MUSSO MUSCLE

BILL MCCARTHY TEST DRIVES SSANGYONG’S SURPRISINGLYCOMFORTABLE WORKHORSE

Itsays something aboutthe road presenceofa vehicle when someone sees you drive into acar park and then follows you to question you about it.

The latest incarnation of SsangYong’s

Musso had exactly that effect.

The Musso is not exactly anewcomer in the pick-up sector,which are very much in vogue as alifestyle vehicle as well as doing what they were originally designed for –tobeaworkhorse.

But now,particularly in the double cab format of this range-topping model, they offer car-like driving manners, high levels of comfort for five and reasonable running costs

The high-torque engine also means towing capability is equally impressive with a3.5 tonne capacity.Ithas aonetonne payload and the cargo bay is designed to accept astandard-sized pallet, so commercially it ticks those boxes.

The rear can feature acovered top, or in this case, aroller which encases the payload bay

This latest model now offers more power and improved economy.

The four trim level includes EX, Rebel and Saracen (all SWB) andRhino (LWB)

The SWB includes load-liner and tie-down hooks, while the LWBhas the longest and largest load area in the UK market

It also boasts the highest combined total load capacity for any pick-up on sale in the UK.

If you want to attract thelifestyle set, it needs to look good and it does, with its imposing grille and headlights, daytime running lights, and striking alloy wheels, it looks the part

The interior alsolooks good, is well equipped and has high levels of comfort including napa leather upholstery on this model.

Premium touches alsoinclude heated steering wheel, and electrically operated, heated and ventilated front seats and the best rear seat legroom in thepick-up segment.

This model also offers auto lights and climate control, rain-sensing wipers, heated electrically operated front seats and, critically,a reversing camera, a godsend with avehicle of this size.

Acolour touchscreen is the centrepiece and controls navigation, sound system and connectivity,via Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. It also displays the TomTom navigation and reversing camera where available.

The engine is also impressive, the 2.2-litre diesel is also available in the Rexton and now has an outputof202PS and plenty of torque to go with it400Nm in fact -which gives excellent pulling power across therange. With a claimed mpg of approaching just over 31mpg, it is reasonable on fuel.

Mated to asix-speed auto box it displayed excellent car-like road manners thanks to the coil spring rears suspension normally found on cars. It feels refined with good soundproofing meaning there is little noise intrusion into the cabin, but can feel unsettled if taking acorner too quickly

It has proven off-road capabilityand cantackle all but the roughest of rough stuff,but with achoice of two-wheel and high and low ratio all-wheel drive, it should be more than capable in most offroad situations.

It’s an impressive motor that’s for sure and perhaps themost tempting aspect, apart from the five-year,150,000-mile warranty,isthe price.

The base EX starts at just under £30k inclusive of VAT.Difficult to beat.

FACTFILE SsangYongMusso Saracen4WDauto

Price:£38,643includingVAT

Mechanical:202PS,2,157cc, four-cylinderdieselenginedrivingall wheelsvia6-speedautogearbox

MaxSpeed:116mph

Maxpayload:1,050kg

Trailercapacity:3,500kg

CombinedMPG:31.5

C02emissions:236g/km

Warranty:5years/unlimitedmiles