SSANGYONG MUSSO SARACEN

What is it?

Did you know that SsangYong are the longest-running Korean vehicle brand, manufacturing vehicles since 1954? So it came as no surprise that around 4 years ago, when I first drove the Musso, that I found myself questioning why anyone would even consider spending and extra £1020k on the Mercedes-Benz X250D pick up I was driving at the time.

So 4 years later, what’s new?

Well, the most obvious change comes at the front where there’s a huge, and much bolder grille. Then there’s the new headlights that include daytime running lights, projection headlamps, and triple LED fog lights that double as positioning lamps. I’ll come to the engine later.

On the road

When I think about it, over the last four years I’ve driven quite a few Mussos, I’ve racked up some miles, too, and no matter which model, I haven’t been disappointed.

The steering always feels light and offers plenty of feedback, whilst the double wishbone suspension up front and rear coil springs offers a decent ride on the flat. It’s a tad pitchy on undulating B roads, but considering that during our week together it was unladen, and it’s role in life is to carry and tow, I’ll let it off.

In normal driving, the default ‘eco’ mode can make the Saracen’s six-speed automatic gearbox hunt around a tad for the right gear to give optimum fuel economy. Selecting ‘Power’ cures this and smooths out the changes. There’s also a ‘winter’ mode, but as we experienced the hottest day ever, I’ll hopefully get to try that another time.

It’s quiet. This can be contributed to its rigid body on frame construction being carefully tuned by Pininfarina to ensure that the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels are excellent. It even has polyester wheel-arch linings that reduce road noise, and the engine bay includes better sealing than the outgoing model to improve sound, dust and waterproofing.

Despite being a pickup the Musso is quite refinement, this is due to the fact that it shares a lot of components with the Rexton.

Off Road

The Musso has a part-time 4WD system with 2WD High, 4WD High and 4WD Low, but it lacks a rear diff-lock, though its electronics can often compensate for that. The system also includes Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist to provide optimum grip, traction and safety.

Balancing the Musso on its two opposing wheels caused no embarrassment as it simply drove forward without even a scramble from its tyres. However, on one particular green lane it struggled. Being fair it was a short hill made of lose gravel with two opposing holes ready to catch out unsuspecting 4x4, and driving slowly, as you do, the Musso became cross-axled. Fear not, with a little more momentum the Musso made it to the top with just a slight scramble.

Throughout the week I drove a fair number of green lanes on which it proved more than capable, from grassy hills to mud and rocks, the Musso managed them with ease.

The only downside, and this isn’t a criticism, but its 20° approach, 22.5° departure and 20.3° ramp-over angles are among the lowest in the sector, so the Musso wouldn’t be my first choice as a weekend off-roader. Having said that, I drove some rough lanes, and its low-slung chin didn’t scoop anything up, neither was there any scrapes from underneath.

Interior

Inside the Saracen is a very nice place to be; the dash layout is intuitive, the heated, nappa leather power adjustable seats are wide and comfortable, even back seat passengers are in for a treat with plenty of leg room.

Ssangyong haven’t been shy when it comes to safety spec either, there are 6 airbags, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist amongst other things.

The Saracen also gets a 9.2” integrated screen with TomTom navigation, dual zone adjustable climate control and a 12.3” digital cluster and privacy glass. Of course there’s DAB radio, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Spend a bit of time with a Musso and you will find that it’s a well put together, comfortable and squeak free place to be. The only negative I found was that at night the centre infotainment screen reflects in the rear window, which can be a bit annoying. I solved it by flipping the rear view mirror.

Pickup Stuff

The Musso not only holds the UK record for being the only pickup that can carry its max payload of 1 tonne and tow 3.5 tonnes at the same time (automatic only), but opt for the LWB and it also has the longest pick up bed of 1,610mm, which is 300mm longer than the normal Musso.

The Musso is powered by the same 2.2ltr diesel engine found in the Rexton and delivers a maximum power of 200bhp at 3,800rpm and a maximum torque of 441Nm. What that means is that it’s no slouch from a standing start and has a strong low-end torque.

Although there’s only one engine you do get a choice of either a 6-speed manual or an Aisin 6-speed automatic gearbox. I haven’t driven the manual for a while, but checking my notes I did comment that it’s quite smooth. Given the choice I’d go for the auto as it takes the hassle out of stop/start M6 driving.Fuel wise, I was seeing figures around the 29-30mpg mark.

Conclusion

Like the rest of its siblings, the Musso enjoys SsangYong’s 7 year and 150,000 mile warranty - the best in the business, knocking Kia of its long-standing pedestal.

Although it’s very capable off the beaten track, I think its target audience are more commercial owners who won't necessarily need the clearance of an off-roader. Overall, my conclusion remains the same as it was the last time I drove one, and that’s that the Musso is a bloody good pickup at a very reasonable price.

The Musso line-up consists of the EX (£23,610 OTR Price exc. VAT), Saracen (£31,010 OTR Price exc. VAT) more at » ssangyonggb.co.uk Rebel (£27,610 OTR Price exc. VAT), LWB (£32,010 OTR Price exc. VAT).