competitors such as Kia Sportage, Peugeot 3008, and Volkswagen T-Rock.Whether it's a vain confidence or a realistic possibility, and I've experienced this vehicle for six months myself to figure out the possibilities.
Actian offers a single powertrain, a single trim level, and only a few options. If it was difficult to choose from the various options of some of the latest vehicles, it would be a satisfactory specification. The test drive is Grand White. Only this color is available for free. All other colors require an additional 650 pounds (about 1.2 million won).
Additional options such as side steps, towing bars, dog guards, and indoor protective mats are provided.Even if all options are selected, it will not exceed 40,000 pounds (about 74 million won).
First impressions don't look cheap.Kia Sorento in the front and Range Rover sports in the back are visible. KGM has adopted a traditional angular SUV design.The handle-shaped attachment of the bonnet is somewhat awkward, but the diamond-cutting alloy wheels are attractive.
However, the 20-inch wheel looks somewhat smaller than the heavy body.The interior is even better.Thanks to the body size, KGM offers a big advantage in terms of indoor space.Especially in the back seat, its advantages are striking. Even if it is 180cm tall, there is plenty of head and leg space. And 668 liters of ample trunk space is also noticeable.
What is lacking more than expected is indoor quality.Actian is certainly on par with its mainstream rivals in terms of robustness, material and design.The air conditioning panel is fixed, so it is always within reach, but it is a little uncomfortable to operate. I also think it's too small to use while driving.
However, there are enough storage spaces and equipment such as wide door pockets, wide center storage space, front seats with ventilation and heating, rear seats with heating, sunblinds mounted on back doors, 360-degree cameras, and electric tailgate.It is hard to expect a better function than this in a family car that costs less than 60 million won (UK standard).
The biggest concern is performance.It has a 161-horsepower, 1.5-liter gasoline engine and is powered by front wheels. Accelerate to 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds. The acceleration is somewhat slow, and the engine often has to be overused to get out of intersections or uphill, which can make a rough sound.
Actian fuel efficiency also differed greatly depending on the situation.It can be up to 14.2 km/l on the highway, but it is difficult to get above the middle of 7.1 km/l on the city road.Officially, the combined fuel efficiency is 11.7 km/l. On average, it is moderate, but rapid acceleration greatly affects fuel efficiency.
The biggest drawback is the comfort of riding. No matter how I say it, it feels bouncy. On urban roads with frequent manholes and dents, the Actian is less comfortable than its peers.
In summary, indoor space and trunk space are excellent for the price. There are many basic options, so there is no shortage compared to competitors. However, the power train is not normal and fuel efficient. In places with irregular roads, the ride comfort is also lower than that of competing vehicles.
It seems urgent to introduce a hybrid specification that can drive more than 90% in electric mode when driving in the city. KGM has already completed the certification of the Actian Hybrid. It is expected to be released as early as July.
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Editor Song Moon-chul mc.song@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
