When the car first appeared on the Russian market. Almost two months later, we got this car for a test drive.

Let's say right away: the car turned out to be interesting precisely within the framework of the SsangYong philosophy, because before under this Korean brand we were used to seeing only frame cars. They had many fans, their own merits, but as Sergei Shnurov says about one musical group: "Time Machine" is stuck in time. The same applies to Koreans.

The new Action is a completely different matter. This is a promising product that will be able to compete for a place in the sun both in Europe and in Russia. It fits perfectly into the paradigm of modern automotive values. Moreover, now we can say that SsangYong has grown to the level at which it is customary to "nurture adepts." In other words, the fans of this brand will henceforth change the car, remaining within the framework of the previous brand. They now have something to change to!

What modern automotive values ​​are present in Aktion?

First, efficient diesel (and, in the long term, gasoline) engines. So far in the arsenal of the crossover there are only diesels (with a capacity of 149 and 175 hp). We had a chance to test a more powerful modification. I liked the motor more than. In combination with a manual transmission, it always leaves a headroom underfoot, remaining dynamic, elastic and responsive.

Secondly, the load-bearing body. It allows you to reduce the cost of car production, makes it more affordable to maintain and more practical. Of course, someone will argue that frame bodies are an inexhaustible margin of safety and time-tested geometry. But, on the other hand, why, then, even such a master of the world of frame all-terrain vehicles, like the Nissan Patrol, in the new generation is also a crossover? And is there any need to worry: Action is still the same tall (albeit lower than its predecessor), it has short overhangs - the very thing to periodically move off the road. Even the high-profile rubber has been preserved, although an 18-inch "molding" is optionally offered for the sake of fashion. The excellent thoughtfulness of the body structure is also impressive. So, almost the entire front end is plastic - the bumper ends almost at the level of the window line. This means that there are no corrosion and chips that are inevitable in Russian realities.

A separate topic is the heritage of Mercedes-Benz. It is known that these two brands are long-term partners. The Germans also had a hand in the development of new Aktions. Times have changed: before, Koreans were proud of this fact, but now they speak very reluctantly and even hide. But in vain. After all, this is just the example when the partnership brought the results that were expected of it. SsangYong is indeed successfully integrating into Europe. For example, even the design for a promising newcomer was developed by an Italian design bureau. It turned out not bad, because if we recall the old Action, then its design was just very much an amateur. In this case, the car is neutral in an amicable way.

Acquaintance begins with the first kilometers of St. Petersburg traffic jams. There can be no talk of any frisky driving - you need to actively work with the gearshift lever. At first glance, the box is far from ideal - the moves are indistinct, at times, even when the clutch is fully released, the lever does not want to get into the desired position. I must say, it did not work out to fully adapt to the switching. But when the traffic had dissipated, it was possible to feel the potential of the diesel engine. The receiver is what you need! I also liked the brakes - moderately informative and clearly with a margin.

In general, if we recall the former Aktion, then it constantly “floated” along the road, and the huge light and “empty” steering wheel made more than three turns, which was clearly incapable of active rearrangements. In the new crossover, the lack of a frame is already felt from the first metro track - the car seemed to have lost excess weight and now feels in optimal shape. Special thanks to the variable-force electric booster (instead of the previous hydraulic booster), which made it possible to reduce the number of revolutions and make the steering wheel more informative. Moreover, with an increase in speed, the steering wheel is filled with adequate effort, and does not empty, as before.

The reasons for better on-the-go behavior are overwhelming. Immediately I will name a fully independent suspension (plus for comfort), a multi-link (plus for stability), a lower center of gravity. The new Aktion is shorter and lower than its predecessor, it is 400 kg lighter, and its front and rear track are wider. In general, pure arithmetic!

Getting used to taxiing a new car, I somehow even forgot that I had moved into a crossover. It seems to be unusually high, and the landing is completely different than in a passenger car, but there are no "cargo" sensations either. After some time, I remembered that the car was assembled in Russia, in the Far East. A big bargaining chip in terms of price positioning, but a common disadvantage in terms of build quality and fit of parts. But there is nothing to complain about!

Another curious moment is the interior space. Despite the smaller wheelbase than its predecessor, Aktion, as was one of the leaders in this class, has remained. There is plenty of space in the back, and the flat floor and the ability to adjust the angle of the rear backrest make the life of the rear passengers fun and carefree. At least for the duration of the trip.

