Test II

SsangYong Musso Pick-up -sangYong Musso Pick-up - split personalityplit personality

SsangYong’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.

Th ere are two versions of SsangYong’s Musso (which is apparently Korean for Rhino), the Musso and the Grand Musso, with the main diff erence 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 profi le that will att ract att ention.

Th e 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 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. Th e 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.

Th e 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 effi cient balance of power and economy with smooth and precise shift changes. Th e 180hp engine is also quiet, indeed one of the highlights of the drive was that the Musso was exceptionally silent and delivered a very refi ned 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 Traffi c 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 specifi cation 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.

22 | PICK-UPS

Europe prepares for landing of all-newurope prepares for landing of all-new Isuzu D-Maxsuzu D-Max

Norway will be the fi rst country in Europe to launch the new third-generation Isuzu D-Max Pick-up truck.

Th e completely redesigned model has a new body and chassis, a more muscular design and a number of new interior solutions that provide even bett er comfort levels for both driver and passenger. In addition, an upgraded engine, advanced safety systems and an extensive higher level of equipment will contribute to an even bett er driving experience.

June 2012 was the last time Isuzu launched a completely new model when the D-Max successfully took over from the popular Trooper model here in Ireland. In the UK, its reputation for toughness and reliability meant the D-Max was oft en referred to as the modern day Defender!

“Th e factory has never before produced such a great car, with so much equipment. It has been given a completely new design and a number of new solutions, which means that we still dare to say that the Isuzu D-Max is both the most beautiful and toughest in the class,” said a press spokesman for the Japanese brand.

Effi cient and robust - Th ese words were the main points that the Isuzu development team used in creating the new D-Max model. Th e goal was to create a 1-tonne Pick-up with lower consumption, revolutionary design, class-leading safety, while preserving D-Max’s good and practical solutions as a 3.5 tonne trailer weight puller. Complementing its striking styling are its Bi-LED signature headlights while the rear lights use dual LED edge lamps to give both ends a unique appearance.

After building more than 27 million engines, Isuzu is a world leader in diesel technology. Th e 163hp RZ4E engine for the new D-Max is newly developed. It delivers uncompromising performance while meeting the latest emission standards and further enhancing fuel economy with intelligent systems. Th e combined eff ect of high injection pressure, electronically controlled VGS turbocharger and heatinsulating coating on the piston generates high power, ensures low fuel consumption and low noise. Engine performance has also been improved by optimised gear ratios and modern control systems.

Driving comfort has been greatly improved. Th e interior consists of elegant design and exclusive material choices. A new 9-inch infotainment screen dominates the center console. New seats with eight-way electric adjustment and lumbar support, as well as a very comfortable side support and height adjustment of the seat, take the long trips to the next level.

Particularly impressive are the equipment options, which are on par with wellequipped passenger cars. Th is means that perceived quality and comfort are raised from the outgoing model, according to the spokesperson who added, “with Isuzu’s DNA maintained and with a fantastic design, comfort and superb performance, we are convinced that the new Isuzu D-Max will be a winner in the Pick-up segment.”

TESLA Cybertruck not for Europe

“W e have decided not to build Cybertruck for all markets. As it looks now, it manages very few of the European Union rules,” Tesla CEO event of a collision, based the Euro NCAP crash test regulations. Mr. Musk is toying with the idea of building a European Tesla Pick-up someday, but it is highly uncertain whether, and if so Elon Musk stated in an interview with autonews.com. when, this will be.

Major changes must be made to get the space-age styled Cybertruck Pick-up type approved in Europe. Initially, Tesla has chosen to concentrate on the North American market and not spend resources on building a European specifi ed version as well.

Th ere are several elements that are contrary to gett ing the Cybertruck approved in Europe. Th ese include the body plates, constructed in ultra-hard stainless steel, which must withstand strong, external stresses, without gett ing any dents. Th e vehicle must have soft zones that protect pedestrians and cyclists in the

SAIC MOTOR -

In novat ive, t houg ht-lead i ng and future-focused, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) is the name behind MAXUS. Based in Shanghai, SAIC is the largest automotive company in China, producing almost seven million vehicles each year for both domestic and international markets, and is a Fortune Global 500 listed company of almost 100,000 employees.

SAIC has a number of well-known brands within its portfolio including, since 2010, the acclaimed MAXUS (formerly LDV) range of LCVs. SAIC has invested more than €2 billion in this brand, with a strong focus on safety, innovation and the introduction of new products to the range, including a suite of EVs that are already sett ing the standard for the future of eco-fuelled commercial motoring.

In 2009, LDV was bought by China’s largest automotive manufacturer, SAIC, the brand manufactured under the MA XUS moniker for the Chinese market in addition to selected left -hand drive markets in Europe such as Spain, Belgium and Th e Netherlands. SAIC Maxus is ranked 39th in the Fortune Global 500 list. The name MA XUS is a natural combination of MA X, meaning unlimited or vast and US meaning everybody or every user. MAXUS vehicles are distributed to almost 50 countries and regions across the world. SAIC Motor’s main business covers the research, production and vehicle sales of both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Th e company is actively promoting new energy vehicles and the commercialisation of Internet-connected cars.

Harris Group acts as the sole distributor for SAIC in the UK, Ireland and across right-hand drive Europe such as the UK, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Malta and Cyprus.

Denise Harris, CEO of Harris Group; John McEvoy, COO, Harris Group and Mark Barrett , General Manager of Harris Automotive Distributors (MAXUS/LDV).

Group, said there is much optimism for success in the future: “SAIC is a company that we are very proud to be associated with and to act as sole distributors for Ireland, UK and right-hand drive Europe. Th e launch of these new models marks another signifi cant milestone in Harris Group’s journey to becoming the preeminent distributor of commercial EVs in Ireland and the UK.”

John McEvoy, COO, Harris Group, added: “We are excited by the potential of the new MAXUS range and truly believe that it represents a game-changer for the commercial vehicle market, especially in relation to the EV sector. We are extremely proud to be part of such an important change in transport infrastructure’s move to a greener environment.”

Harris Group, founded in 1961, is one of Ireland’s longest-established commercial automotive import and assembly companies, best known for our portfolio of brands including Hino, Isuzu, LDV, Higer, AOS and SINOTRUK. Entrusted with the legacy of the company’s founder, entrepreneur Pino Harris, its reputation is built on a relentless commitment to innovation and customer service.

At its Commercial Vehicle Parts Division, over 25 million parts are stocked under one roof in the largest parts distribution centre in Ireland. High quality parts and components for Harris Group brands are in stock as well as for all leading commercial makes, with 98% pick from stock and fast dispatch from an expert team with a same-day delivery service to its Irish and UK dealer network. Fullytracked global shipping is provided.

“We stand over what we sell, and always have done. All Harris Group customers and vehicle dealers benefi t from comprehensive cover, aft er-sales support and emergency assistance, delivered by our expert customer service team and backed by the same commitment to excellence laid down by Pino Harris,” explained John.

Today, Harris Group operations encompass a global supply chain, a panEuropean customer base and an extensive network of dealers, with a fi rm focus on technological innovation and the next generation of clean, sustainable motoring.

Please visit www.saicmaxus.ie for further details