My first look at Ssangyong's Actyon Sport sparked the thought: Now here's a bunch of people that are bold and innovative, this drive is going to be fun. Fun like jumping in a pit filled with rabid terriers, it turns out.
The Actyon has a striking front that is marked by a sloped, tapering bonnet that overhangs a menacing mouth marked by a deeply inset grille. It evokes strong emotions from everyone; they either love it or hate it. It's a design that is never to be defined as mediocre.
The cabin is comfortable and spacious in the front, though there's not too much legroom in the rear, evidenced by comments from every single passenger - including the kids. Driver's seat can be adjusted in just about every direction to suit body sizes both big and small. Finishes are neat and relatively low-key in matte black plastics and textiles.
The fascia, radio/CD, climate controls and instrument cluster are well laid out and all very easy to read. No surprise functions or novelty knobs but everything is intuitive to use and works crisply. The radio can be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel but they're uncomfortably located low down around the four and seven-o-clock position.
There's no tonneau cover yet available for the 1.6 x 1.2 x 0.5m box that can handle a 620kg load; it would increase the Actyon's appeal for grocery shopping or taking a load out in the rain.
It's sad, then, that its brilliant looks (yes, I love it's unique lines) and handsome interior styling belie engineering that feels like it was hauled out of an early 1980'ss bakkie.
Push and pray acceleration
The performance of its two-litre, Mercedes-sourced diesel engine with a claimed output of 104kw at 4000rpm and 310Nm of torque at 2750rpm is sadly let down by lag from the electronically controlled turbo. Overtaking is a gamble and it's best to wait for wide-open gaps, floor the accelerator and hope that the Actyon's power band strikes before an approaching vehicle does.
Driving at less than 40km/h or with the revs under 2000rpm brings out a jerky throttle response and it's evident that this bakkie is more comfortable working with the engine roaring away or cruising at 60km/h or above.
At least this power delivery - jerky as it may be at times - does come to good use with the Actyon's drive. Power to the 225/75 tyres wrapped around 16:" alloys can be switched on the fly from two-high to four-high or four-low and make this bakkie perform like a proper 4x4 off-road.
Keeps on rolling
Once you've applied all this power to the wheels you sooner or later come round to the problem of slowing down the 2.7-ton bulk and it's a hair-raising affair with spongy brakes that lack real bite.
There's also plenty of wallow through corners and over bumps - big or small - and the Actyon will rock gently when buffeted by the slipstream of a passing truck. This bakkie is desperately in need of a firmer ride even if it has to come at the expense of general passenger comfort.
The Actyon's bulk itself is terrifying to negotiate through heavy traffic, tight turns and narrow roads as the steering response makes it feel that the vehicle is headed in the approximate - but not precise - direction of the wheels.
The body falls just short of five metres in length and the back end often looms out from parking spots. The side mirrors are the perfect height for dislocating the shoulders of errant pedestrians or removing the window trim from the vehicle of other terrified drivers who try desperately at the same time to stay on the road and avoid being crushed by the looming Actyon.
This is the first vehicle where passengers have admitted they at times felt terrified and assured me it had nothing to do with my driving. In fact, I may get a call from our local parish soon, as while driving this bakkie I've put in enough prayer to ensure the salvation of my neighbourhood.
Prices:
The Ssanyong Actyon Sports comes with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and three-year or 60 000km maintenance plan
Actyon 4x2 - R239 995
Actyon 4x4 -R 274 995