2025 KGM Ssangyong Rexton Reviews

After entering administration four years ago, scoring a new owner – KG Mobility – in 2022 and launching a rebrand last year, nothing appears to be off the table for KGM SsangYong.

Details of KGM SsangYong’s incoming small Musso electric ute have been leaked in a certification filing to the Korean Ministry of Environment.

KGM will kick off the compact ute segment in Australia after confirming plans to launch its upcoming electric ute locally.

The other, other Korean brand has never made much of a dent in Australia, but with new owners, the marque now known as KGM SsangYong is hoping to change that. The tough-looking Torres medium SUV is the first in a wave of new product coming, but can it hold the Chinese brands at bay and keep pace with its Hyundai and Kia compatriots? Chesto puts it to the long-term test to find out.

KGM Ssangyong’s SUV line-up is set to grow again in Australia, with the brand’s local division confirming the upper mid-sized Actyon is headed our way.Returning 14 years after the original Actyon SUV was axed in Australia, the reinvigorated model will arrive as a competitor to the Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda CR-V, with an estimated starting price of circa $40,000, drive-away.It shares similar dimensions to both its Japanese rivals at 4740mm long, 1910mm wide, 1680mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2680mm. However, it remains to be seen whether it replicates both models with the option of seven seats.We do know the Actyon will ride on the same platform as the recently released Torres, sharing its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that sends 120kW/280Nm to either the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic.It replaces the Torres’ rugged looks for more premium two-tone styling, adopting a more rakish design that gives it a sportier impression.The Torres’ bulky grille is replaced by an LED lightbar, while thin LED light strips at the rear replace the Torres’ vertically-stacked clusters.It also loses the faux spare-tyre mount, adding a rear diffuser and ‘Actyon’ lettering instead that culminates in a rear third quarter reminiscent of a Range Rover Evoque.Inside, the Actyon adopts the same 12.3-inch dual-screen dashboard that includes multimedia and digital driver's display functions with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.There appears to be more premium-looking cabin materials with wood-look trims and quilted leather and suede upholstery adorning much of the cabin.Additional features like a 'Actyon' hologram projecting from the door panels, seat-back tray tables, a crystal gear shifter and 32-colour ambient lighting also up its luxury credentials.Safety features such as eight airbags, intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking, trailer-sway control, front and rear parking sensors and a suite of safety cameras will come standard.The Actyon will also be covered by KGM Ssangyong’s seven-year/unlimited km warranty once it arrives some time between April and June this year.A more detailed list of pricing and specifications is expected closer to then.

Many so-called “all-new” models aren’t all that new. In fact, a sizeable chunk are reskinned versions of what came before, with fresh sheetmetal over the same general hard points.

SsangYong, soon to be known as KGM SsangYong, could have a sleeper ute on sale in Australia next year.

Korean automaker SsangYong will rebrand to KGM SsangYong in Australia, heralding its new era with a brand-new SUV.

The Ssangyong Torres has appeared in Australian compliance documents ahead of its official release.

Is it the end of the line for the SsangYong name? Korean stalwart to undergo some changes as it launches into 2025 on the back foot against new Chinese rivals.