2018 Ssang Yong Musso

NEW SSANGYONG MUSSO PICK-UP GETS ITS EUROPEAN LAUNCH AT GENEVA

•All-new multi-purpose pick-up offers practicality, versatility and style
•Quad-frame body construction and proven 4x4 system delivers dynamic off-road capability
•1-tonne payload and 3.5 tonne towing capacity *
•Large interior space for five and superior ride comfort
•Comprehensively equipped including advanced infotainment system

The essential elements that inform the new SsangYong Musso





Style - inside and out
•Great looks complement the pick-up's strength and rugged off-road capability
•Contemporary and refined interior - unusual in a utility vehicle sets Musso apart

Heritage & value
•Draws on SsangYong's deep experience of building 4x4 vehicles over 60 years
•Competitive ÚK pricing
•Comprehensive list of standard equipment
•Sector leading 5-year limitless mileage warranty


Connectivity & technology
•DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity on all models
•Apple CarPlay
•Google Android Auto



Entering the fast-growing and highly competitive pick-up market segment, the new Musso is an extremely competent multi-purpose vehicle with traditional SsangYong values - comprehensively equipped, a sector leading 5-year limitless mileage warranty and a value for money package expected at launch.

As Korea's leading and only SÚV and 4x4 specialist manufacturer, SsangYong is committed to refreshing its entire product portfolio, and recently completed its SÚV model line-up by launching its all-new flagship model, Rexton.

Now, just a few months later it is launching this brand-new pick-up. This new Musso pick-up - Musso means rhinoceros in Korean - takes its strong, tough and powerful image from the SÚV of the same name employed by the brand since the 1990s.

Built on the same architecture as the new Rexton, Musso shares its body-on-frame construction to give an extremely strong vehicle that delivers excellent off-road driving performance and safety from its quad-frame and four-wheel-drive system.

Designed to carry passengers in comfort and loads securely, Musso combines a five-seat crew-cab body style with a workman-like load deck that will transport a full-sized Euro pallet. It also carries over 1-tonne* in load weight, and tows trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes*. This combination of utility pick-up and SÚV means Musso offers the perfect blend of functionality, practicality, performance and comfort to the driver and family or workmates.

Musso is powered by the same e-XDi220 engine found in the Rexton, and delivers a maximum power of 181ps at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 420Nm at 1,600 to 2,600 rpm (automatic transmission). It is available with either a 6-speed manual or an Aisin 6-speed automatic with its success proven by a number of other automotive brands.

Inside, Musso is extremely well equipped compared with other pick-ups, and as well as offering excellent shoulder and leg room, Nappa leather seats can be found on the top of the range model for luxury and comfort. DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity feature across the range, while all but the entry level model feature a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wi-fi mirroring.

New Musso will be launched in the ÚK this summer.

Styling

Exterior design
The exterior design of the Musso gives the vehicle a bold and muscular stance, and is inspired by 'the dignified motion of nature', one of the elements of SsangYong's design language, Nature-born 3 Motion.

A bold chrome line across the radiator grille and the curves of the bonnet present a robust look and the impression of strength. The shoulder wing grille - now a characteristic styling cue of all new SsangYong models - stretches out to the headlights, while the dynamic character lines to the side and especially the rear, add a sense of power and volume to the vehicle.

The doors are designed to cover the sills along the lower part of the body to ensure passengers don't pick up dirt from the side of the vehicle when getting in and out, and the 20-inch wheels on the top line model add to the Musso's overall presence.

The load deck affords an extremely useful cargo area that is large enough to carry a Euro pallet. It also comes equipped with 12V/120W power outlets and rotating hooks to help strap-down loads such as tools and equipment.

Interior design
The interior of the new Musso is completely new. Perhaps unexpectedly for a utility vehicle, it brings a level of refinement and a contemporary ambiance that's more akin to a premium SÚV yet still feels robust and durable, complementing the exterior look of a pick-up.

Remarkably well equipped, it features soft-textured Nappa leather seats on the top line model. Most models feature heated front seats which are also ventilated to make long journeys more pleasant whatever the temperature.

With one of the most spacious interiors in its segment, the second row of seats is designed for three passengers to travel comfortably with plenty of leg and elbow room.

Driving performance

Powertrain
The new Musso powertrain employs a 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by SsangYong, which delivers maximum power of 181PS and torque 420Nm (auto). This highly efficient, quiet and proven e-XDi220 engine delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start, and strong low-end torque typical of SsangYong power units.

Transmission is either a 6-speed manual, or Aisin 6-speed automatic as used by several other marques for its smooth gear changing and durability.

The car's four-wheel drive system draws on SsangYong's years of experience in all-wheel-drive technology. For better efficiency and greater fuel economy, it features part time 4x4 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 noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels on new Musso are excellent, the result of its eight body mounts and polyester wheel-arch linings, and reduced road noise so passengers can travel in comfort. The engine bay also includes better sealing to improve sound, dust and waterproofing, while the fitment of larger rubber engine mounts helps reduce engine noise and vibration.

The amount of wind noise is also reduced thanks to detailing such as fourfold door sealing and aerodynamically designed wiper blades.

Safety
With new technologies and features, the new SsangYong Musso ensures excellent levels of safety and includes up to six airbags.

With the high-strength steel construction of its Quad-frame, the vehicle is stiffer than its competitors, achieved by using 1.5Gpa-grade ultra-strength steel - a world first, and featuring 81.7% high strength steel. This not only gives greatly improved body strength but also reduced weight.

The pick-up also features impact absorbing elements in the steering wheel and steering column to minimise injuries from a frontal collision, while the structure and materials employed in the frontal area of the body are designed to improve pedestrian safety.

Infotainment & convenience
All models will feature an advanced infotainment system that includes DAB radio, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and device mirroring come with the middle and top specification models, with everything displayed on an 8.0' screen.

Other features include electric windows, central locking, air-conditioning with fine dust filters and a 12V/120W power outlet in the cargo deck area.

* ÚK specification to be confirmed

Source - Ssang Yong