And what about off-road? By the way, the former Aktion was not a serious all-terrain vehicle - no differential locks were provided for it at all, and a reduced range was offered only for engines with a gasoline engine paired with an automatic transmission. It was believed that a high-torque diesel engine will pull out anyway. Now, electronics have replaced the old old-school schemes (rear-wheel drive and mechanically connected front end). The car is front-wheel drive by default - the clutch itself transfers the moment to the rear wheels. There is an imitation of differential locks (again, electronics) - you can activate it manually.

Long suspension travels, a continuous bridge and a reliable frame structure made the former Aktion impenetrable in its native element - broken dirt roads. Of course, at a speed of 40 km / h there was no smell of comfort - but this car was not created for comfort. The new Aktion provides the necessary level of comfort as long as you can drive at all without killing the suspension. But thanks to the new transmission, the crossover feels on muddy muddy roads with deep ruts and soggy soil even better than its predecessor. The explanation for this is, again, in the design. A rear-wheel drive car isn't built for this kind of environment, while electronics do a lot. Within certain limits, of course!

In a word, the new Aktion is both "yours and ours". We are forced to admit: the first crossover performed by SsangYong turned out to be quite decent, and how it will show itself during operation - only time will tell.

By the way, another feature of the new car, which I personally like very much: it does not try to "puff" and be what it is not. Yes, off-road, he will fold in front of the Grand Vitara. But on the asphalt it is almost better to move on it than on the reference for the Qashqai class, which has long doomed everyone to be compared with itself. Well, the fact that the Aktion is assembled is both sturdier and better than the Sportage is not a compliment, but a statement of fact. But the latter is not going just in Russia.

Information SsangYong New Action 2.0 D (175 HP)

The basic configuration will cost 799,000 rubles, and the top version will cost 1,199,000 rubles. SsangYong New Actyon will be produced at the Sollers Far East plant, where it is planned to produce up to 10,000 of these machines per year.

Options and prices SsangYong New Actyon *

Equipment	Original	Original	Elegance	Elegance +	Elegance + AT 4WD	AT 4 WD	AT4 WD*
Cost, rub.
Climate control
Electric power steering
Heated front seats
Leather seat upholstery
Rain sensor
Alloy wheels
Fog lights
Power driver's seat
CD / MP3 audio system

* SsangYong New Actyon is equipped with a 2-liter turbo diesel with a capacity of 149 or 175 hp. With. The buyer can choose from a car with a 2WD drive, transmitting 100% of the torque to the front axle, or 4WD, in which the torque is distributed in a 50: 50 ratio.

Exploitation

The cost of TO-1 - from 6,500 rubles

The cost of TO-2 - from 12,500 rubles

The cost of TO-3 - from 20,500 rubles

CASCO cost - from 38,710 rubles

The cost of compulsory motor third party liability insurance - from 3 707 rubles

Transport tax per year - 8 750 rubles

• Warranty period - 2 years

  Specifications SsangYong New Action 2.0 D AT

Number of doors / seats
Length, mm
Width, mm
Height, mm
Trunk volume, l.
Engine, volume, cc cm.	Diesel, 1998
Power, h.p.
Torque, Nm at rpm min.
Acceleration dynamics to 100 km / h, sec.
Maximum speed, km / h
Transmission	Automatic six-speed
Fuel consumption, l.
Fuel tank capacity, l.

OJSC Severstal-auto, the official importer and manufacturer of SsangYong in Russia, announces the start of production of a new mid-size SUV SsangYong Kyron. The car will appear in the showrooms of official dealers at the end of August 2007.

Thanks to new design solutions for the front and rear of the body, Kyron has almost completely changed its image. Updated body geometry, completely redesigned headlights and taillights, an exquisite false grille, new bumpers, as well as other exterior changes made the new SsangYong Kyron more elegant and gave the car an individual urban chic.

Initially, the new Kyron will be delivered to dealerships with a 2.3 liter petrol engine (150 hp, produced under license from Mercedes-Benz), which can be aggregated with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The transmission of the SUV is equipped with a part-time 4WD system, which has an up and down range of gears.

Equipped with modern active safety systems: anti-lock braking system - ABC, stabilization and directional stability system - ESP (including rollover prevention system - ARP and auxiliary braking system - BAS), downhill assist system - HDC, in conjunction with a super-rigid steel frame, frontal and side airbags, precise steering, the new Kyron is the safest among midsize SUVs.

