As Korea’s leading and only SUV and 4x4 specialist manufacturer, SsangYong is committed to refreshing its entire product portfolio, and Musso is the latest new model to come from the brand in a programme of new introductions stretching into the 2020s.

The new Musso is an extremely competent multi-purpose truck with SsangYong values to the core - comprehensively equipped, a sector leading 7-year/150,000-mile warranty with a value for money package, plus a surprising level of interior refinement and great infotainment.

Designed to carry passengers in comfort and transport loads securely, the SUV-based Musso combines a five-seat crew-cab body style with a workman-like load deck that will take a full-sized Euro pallet.  It also carries a payload of over 1-tonne and tows trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes concurrently to give the highest total load capacity in the segment.  This combination of utility pick-up and SUV means Musso offers the perfect blend of functionality, practicality, performance and comfort to the driver and family or workmates.

Musso is powered by the same e-XDi220 engine found in the Rexton and delivers a maximum power of 181ps at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm at 1,400 to 2,800rpm.  It is available with either a 6-speed manual or an Aisin 6-speed automatic with its success proven by SsangYong and several other automotive brands.

Inside, Musso is exceptionally well equipped compared with other pick-ups, and as well as offering excellent shoulder and leg room front and rear, nappa leather seats can be found on the top of the range model for added luxury and comfort.  DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity feature across the range, while all but the entry level model feature a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-fi mirroring, or 9.2-inch screen with TomTom navigation on top line models.

New 7-year/ 150,000-mile warranty

One of the toughest pick-ups on the market, SsangYong is backing its faith in the new Musso by introducing a sector-leading 7-year/150,000-mile warranty. “We believe in the strength of our new truck,” says Nick Laird, managing director of SsangYong Motor UK, “so we’re announcing this new warranty which will also apply to Rexton on which Musso is based. No other pick-up or SUV comes with such comprehensive reassurance, and without the small-print of so many other manufacturer warranties.”

STYLING - Exterior design

Being robust and workman-like is no longer enough for pick-up trucks, with customers looking for a working vehicle that also looks good.  The exterior design of the Musso gives the vehicle a bold and muscular stance and adopts the purposeful front-end design of all new SsangYong vehicles.

A bold chrome line across the radiator grille and the curves of the bonnet present a robust look and a real impression of strength.  The shoulder wing grille - now a characteristic styling cue of the brand, stretches out to the headlights, while the dynamic character lines to the side and especially the rear add to its powerful stance.

At over 5 meters (5,095mm), the new 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.

DRIVING PERFORMANCE - Powertrain

The new 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.