SsangYong Musso (2018)

At over 5 meters (5,095mm), the new SsangYong Musso is larger than its predecessor in every dimension and gives one of the largest cabin interiors in its class. The load bed is also longer (1,300mm), wider (1,570mm) and considerably deeper (570mm) that its forerunner, and easily takes a Euro pallet.

There are sporty fog lamps on all models, LED daytime running lights on the Saracen and Rhino, and stylish roof bars on the Rebel and Saracen.

The doors are designed to cover the sills along the lower part of the body to ensure passengers don't pick up dirt from the side of the vehicle when getting in and out, while black 18-inch wheels on the Saracen tell you this is no ordinary pick-up.

The load deck affords an extremely useful cargo area that is large enough to carry a 1 tonne payload and equipped as standard with a tough fitted load liner, a 12V/120W power outlet and rotating hooks to help strap-down loads such as tools and equipment.

Musso is available in an appealing array of colours: Grand white and metallics Indian red, Space black, Atlantic blue, Fine silver and Marble grey.

Interior design

Based on the new Rexton, the interior of the Musso is completely new and offers a very high standard of detailing, fit and finish. Perhaps unexpectedly for a utility vehicle, it brings a level of refinement and contemporary ambiance that's more akin to a premium SUV yet still feels robust and durable, complementing the exterior look of a pick-up.

Remarkably well equipped, there are three styles of seat upholstery including soft-textured nappa leather seats on top line models. Most models feature heated front seats which on the top models are also ventilated and electrically operated to make long journeys more pleasant whatever the temperature, together with a leather covered and heated steering wheel which will be greatly appreciated on a bitterly cold winter's morning.

With one of the most spacious interiors in its segment, the second row of seats is designed for three passengers to travel comfortably with class-leading leg and elbow room.

Powertrain

The new SsangYong Musso powertrain employs a 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by SsangYong, which delivers maximum power of 181PS and torque of 400Nm. This highly efficient, quiet and proven e-XDi220 engine delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start, and strong low-end torque typical of SsangYong power units.

Transmission is either a 6-speed manual, or optional Aisin 6-speed automatic as available on other SsangYong models and several other marques and noted for its smooth gear changing and durability.

The car's four-wheel drive system draws on SsangYong's years of experience in all-wheel-drive technology. For better efficiency and greater fuel economy, it features a selectable 4x4 system with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels, and front wheel drive dialed in electronically as required, with high and low ratios available as on and off-road conditions demand. The system includes hill descent control and hill start assist to provide optimum grip, traction and safety.

Starting with the truck's rigid body on frame construction and the fitment of eight body mounts and large rubber engine mounts, the Musso has also been carefully tuned by Pininfarina to ensure that the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels are excellent. Polyester wheel-arch linings reduce road noise so passengers can travel in comfort, the engine bay includes better sealing to improve sound, dust and waterproofing, while wind noise is reduced thanks to detailing such as fourfold door sealing and aerodynamically designed wiper blades.

SAFETY

With new technologies and features, the new SsangYong Musso ensures excellent levels of safety and includes six airbags on all models.

With the high-strength steel construction of its Quad-frame, the vehicle is stiffer than its competitors, achieved by using 1.5Gpa-grade ultra-strength steel - a world first, and featuring 79.2% high density steel. This not only gives greatly improved body strength but also reduced weight.

The pick-up also features impact absorbing elements in the steering wheel and steering column to minimise injuries from a frontal collision, while the structure and materials employed in the frontal area of the body are designed to improve pedestrian safety.

INFOTAINMENT & CONVENIENCE

All models feature an advanced infotainment system that includes DAB radio, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with the middle and top specification models, as does a rearview reversing camera. Everything is displayed on either an 8.0" screen or a 9.2" screen with Tom Tom navigation on the top models. Carbon nanotube front speakers, front door tweeters and rear door speakers are also fitted.

Other standard features include an adjustable tilt & telescopic steering wheel, electric windows, cruise control, central locking, air-conditioning with fine dust filters and a 12V/120W power outlet in the cargo deck area.

SsangYong Musso EX - £19,995 ex VAT

The EX offers the market-entry truck that is built for a hard day's work at an unbeatable price. It comes with 17" alloy wheels, a DAB audio/Bluetooth system, 6 airbags, electric windows, remote central locking that includes the tail gate, manual air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and a full sized spare wheel.

SsangYong Musso Rebel - £22,495 ex VAT

The Rebel builds on the EX specification, adding 18" alloy wheels, roof rails, floor mats, an 8" smart audio infotainment system with Google CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view reversing camera, leather-look seats, front seats that are both heated and ventilated, heated leather steering wheel, black side steps and Rebel graphics.

SsangYong Musso Saracen - £24,995 ex VAT

Adding a premium feel, Saracen is instantly recognisable with its 18" black alloy wheels, and adds nappa leather seats, power adjustable drivers and front passenger seats, heated rear seats, 9.2" screen with TomTom navigation, automatic projection headlamps and LED positioning lights, cruise control, metal front skid plate, bright finished tubular side steps, bright rear corner bars, bright finished mirrors and door handles and Saracen graphics.

SsangYong Musso Rhino - a limited edition including automatic and metallic paint - £28,495 ex VAT

With just 100 numbered trucks, Rhino is a really very special limited launch edition. Finished in either Indian red or metallic Space black, it features 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission, 20" black alloy wheels fitted with General Grabber all terrain tyres, a black front skid plate, black tubular side steps, black rear corner bars, black load deck bar with LED lights, dark tinted rear privacy glass, a numbered limited-edition plaque and Rhino graphics.

Option prices are: automatic transmission - £1,250 (ex VAT) & metallic paint - £430 (ex VAT).