SsangYong says it has created a new double-cab niche with its strikingly styled Actyon Sports, a 104kW, four-cylinder, two-litre turbodiesel that develops a claimed 310Nm of torque and offers the comfort and handling of a big sedan with a 620 kg load box - even if its distinctive styling is reminiscent of Jaws with its distinctive shark-mouth grille, triangular headlights and side indentures.
The double-skinned, 1.6 x 1.2 x 0.5m load box has a tough protective liner and load securing points, but no tonneau cover (planned for later models), While the tailgate opens from the centre and has remote central locking.
The Actyon Sports is available as a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, five-speed manual 4x2 at R239 995; The 4x4 version (R274 995) has "on the fly" all-wheel-drive available at the twist of a switch and low range - although you'll have to stop for a moment for that.
Prices include a three year/100 000km warranty, three year/60 000km maintenance plan, 10 000km service intervals, disc brakes all round and front crash bags.
But the most remarkable aspect of the Actyon Sports is the comfort afforded by its long-travel coil suspension. It's stable at speed and easy to control, with sedan car comfort and a tight, 11.2m turning circle.
The Actyon is based on a ladder-frame chassis with double wishbone front and five-link independent rear suspension, running on 16" alloy rims shod with 225/75 rubber.
It cruised effortlessly with the engine ticking over at 3000rpm at 120km/h during the launch in Gauteng with extremely low engine, mechanical, suspension and tyre noise on tar or dirt.
It easily tackled a steep, boulder-strewn mountain trail, although the soft suspension required careful handling when crawling to prevent scraping on rebound; I would prefer a firmer ride at the expense of comfort.
The 104kW arrives above 1500rpm with a typical turbo rush, and is limited to 4500rpm, but there's marked turbo lag below 1500rpm, although SsangYong says that should improve at sea level.
The turbo is electrically controlled and the maker advises allowing the engine to idle briefly before switching off.
Ssanyong claims the Actyon Sports has the largest cabin in the double-cab sector, with full-size rear doors, and it should seat five in comfort. It's spacious and airy, with a fully adjustable driver's seat and rake-adjustable steering, while the rear seats fold down for extra loading space.
The centre fascia is tilted towards the driver but the centre handbrake is located on the passenger's side.
Standard features include:
- Speed sensitive power-steering.
- Air conditioning.
- Electric windows and mirrors.
- Central locking.
- Tinted glass.
- Radio/CD player with steering wheel satellite controls.
- Tilting front head restraints.
- Folding rear armrests.
There are plenty of stash areas such as door pockets, a reasonably-sized glove compartment, cup holders and an overhead eyewear holder.