TEST II | 21
SsangYong Musso Pick-up split personality
S
sangYong’s latest model lineup continues to deliver stylish, reliable and well-specified vehicles in all segments, including the light commercial sector where our test unit resides. There are two versions of SsangYong’s Musso (which is apparently Korean for Rhino), the Musso and the Grand Musso, with the main difference being a longer wheelbase on the Grand version which allows for a longer load bed. While this test unit was the standard model, both versions present the same strong distinctive profile that will att ract attention. The new Musso comes with arguably the most impressive list of standard equipment available on the market, plus a wide range of optional extras. Th is high level of equipment is welcome and arises because Musso draws heavily from SsangYong’s Rexton SUV - in fact, both share the same chassis. Th is means customers get a high level of refi nement with soft-touch materials and
Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie
a large 9.2” infotainment screen which includes a reversing camera. Controls for the infotainment system, Bluetooth and cruise control can be activated from the centre of the leather-covered heated steering wheel. Also, there are easily accessible USB, AUX, and 12V output ports located just below the climate control switches, as well as the switches for the heated and ventilated leather front seats. The cabin has ample storage available in the centre armrest, and door pockets, plus a roof-mounted glasses case and a lockable glovebox. Interior space in the Musso is very generous with classleading leg and headroom throughout - including when in the rear seats which are also heated. The Musso is powered by SsangYong’s own 4-cylinder 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine driving through a 6-speed Aisin auto transmission with three mode sett ings, Winter, Power and Eco. For our test drive the unit remained in Eco most of the time, which was found to provide an efficient balance of power and economy with smooth and precise shift changes.
The 180hp engine is also quiet, indeed one of the highlights of the drive was that the Musso was exceptionally silent and delivered a very refined driving experience on all types of road. SsangYong’s Musso is designed to leave the tarmac and head off-road, and when the need arises switching between the options of 2H, 4H, and if needed 4L is simply managed by rotating the dial, with all options able to be selected while on the move. Safety systems also feature highly on SsangYong’s equipment list and the Musso includes Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Side Airbags, plus a host of additional convenient items such as windscreen wiper de-icer and a loaddeck liner. One must remember that this is a work vehicle and from the driver’s seat there is an immediate sense that Musso will do whatever it is asked to do. However, SsangYong has managed to include the comfort levels of its SUV pedigree into its SUT (sports utility truck), making it into a competent utility vehicle that can easily double as a family car. For any business that needs the practicalities of a light van with impressive towing capacity, combined with the agility of a daily runaround, plus a high specification level, the Musso is worth serious consideration. It’s worth noting too that the Musso also has SsangYong’s 5-year warranty. SsangYong’s Musso will sit well across many sectors from farming to building, construction and leisure. Besides, a well turned out Musso in an eye-catching livery would no doubt raise a company’s profi le and help to generate new business enquiries.
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