MUCH-IMPROVED styling and a new engine with class-leading fuel economy are the key elements of the updated 2012 SsangYong Actyon Sports, the first batch of which arrived in Australian dealerships this week.

The Actyon 2WD manual has an average fuel consumption figure of 7.3 litres per 100km – down nine per cent over the outgoing model – and 192g/km CO2 emissions.

The figure pips the previous class-leader, Volkswagen’s entry-level Amarok 2WD 340TDI, which has a combined average fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km (and 194g/km CO2 emissions).

Meanwhile, the Actyon 2WD six-speed auto achieves an average of 7.6L/100km (CO2 emissions 201g/km), the 4WD manual 7.4L/100km (195g/km) and the 4WD auto 7.9L/100km (209g/km).

The freshened styling brings with it a far less polarising frontal grille design than the gaping, V-shaped nose found on the previous generation.

Like most SsangYong designs in the period from 1995 to 2007, the original Actyon Sports was designed by Englishman Ken Greenly, who also penned the equally controversial Musso and Stavic.

Gallery

Click to see larger images However, SsangYong relented on its controversial family styling with last year’s Korando small crossover, having commissioned renowned design house ItalDesign to pen its lines.

The Actyon Sport’s engine is a new development first used last year in the Korando. The e-XDi200 direct-injection 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, code-named D20DTR in the Actyon Sports, develops 114kW of power at 3400-4000rpm and 360Nm of torque at 1500-2800rpm, an improvement of 14kW and 50Nm respectively over the previous model.

The Korando version of this engine produces 15kW more power but shares an identical torque figure.

The D20DTR employs a variable geometry turbocharger and direct injection and has a compression ratio of 16.5:1. It also meets Euro 4emissions standards.

The six-speed automatic is a revised version of the Australian-developed and built DSI transmission that was introduced in the previous Actyon Sports in 2008, while the six-speed manual is a new unit.

The driveline is a carry-over from the previous model, with either the conventional rear-wheel drive model or the electronically engaged dual-range part-time four-wheel drive.

The dual cab’s tray is second only to Volkswagen Amarok, according to SsangYong, measuring 1275mm long, 525mm tall and 1600mm wide (1120mm between wheelarches). By comparison, the Volkswagen Amarok dual cab’s cargo area is 1525mm long, 508mm tall and 1620mm wide (1222mm between the wheelarches).

The chassis and suspension are carry-over items from the previous Actyon Sports. The separate chassis is suspended by coil struts at the front and – unique in the one-tonne dual cab class – coil-spring five-link live axle at the rear. The remainder of the class employs leaf springs, known for durability when load-carrying but lacking the ride comfort of coils.

Maximum load carrying ability does not appear to be the Actyon Sports’ forte, however, with a payload ranging from a below-average 705kg (4WD auto) to 727kg (2WD manual).

Towing capacity is a maximum of 2300kg and 230kg maximum ball load (dependent on load in the vehicle).

Other noteworthy changes for the 2012 update include a new dashboard with LED lighting and double-layer construction for improved noise suppression.

The 2012 Actyon Sports, like its predecessor, is only offered in dual cab pick-up form, with either 2WD or 4WD models and either manual or automatic transmission.

Three trim levels are available the Tradie, SX and SPR. The Tradie and SX are available in either 2WD or 4WD with standard manual transmission or optional automatic. The SPR is a 4WD, automatic-only proposition.

The base Tradie is equipped with air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power windows, AM/FM CD audio with MP3, USB and Aux ports, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, steering wheel mounted controls for telephone, audio and (optional) automatic gearshift, trip computer, heated, power side mirrors, driver’s seat lumbar support, front fog lights, dual front airbags and tray liner.

In addition, the SX features cruise control, leather steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS brakes, stability control, hill-start assist, traction control, rollover protection, EBD and brake assist.

The SPR builds on the SX features with climate control, leather seats (powered and heated for the front pair), rear parking sensors, power folding side mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirror, headlight levelling, 18-inch alloy wheels and auto-on headlights and wipers.