What's more, the proven suspension, with independent front double wishbone and multi-link rear axle, gives the new SsangYong Kyron reliable handling on all types of road surfaces. This ratio represents the best compromise between off-road capability, precise handling and high vehicle reliability.

There are not so many serious changes in the interior - they can be compared with the light strokes of the master, giving the finished look to the student's work. With the help of minor modifications, the car designers have created a cozy and respectable atmosphere inside the SUV, while maintaining the verified ergonomics of the interior. So, the color of the backlight of the dashboard and the screen of the climate control system has been changed - the green color has given way to amber, which is more pleasing to the eyes. The overall tone of the interior trim has been updated, and the neutral gray color has been replaced with a stricter black. Small changes were made to the design of the center console.

Having a rich package and excellent technical characteristics, the cost of the basic version of the novelty is 802 thousand rubles, and in the maximum configuration, the 2.3 model with an automatic transmission will cost 977 thousand rubles. With its attractive design, excellent price-performance ratio, spaciousness and versatility, the new SUV is expected to become SsangYong's bestseller in Russia. By the end of 2007, more than 80 authorized dealers will be engaged in its sale and service support.

SsangYong Motor Company is a South Korean auto (passenger car) manufacturer headquartered in Seoul. Sang Yong in Russian means "two dragons", the company ranks third among Korean automakers in terms of the number of cars sold.

The official date of foundation of the history of the SsangYong company is considered to be October 1954, at the time of its appearance the company received the name Hadonghwan Motor Company. The first products of the automaker were licensed Willys (army off-road vehicles) supplied to the South Korean army. Thanks to the constant orders of the military, the Sanyeng company (there are still transcriptions of Sang Yong, Sangeng or Ssangyong) quickly achieved financial success and gradually expanded the range of manufactured equipment. In the 60-70s, the company managed to launch the production of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles.

In 1967, through partnership with Shinjin jeep Motor Co., Ltd. contracts are concluded for the supply of buses to Vietnam.

1974, Hadonghwan Motor Company becomes co-owner of Motor Shinjin jeep.
In 1976 the company changes its name to Dong-A Motor. Development of new off-road vehicles designed to carry 4-6 people using diesel engines is underway.
In 1979, a new car assembly plant was opened in the city of Pyeongtek.
1983 purchase of the Korando trademark from Geohwa Co., Ltd followed by the takeover of Geohwa.

In 1986, Dong-A Motor came under the control of Ssangyong Business Group, and in 1988 it received its current name SsangYong Motor. The Korando Family appears in the lineup - created on the platform of the Japanese Isuzu Trooper.
In 1991, SsangYong enterprises entered into a technical cooperation agreement with Mercedes-Benz AG (development of new gasoline engines).
In 1993 Mercedes-Benz AG became one of the main shareholders of Ssang Yong Motors, the second co-owner is the Chinese company SAIC Motor. Mercedes AG and Sanyeng Motors join the technical union. At this point in the history of Sang Yong, all cars are produced under the supervision of Mercedes-Benz representatives.

SsangYong cars use engines, gearboxes and many of the design solutions and technologies of the German automotive giant. The launch of the SsangYong Musso SUV.

In 1995, sales of Korean Sang Yong cars began in Europe, the Istana model became the first-born - an exact copy of the Mercedes-Benz MB 100 minibus, produced from 1988 to 1995.
In 1996, a new Korando appears, the company certifies its products according to international ISO standards.
In 1997, the Chairman executive sedan, based on the Mercedes-Benz W124, appears in the Sanyeng lineup.
In 1998, the company came under the control of the Daewoo Group, but not for long. Two years later, in 2000, Ssang Yong was again an independent structure.
In 2001, the production of the off-road novelty Rexton starts.

In 2002, the SsangYong Musso Sports pickup was launched into serial production.
2003 saw the introduction of the new generation Chairman sedan and Rodius minivan with a controversial design.
The SsangYong Kyron SUV debuts in 2005.
In 2006, another novelty by Sang Yong Actyon.

In 2008, the premiere show of the first crossover in the SsangYong lineup - the C200 Concept (only two years later, after changing the name to Korando, the car will reach buyers). In the same year, the company's management declares bankruptcy, after the restructuring, the company was put up for sale. On August 12, 2012 SsangYong Motor was acquired by the Indian concern Mahindra & Mahindra Limited.
The production of Sanyeng SUVs for Russian buyers is carried out at the Sollers factories in Naberezhnye Chelny and Vladivostok.

