Europe’s pickup truck scene is dominated
by the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi L200, but
SsangYong has a contender too. We’re talking about the Musso, a pickup derived
from the body-on-frame Rexton SUV. Launched as an all-new model in 2018, the
Musso has now been updated, with the most important change being the addition
of a longer truck bed offered exclusively on the ‘Rhino’ range-topping trim
level.
The five-seat crew-cab body style remains
but it’s available from now on with a longer bed that offers an additional 310
mm in the back. That’s not bad considering that the short bed can
accommodate a full-sized Euro pallet.
According to SsangYong, the load deck is
large enough to carry a 1-tonne payload. The automaker claims the
Musso can carry a full payload while at the same time towing a trailer at
maximum weight. Factoring in the maximum towing capacity of 3.5-tonnes for automatic models, the Musso is said to offer the highest total load
capacity in the segment of 6,900 kg in Rhino long-bed
configuration. Whether short or long, the bed comes 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.
Power comes from the same e-XDi220
2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel shared with the Rexton SUV that makes 181
PS at 3,800 rpm and 420 Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,600
rpm. Customers can have it with either a six-speed manual transmission or an
Aisin six-speed auto.
A selectable four-wheel-drive system comes
standard on all models. Power is delivered power to the rear wheels under
normal conditions, with front wheel drive dialed in electronically as required
(with high and lw ratios available). Hill descent control and hill start assist
are also standard.
With the addition of the Rhino long-bed
model, the SsangYong Musso now offers four trim levels in the UK: EX, Rebel,
Saracen, and Rhino. Prices range from £ 21,995 (US$ 26,950) for the entry-level
Musso EX to £ 29,995 (US$ 36,750) for the range-topping Musso Rhino.
