Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. There's no doubt Ssangyong's radically styled Actyon Sport is a head turner, attracting glances ranging from admiration to bemusement.
It's shark-mouth grille is really an acquired taste - particularly when foisted upon the front end of what is essentially a double-cab bakkie.
Which is a pity as the radical looks may scare off some potential buyers from experiencing a worthy contender in the double- cab stakes. But the unusual looks may define it in a segment of look-alikes and attract a strong following.
And a worthy contender it is, with ample living room and all the creature comforts required for a day at the wheel, a decent loadbox, and a gutsy two-litre turbodiesel engine.
While we don't necessarily see it as a serious workhorse, it's an ideal recreational vehicle with a handy four-wheel drive mode that can be engage "on the fly".
There's low-range as well which gives the Actyon Sport true offroad ability, although it will be somewhat hindered in the really rough stuff by the lack of a diff lock.
The deep load box of the imported Korean vehicle has a tough protective liner and load securing points. The current Actyon Sport doesn't have a tonneau cover but they will apparently be available on future models.
The tailgate is easily operated by a central latch and locks electronically via the remote central locking.
The Actyon Sport has a two-litre, common-rail engine and the maker claimn a top speed of 166km/h.
One of the advantages of a turbodiesel is ample torque at cruising speeds, making for easy overtaking without having to change down every time.
Maximum torque in this one is quoted at 310Nm, delivered between 1800 and 2700rpm, which is exactly where it's needed.
The usual diesel clatter is quite noticeable at low revs but soon smooths out. The drwaback, however - as with so many turbodiesels - is turbo lag at Gauteng's high altitude.
The Ssangyong only really overcomes it at about round 1500rpm which makes for slow takeoffs, while first gear is very short, necessitating a quick change when moving off.
The problem really lies in the lazy second gear; here absolutely nothing seems to happen at low revs. This becomes a bit irritating when you have to slow down for a yield sign without completely stopping, then pick up speed.
This would normally be done in second gear as banging down into first would simply over-rev the engine. But if you leave the Ssangyong in second gear you are left almost stationary while waiting for the turbo to kick in - while casting nervous glances at fast approaching taxis.
The turbo lag should not be as noticeable at sea level.
Sweet running
Once the Ssangyong overcomes the initial dead spot, it runs sweetly and pulls willingly. ABS brakes with ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear bring the Ssangyong to a controlled halt under most road conditions.
It also returned impressive fuel consumption, using 9.7litres/100km on the daily stop-start highway commute to work and back.
Ssangyong claims the Actyon can deliver 8l/100km on combined urban/freeway road driving and 6.2l/100km on open roads, which is quite possible.
We also found the gearshift a bit rubbery and notchy, lacking the precision of some of its rivals.
The suspension is on the soft side providing a comfy ride more suited to long distance comfort than cornering sharpness.
It's not a bumpy ride, but we found the backrests of the front seats tended to vibrate when driving over small undulations.
More conservative interior
While the Actyon's exterior tends to cause a few raised eyebrows, the interior is more conservative and will appeal to a wider audience.
The first impression is of spaciousness. Ssangyong says the Actyon has the largest cabin in the double-cab sector and it's easy to believe.
Full-size rear doors ensure easy access and it has ample head and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The rear can seat three adults quite comfortably and the armrests fold down to create more space.
Seatback pockets provide handy extra stowage space in the rear, and the back seats can also be folded to create extra loading space.
Pamper features include air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, tinted glass, a radio/CD player, cup holders and an overhead eyewear holder.
The controls are neatly laid out and easily accessible, especially the air conditioning system which is both efficient and easy to use.
The ergonomics are sound; the driver's seat is eight-way adjustable while the steering wheel can be adjusted for height.
There are audio controls on the steering wheel but they're mounted low down, not where your hands grip the wheel.
The tall body and relatively narrow pillars make for good all-round visibility - together with speed-sensitive steering they make parking and manoeuvring this near-two-ton double cab a cinch.
Summary
The shark-mouth grille boldy proclaims the Actyon's role as the ultimate weekend warrior with bags of space for passengers and luggage, good fuel consumption and solid all-round performance.