Today in Russia and the CIS countries Ssang Yong cars are in steady demand. The following models of the Korean-Indian manufacturer are available in Russian car dealerships: Actyon, Kyron, Rexton and Actyon Sport pickup.
Korando (twin of the Russian Actyon), Actyon and Actyon Sports, New Actyon Sports, New Kyron and Rexton II are available to Ukrainian buyers. Perhaps in the near future, the SsangYong executive sedans will be added to the Korean SUVs sold in the post-Soviet space.

SsangYong Kyron is a South Korean crossover. The car has been produced since 2005. Initially, for the Russian market, Chiron was assembled in Naberezhnye Chelny, and since December 2009 - in Vladivostok (this was the first model of the new enterprise "Sollers - Far East").

It is not by chance that Kyron got its "off-road roots", because working with off-road vehicles, one might say, is in the blood of SsangYong. Even during the war between North and South Korea, the Donghwan Motor company appeared, which was engaged in the production of military off-road vehicles. A couple of years later, the company changed its name to SsangYong and continued to engage in the automotive industry, but this time civil. Gradually, she began to buy up other Korean companies, creating an automobile monopoly. The first civilian SUV of the SsangYong concern was the Korando Family, which had. This detail was subsequently adopted by Kyron.

Partly the predecessor of Kyron, designed by Ken Greenlee (who also designed Kyron). In addition, a licensed Mercedes-Benz engine was installed on Musso for the first time, which later migrated to Kyron. However, Musso is a full-fledged SUV, and Chiron was created primarily as an urban crossover. A platform for it, which has been produced since 2001 (the Rexton itself is built on the basis of the Mercedes-Benz M-class).

A year after Kyron's debut, the SsangYong Actyon went on sale. These two cars are classmates and differ only in body and interior design. SsangYong Actyon was produced from 2006 to 2011, but its production was closed due to increased demand for Chiron. However, Kyron was not destined to remain alone. In the same year, 2011, at the facilities of the Far East plant "Sollers" the production of Kyron's brother in the class - the updated SsangYong New Actyon - was resumed.

Technical features

The car body has a frame structure, which provides many advantages. The frame is made of high-strength metal, adds weight to the car, thereby eliminating vibrations inside the cabin while driving. In addition, in the event of a collision, the body is seriously protected from deformation.

Another plus to the off-road performance of the car is the design of the fenders. SsangYong engineers managed to design them in such a way that even when driving through mud, Kyron's glasses are reliably protected and remain clean.

In the Russian market, a 2.3-liter gasoline engine is offered for the crossover, as well as a 2.0-liter turbodiesel - the special pride of the "Korean" inherited from Mercedes. In other markets, the diesel Kyron is also found in a 2.7-liter version.

Ken Greenlee, Kyron's designer, admitted that when creating the first version of the car, he was too carried away by the culture of the Middle Ages. As a result, the interior received a lot of roundness in the design of the devices, and the handle of the "handbrake" was generally similar to the hilt of a sword. Such a non-standard appearance of Kyron seemed to the company's marketers too provocative, and she was "reassured" by means of restyling.

Initially, Chiron was assembled at a plant in Naberezhnye Chelny, where Oka's car was produced at the same time.

In any, even the richest Kyron configuration, there is no head unit. Its installation will have to be dealt with by the dealer or the owner on their own.

Pros and cons

In fact, the closest rival of the Korean crossover can be considered the Suzuki Grand Vitara. With similar dimensions, Chiron boasts a more spacious interior and the ability to adjust the steering wheel for departure (the absence of this adjustment on the Grand Vitara is a paradox for which there is no explanation).

Another plus in Kyron's piggy bank is a large trunk volume, which can be increased by folding the rear seats (up to 1,085 liters).

Among the minuses, we can highlight the lack of assistance mode on Chiron when descending from the mountain, which is a characteristic feature of any modern SUV.

Finally, a completely unexpected drawback is the cost of car maintenance in Russia. Despite its Korean origin, prices from official dealers are not at all "Korean".

In general, SsangYong Kyron and Suzuki Grand Vitara are cars of different specifics. Chiron offers the owner confident traction at low revs (in the diesel version), comfort and reliability even off-road. In turn, Vitara is a more nimble car, it shakes and you feel the passage of every bump, which adds drive during a country trip.

