The SsangYong Actyon Sports (facelifted in 2012) 200 CDI 4WD Automatic represents a mid-cycle refresh of SsangYong’s entry into the compact pickup truck segment. Produced from 2012 to 2016, this variant aimed to offer a blend of practicality, four-wheel-drive capability, and relative affordability, primarily targeting buyers in Europe and other markets where compact pickups were popular. It was positioned as a workhorse vehicle, appealing to those needing a versatile vehicle for both commercial and recreational purposes. The facelift brought styling updates and refinements to the original Actyon Sports, attempting to broaden its appeal. This particular 200 CDI configuration, with its diesel engine and automatic transmission, occupied a middle ground within the Actyon Sports lineup, offering a balance between performance and ease of use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SsangYong |
| Model | Actyon |
| Generation | Actyon Sports (facelift 2012) |
| Type | 200 CDI (141 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.1 l/100 km (21.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 230 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 141 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 1800-2700 rpm (228.64 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | D20DTF |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.2 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.6 mm (3.37 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.5 l (8.98 US qt | 7.48 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1934-1986 kg (4263.74 – 4378.38 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2740 kg (6040.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 754-806 kg (1662.29 – 1776.93 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load (braked) | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (unbraked) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4965 mm (195.47 in.) |
| Width | 1900 mm (74.8 in.) |
| Height | 1755 mm (69.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3060 mm (120.47 in.) |
| Front track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Rear track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Front overhang | 850 mm (33.46 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1055 mm (41.54 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 190 mm (7.48 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.4 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 25.7° |
| Departure angle | 23.6° |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 225/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.0J x 16 |
INTRODUCTION
The 2012 facelift of the SsangYong Actyon Sports, specifically the 200 CDI 4WD Automatic, represented SsangYong’s attempt to refine and modernize its pickup offering. Built on the Actyon platform, this vehicle aimed to provide a practical and capable vehicle for both work and leisure. The facelift included revised front-end styling, interior enhancements, and improvements to the vehicle’s overall refinement. The 200 CDI engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel, was a key component of this variant, offering a balance of power and fuel efficiency. The inclusion of a six-speed automatic transmission further broadened its appeal to buyers seeking convenience and ease of driving.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Actyon Sports 200 CDI Automatic lies the D20DTF engine, a 1998cc inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The D20DTF is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, boosting power output to 141 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 310 Nm (228.64 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1800 and 2700 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to efficient valve control. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from an external supplier, was designed to provide smooth and responsive gear changes. While not known for being the most advanced automatic on the market, it offered a user-friendly driving experience, particularly in urban and off-road conditions. The engine’s longitudinal mounting allowed for a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout with selectable four-wheel drive.
Driving Characteristics
The Actyon Sports 200 CDI Automatic offered a competent, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. The 141 hp engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and moderate loads. However, it wasn’t as quick or responsive as some of its competitors with larger displacement engines. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could sometimes feel hesitant during downshifts. The 4WD system provided enhanced traction in slippery conditions, making it suitable for light off-road use. The suspension, tuned for both on-road comfort and load-carrying capability, offered a reasonably comfortable ride, although it could feel somewhat bouncy when unladen. Compared to manual transmission versions of the same engine, the automatic offered less driver engagement but greater convenience. Higher-output versions of the Actyon Sports, such as those equipped with a more powerful diesel engine, provided significantly more performance but at the cost of fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 200 CDI Automatic trim level typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features included ABS brakes, airbags, and a basic stability control system. Higher trim levels offered additional features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a sunroof, and a more advanced audio system. The interior design was functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. The dashboard layout was straightforward, with clearly labeled controls. Optional extras included a navigation system, parking sensors, and alloy wheels.
Chassis & Braking
The Actyon Sports utilized a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable chassis. The front suspension featured a double wishbone setup, while the rear suspension employed an independent multi-link design. This configuration aimed to balance ride comfort with load-carrying capacity. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering system was a rack and pinion type with hydraulic power assistance, providing reasonably precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The SsangYong Actyon Sports 200 CDI Automatic received mixed reviews from automotive critics. It was generally praised for its practicality, four-wheel-drive capability, and competitive pricing. However, it was often criticized for its relatively unrefined engine, somewhat dated interior, and less-than-stellar fuel economy compared to some of its rivals. Compared to other compact pickups in the European market, such as the Mitsubishi L200 or the Toyota Hilux, the Actyon Sports offered a more affordable entry point but lacked the same level of refinement and brand recognition. The 200 CDI Automatic variant offered a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, but it wasn’t as economical as some of the lower-powered diesel options available.
Legacy
The SsangYong Actyon Sports 200 CDI Automatic, while not a mainstream success, established SsangYong as a player in the European pickup truck market. The D20DTF engine proved to be reasonably reliable, although regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues with the turbocharger and fuel injection system. In the used car market, these vehicles are often available at attractive prices, making them a potentially good value for buyers seeking a practical and capable pickup truck. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle’s age and mileage and should thoroughly inspect it for any signs of wear and tear. The Actyon Sports paved the way for SsangYong’s later pickup truck models, such as the Musso, which have benefited from improved refinement and technology.
