2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports Review
Price
RM89,989
Installment
RM858/mth
2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports at a glance
The Ssangyong Actyon Sports claims a number of firsts for a truck. But compared against class-leading trucks, the 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports is no more than average except for its long equipment list and ground-breaking looks.
2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports quick specs
| Body Style | Truck |
| Class | Large Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
It is hard to think of another automaker that has as many quirky designs as Ssangyong. Case in point: the 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports, which is simply out there in terms of styling. From the forehead bulge, triangular-plus-semi circle headlamps, aggressive rising belt-line, to the chunky rear end, there is nothing conventional about the 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports' looks, especially for a truck.
Handling
As a truck variant of the Actyon SUV, and based on a ladder frame, the 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports' rear suspension uses a five-link axle with coil springs instead of leaf springs commonly used by trucks. The steering offers little feedback, while dynamics such as its grip level and body control are mediocre at best. It is good then that rivalling trucks are only marginally better. Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system is standard.
Comfort
The ride is neither as supple nor as settled as the best-riding trucks. Undulations can quite easily unsettle the ride thus compromising the ride comfort. Refinement at speed is decent with non-intrusive wind and road noise. The eight-way electric-adjustable driver's seat allows the driver to get comfortable easily, despite the steering column being only tilt-adjustable. Some control knobs are fiddly to use, but overall the ergonomics are well-sorted.
Quality + Reliability
Using a dashboard architecture that is almost identical to the Ssangyong Kyron's, the 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports also carried over the quality materials, most notably the abundance of soft plastics, and the high build standards, which can be seen from the solid fit-and-finish. The Ssangyong brand has a decent reputation for mechanical reliability, and the Mercedes-Benz-sourced engine should add some assurance.
Performance
Compared to the 2.5-litre engines used in rivals, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel may be smaller in capacity, but the output is certainly competitive, producing 140 bhp and 310 Nm. A choice of either a five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic gearbox is available. The engine is refined and smooth, but acceleration is blunted by the 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports' hefty weight. At least the six-speed automatic gearbox reacts to throttle inputs instantly, unlike the previous lethargic four-speed automatic gearbox.
Roominess
The 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports can carry five with ease, seating three at the back with generous headroom and adequate legroom. The cargo bed may be shorter than rivals', but compensates by being wider and deeper than what the Mitsubishi Triton and Ford Ranger provide.
Running Costs
Fuel economy for the manual and automatic variants stands at 12.5 km/litre and 11.5 km/litre respectively. Servicing and repair costs should be reasonable. Depreciation is higher than most rivals' however, as the Ssangyong brand is relatively new and unestablished in Malaysia, although the Actyon Sports' excellent equipment count should help in supporting the resale prices.
Value for Money
The 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports is well-priced, and brings along ground-breaking design quirkiness and plenty of equipment. In addition, the Ssangyong Actyon Sports claims a number of firsts: the first truck to use a six-speed automatic gearbox, the first truck to have a 2.0-litre engine, and the first truck to use coil spring rear suspension. But overall, the 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports is not compelling enough, performing no more than average in most areas against competition.
Equipment
This is where the 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports excels by providing a long equipment list. Standard equipment includes climate control, remote keyless entry, electric folding exterior mirrors, leather steering wheel, 8-way electric driver's seat, radio and CD player, steering wheel audio controls, 16" alloy wheels, front fog lamps, and parking sensors. Safety equipments include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Differential) and dual front airbags with seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Environment
The 2011 Ssangyong Actyon Sports manual and automatic variants emit 203 grams/km and 221 grams/km respectively—poor numbers for a 2.0-litre diesel engine, but then again rivals with 2.5-litre engines do not fare that much better. Environmentalists should cross trucks, along with SUVs, off their shopping lists.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Quality cabin
Seat five with ease
Long equipment list
Quirky design
Unsettled ride
Slow acceleration
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