The target audience

SsangYong Kyron – this is the choice of lovers of comfortable movement around the city and regular picnics in the countryside. Moderately powerful, reliable and roomy, it is perfect for a small family. In addition, do not forget that Kyron is the flagship of the SsangYong line for a very reasonable price.

Awards and numbers

In 2006, the British magazine 4x4 included the SsangYong Kyron in the list of the best SUVs of the year. The car was in 6th position with a result of 29 points (for comparison, the winner of the Jeep Commander - 39).

In 2007, Chiron was included in the list of contenders for the title of "Car of the Year" in Europe, however, he did not reach the final, and even more so, until the victory.

On March 25, 2010, the Sollers - Far East plant solemnly celebrated the thousandth Kyron that rolled off the assembly line. In total, 1548 SsangYong Kyron cars were sold in Russia in 2010.

In Russia, SsangYong Kyron was received quite warmly. Against the background of competitors, it stood out for its very moderate cost. And assembly at the Sollers factories in Naberezhnye Chelny (since the end of 2006) and Vladivostok (since 2010) only strengthened its success in the market. Customers were impressed by the powerful off-road potential of the "Korean". Four-wheel drive is implemented according to the Part Time system, without an center differential. Under normal driving conditions, the torque drives the rear wheels (2H mode), and on off-road or slippery surfaces, the front axle is rigidly connected (4H mode). It can be used at speeds up to 80 km / h. Off the road, a downshift (4L mode) and a rear limited-slip differential help out.

The finishing materials are of good quality, the assembly is neat. But interior design is not for everybody.

The Russian Kyrons are generously equipped. In the basic Original version, the all-wheel drive SUV (there are also rear-wheel drive versions) comes with ABS and EBD, air conditioning, two airbags, foglights and heated front seats, electric windows and mirrors, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Comfort version is complemented by climate control, a 2DIN audio system with CD / MP3 player and roof rails. The expensive versions of Comfort +, Elegance and Luxury were equipped with an ESP stabilization system and four airbags. And the richest versions of Elegance and Luxury sport a leather interior and electrically adjustable front seats. The Luxury also has a sunroof and a heated rear sofa.

Engine

Chassis and body

In the front spring suspension, both upper and lower ball joints (1300 rubles each) are weak, which sometimes did not take care of even 10 thousand km. Reinforced parts serve up to 50 thousand km. After two or three years, as a rule, the rear springs sag (2200 rubles each) - the front springs from Rexton or the rear ones from the Chevy-Niva fit. There were cases of rear axle breakage (68,000 rubles) after 50,000 km. In the steering, tips are short-lived (1300 rubles each). The rail itself is considered non-repairable. But unofficials can tighten the washers and replace the seals for 3000 rubles. - enough for 20-30 thousand km. And by 50 thousand km, the steering shaft cardan is loosened (from 3500 rubles). The vacuum brake booster refused, but after 2009 a valve with a filter was installed in the system, and the problem went away.

The body and its paintwork are strong. But on cars produced in 2008-2009, a crack appeared on the left front fender due to weakening of the metal in the welding zone with the bracket on which the battery is installed. The folding mechanism of the side mirrors often fails (from 7500 rubles). The seat heating "spiral" burns out. Approximately once a month, low beam lamps (60-200 rubles) and dimensions are lit.

From debut to restyling

Just two years after the release of the model, in 2007, the Koreans modernized the SsangYong Kyron. However, this is not surprising. The design of the debutant was perceived too defiantly. On the updated car, three horizontal slots under the headlights were abolished, and the radiator grille was enlarged and decorated in the style of Mercedes-Benz. Installed a different bumper. Round foglights gave way to rectangular-oblong ones, and instead of taillights in the form of knightly shields, more traditional ones appeared. The salon remained practically unchanged - only the center console was trimmed with carbon-like inserts. But in the range of engines there appeared a petrol "four" of 2.3 liters (150 hp) and a 4-band automatic transmission.

Verdict

editor:

- When buying a used Kyron, I wish you got a technically sound and problem-free copy in the future, since there is a high probability of buying a pig in a poke. You understand - a lottery. Therefore, you need to protect yourself from troubles as much as possible. For which we recommend a complete diagnosis. And you shouldn't contact the official service. Statistics show that the most competent masters and diagnosticians of SsangYong work at specialized service stations. And there is no need to be afraid of repair or replacement of units by the first owner. The main thing is that the work is done with high quality, because the shell does not hit the same funnel twice.