JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We take a spin in the new KGM Actyon and highlight AUDI's new entry-level model to its e-tron range
In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John takes a spin in the new KGM Actyon, a smart-looking SUV from Korea, and highlights how AUDI is releasing a new entry-level model to its e-tron range.
The stylish five-door Actyon is the first offering from KGM, the company that recently acquired SsangYong, and it is hoping that the newcomer will be a sales success.
Featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine and available in just one smart trim, the Actyon is an eye-catching coupe-SUV from the Korean company and it combines good looks, advanced technology and practicality for just under £37,000.
The Actyon has strong kerb appeal and features Korean-flag inspired daytime running lights, upright tail lights, black roof rails, privacy glass, and handsome 20-inch alloy wheels and lots more.
The interior is also impressive and boasts eight-way power-adjustable seats in a mix of Nappa leather and suede and are both heated and ventilated.
There is a nice hexagonal leather steering wheel which offers bags of adjustment and features heating and controls.
A pair of 12.3-inch screens sit behind a curved glass panel with the left screen handling all the on-board tech, including the navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and ambient lighting.
Behind the steering wheel the other screen displays all the essential driving information and there is also a favourites button on the wheel which allows the driver to customise frequently used features for quick access.
This means you don't constantly have to fiddle with touchscreen menus.
There is stacks of space inside for five to travel in comfort with lots of head, shoulder and legroom.
A powered tailgate opens to reveal a substantial 668 litre boot which can be boosted to 1568 litres with the rear seats folded down.
A hands-free kick sensor lets you open the boot by waving your foot under the rear bumper and there are lots of additional storage spaces inside the large cabin.
The only engine available is a 1.5-litre petrol unit which produces 161bhp and 280Nm of torque and is matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
It is good for 0 to 62mph in 10.8 seconds and has a top speed of 119mph.
That performance will be good enough for most buyers but it is quite thirsty with a WLTP-tested combined fuel efficiency of 33.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 194g/km resulting in higher day-to-day running costs.
The automatic transmission makes for smooth and quiet progress and there are three drive modes called Normal, Sport and Winter to choose from.
Sport does sharpen things significantly and you can also play with steering wheel-mounted paddles for extra engagement.
In town, light steering and a 360-degree camera proved to be a bonus and the suspension dealt well with rough surfaces and potholes.
It cruised well at motorway speeds and provided good grip on country roads.
It has all the latest safety features and driver aids and comes with eight airbags and a suite of smart safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Safety Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Front Vehicle Start Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Blind Spot Assist, plus Safety Exit Warning.
For the more adventurous, the Actyon can tow up to 1,500kg (braked) or 750kg (unbraked) and can also wade through water up to 300mm deep and boasts impressive approach and departure angles of 17.6 and 21.4 degrees, respectively.
According to KGM the name 'Actyon' combines 'Act Young' and 'Act On,' and invites customers to live life fully.
With smart styling, lots of tech and decent driving dynamics this newcomer is also very practical at a very competitive price.
It is competing in a very crowded market and its fuel efficiency does let it down but you still might be tempted after a test drive.
In other motoring developments, German giant AUDI has added an entry-level GT variant to its e-tron range with prices starting from £88,555, with the new seven model range topping out at £149,925.
The e-tron GT quattro can call on up to 584ps while also covering up to 384 miles when its battery is fully charged.
The new entry level Grand Tourer is available to order in the UK from this month and deliveries are due to begin in August.
The Audi e-tron GT quattro rounds off the existing GT family, which comprises the S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance.
It has a system output of 503ps (584pswith Launch Control).
Thanks to a gross battery capacity of 105kW and a range of up to 384 miles, it can fulfil the Grand Tourer role but is equally at home in city traffic.
The newcomer also features a charging capacity of up to 320kW.
This means that only short charging stops are needed, as around 177 miles of range can be regained in 10 minutes.
From a practicality perspective boot space is 405 litres and there is also a front compartment with a volume of 77 litres.
Like the other GT models, the new version is produced at the Audi Sport plant in Neckarsulm.
In the UK it is available as the e-tron GT quattro or the e-tron GT quattro Vorsprung, which adds features such as all-wheel steering, a head-up display, Fine Nappa Leather upholstery and Bang & Olufsen audio to the equipment list.
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