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The SsangYong Musso arrives in the UK to high hopes. The company’s passenger car range of SUVs has been improving of late, and our initial drive in a Korean-spec model earlier this year was promising.
However, there are differences between the Korean and UK markets, most notably the legislation around payload. In Korea, a payload of 750kg is acceptable, whereas the UK needs 1000kg after the weight of any load covers have been factored in.
The original SsangYong Musso dates back to 1993 and was a 4WD SUV of little note. It was then re-badged as a Daewoo Musso from 1995 to 1999 before reverting to its SsangYong name.
Then in 2018, the Musso pick-up truck was born with two wheelbase lengths and an extended loadbed with a longer rear overhang to give 5.1m and 5.5m length.
Power comes from 180 or 200hp engine options with either a manual or automatic both with six speeds.
The ride is a little harder in the (leaf sprung) LWB and the over-light steering feels at odds with its muscular nature whilst handling is assured if unrewarding.
Standard levels of kit are decent, all versions get DAB, Bluetooth, manual aircon and auto lights/wipers. The range-topping Saracen has leather seats, heated front and rear, dual-zone climate control, a large touch screen with TomTom supplied navigation, cruise control and rearview camera Its reliability reputation seems good but while the Musso used to get a seven-year or 150,000-miles
To be able to safely and legally take 1000kg of load, the UK cars have to come with different suspension from their Korean counterparts. SsangYong has chosen, unusually, to not use leaf springs on the rear of the truck, but the settings aren’t quite right and the set-up has an unfortunately detrimental impact on the ride. Without anything in the loading bay, the ride has a low-level shudder that is ever-present and unpleasant. It handles well, otherwise, with a decent cornering ability that isn’t common on a pick-up.
It’s a shame, because it takes the gloss off what is an otherwise very impressive truck. The interior isn’t as plush as the best in the class, but it is hard wearing and very smart for a vehicle that is looking to offer value over outright luxury.
The level of kit on offer is outstanding, too, with DAB and Bluetooth on every model, and all but the basic trim coming with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with smartphone streaming abilities. Given the price of the Musso, this represents seriously good value.
On the move, the cabin manages to keep most of the noise out, too. It’s not quite car-level quiet, but it is remarkably hushed.
The rear deck is big enough for a Euro pallet, but it isn’t the biggest in the class. At just 1300mm long it is a fair way shorter than the likes of the Ford Ranger. This is partly because the Musso is shorter than its rivals overall, which should help it be that bit more agile in town. If this is an issue, which it might be for some who prioritise space over everything else, then SsangYong says a longer version is planned for the future.
The loading bay is a decent space, though and it has a hard-wearing liner and a 12V charging socket.
There is a great amount of room in the cabin, too, so at least four adults will be able to travel in comfort, and a fifth will fit for a short distance.
SsangYong has said it is looking to solve the suspension problems, and if it does then the Musso will be an excellent proposition. Until it does that, it is hard to recommend over rivals, even with the impressive value it offers.
The Musso is powered by the same e-XDi220 engine found in the Rexton and delivers a maximum power of 181ps at 3,800rpm and a maximum torque of 420Nm at 1,600 to 2,600rpm. This highly efficient, quiet and proven
engine delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start, and strong low-end torque typical of SsangYong power units. Musso achieves a CO2 emission level of 216 (NEDC) and economy of up to 29.4 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and achieves 0-62mph in 11.9 seconds (auto) and 11.3 seconds (manual). The power train has been proven to deliver outstanding output in the low to mid-range and Musso is available with either a 6-speed manual or an Aisin 6-speed automatic with its success proven by other automotive brands.
It's quite narrow at 1.95m and only needs 1.87m to clear a car park height restriction.
In the load bay it offers lengths of 1.3 or 1.6 metres with a width of 1.56 metres at max and side height of 575mm. The payload ranges from 1,085 to 1,150kg, whilst with a generous 3.5-tonnes towing capacity it's right up there with the best for all-up payload.
Towing is probably the best use of its 4WD capability. The long wheelbase, considerable overhang and lacklustre ground clearance - almost 100mm less than a Defender - mean that although it offers a proper low-range 4WD system, rough tracks and winter capability play more to its strengths.
The LCV’s 4-wheel drive system draws on SsangYong’s years of experience in all-wheel-drive technology. For better efficiency and greater fuel economy, it features a selectable 4-wheel drive system with power delivered permanently to the rear wheels, and front wheel drive dialed in electronically as required, with high and low ratios available as on and off-road conditions demand. The system includes hill descent control and hill start assist to provide optimum grip, traction and safety.
With primary drive to the rear wheels, the ride, handling and driving stability are enhanced thanks to the well-balanced weight distribution, and a combination of double wishbone suspension at the front and 5-link independent suspension at the rear (short-bed) on models with automatic transmission deliver great ride-quality.
