SSANGYONG has launched its new Actyon Sports dual-cab ute in Australia, offering improved performance, greater load-carrying capacity and more standard equipment than the previous Musso Sports ute.

Sharing major components with the Actyon SUV, the Sports ute comes in crew-cab configuration only with a mid-sized tray. It runs a lengthened version of the Actyon SUV’s ladder-frame chassis and uses the same suspension system made up of coil springs all round with a double wishbone front and solid rear axle.

The working-class ute uses the same Mercedes-based 104kW/310Nm 2.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel as its SUV sibling – and represents a marked improvement over the Musso Sports, with an extra 16kW of power and 56Nm of torque. Fuel economy has also improved with the combined consumption figure dropping by 0.8L/100km to 8.0L/100km (ADR 81/01) for the base 4x2 manual.

The Sports is priced from $29,990 for the 4x2 manual, while the better-equipped Limited starts from $36,990. The entry 4x4 model starts from $32,990, while the 4x4 Limited is priced from $39,990. As with the Actyon SUV, the ute is fitted standard with a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic is available for an extra $2000.

The 4WD system is also the same as the SUV, which means it has a centre-locking differential, low-range gearing and a rear limited-slip differential.

The Actyon Sports features a load tray which is 1275mm long, 1600mm wide and 525mm wide – adding up to 20 per cent more space than the Musso Sports.

SsangYong Australia is offering an optional 1900mm-long aluminium tray for an extra $1650.

The load capacity for the Actyon Sports has also increased by more than 200kg compared to the Musso, to a total of 830kg, while the braked towing capacity has increased to 2300kg.

The previous Musso ute came with just one airbag (for the driver), while the Actyon Sport is equipped standard with a driver and passenger airbag. ABS is still not a standard item on the base model, but can be added for $1500. The base model uses disc brakes for the front and drum brakes for the rear, while the Limited is fitted with discs all round.

Equipment across the range includes a full-size spare wheel and durable plastic tray liner. The “Standard” model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, front and rear foglights, electric windows and mirrors, a CD sound system and climate-control air-conditioning.

The Limited runs 18-inch alloy wheels and adds electrically adjustable (and heated) front seats, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

SsangYong Australia expects to sell 1000 Actyon Sports before the end of the year, while also moving 500 run-out Musso Sports models.