The Ssanygong Actyon is a car you would remember for its design. Not because it is seductive but because it is shocking.
The compact SUV's complicated front fascia cries for a complete revamp and that is thankfully what Ssangyong is working on now. The test mule of the facelifted car has already surfaced on Chinese roads.
From the test mule, it can be ascertained that the Actyon's new front fascia derives heavy inspiration from that of the Korando Sports pickup. The grill and the headlamps are direct carryovers. The test mule's got camouflage in the rear too implying that there could be a minor change.
[Left - Original Ssangyong Actyon; Right - Ssangyong Korando Sports pickup]
The compact SUV is expected to be available with two diesel engines. The homegrown 2.2 litre diesel engine is available with different states of tune and also powers the Ssangyong Korando C. The other engine is familiar to us as it powers the Ssangyong Rexton - the Mercedes derived 2.7-litre 5 cylinder engine. However, it is unclear as to what will power the Chinese spec model since diesel powered passenger cars are regarded with contempt in that part of the world.
The facelift would go a long way in making the Ssangyong Actyon appealing since it is a far cry from the original design. Ssangyong is slowly moving away from oddball designs towards the easy-on-the-eyes type and its a good sign for the future.
The facelifted Ssangyong Actyon is expected to be launched in China towards the end of 2013.
[Source: Auto.ifeng.com]
