SsangYong has launched an updated version of the Musso, in an effort to keep the pick-up truck competitive with the Toyota Hilux and the best-selling Ford Ranger. It’s on sale in the UK now, with prices starting from £23,495 excluding VAT.
SsangYong’s updates for the Musso are mainly design-led. This facelifted version gets a new front bumper with upright fog lamps, a slatted chrome radiator grille and some new 18-inch alloy wheels for the higher-end Saracen model.
It’s powered by the same turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine as the outgoing model, which produces 178bhp and 420Nm of torque. SsangYong says that’s enough for a 0–62mph time of 11.3 seconds when mixed with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, or 11.9 seconds with the optional six-speed automatic.
More importantly, SsangYong says the Musso has enough grunt to tow a 3.5-tonne trailer, while carrying a one tonne payload in the bed. When unladen, it’ll also return up to 29.5mpg on the WLTP cycle thanks to an adaptive four-wheel drive system that only feeds power to the front wheels when it detects a loss of traction.
SsangYong separated the Musso range into four trim-levels, called EX, Rebel, Saracen and Rhino. The base-model comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, electric windows, air conditioning, a DAB radio and bluetooth.
Stepping up a rung, the mid-range Musso Rebel gets roof rails, side steps, new LED front fog lamps and model-specific graphics. Inside, there’s a heated leather steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Prices start from £27,495 excluding VAT.
The Musso Saracen adds a few more premium styling features, such a black exterior styling pack, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy and the aforementioned new-look 18-inch alloys. There’s also a bit more driver assistance technology, such as front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, lane change assist and blind spot detection.
Inside, buyers get dual-zone climate control, nappa leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, a redesigned instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch infotainment system with TomTom navigation. Prices start from £30,495 excluding VAT.
The flagship SsangYong Musso Rhino starts from £31,495 excluding VAT. It’s the only model in the pick-up’s range that’s available in long-bed form, which adds an extra 310mm of space to the rear tray. It also gets a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, as well as some 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in knobbly off-road tyres and “Rhino” graphics.
Now click here to check out the new SsangYong X200 SUV concept…