The all-new SsangYong Musso pick-up arrives in the UK this summer, and will feature on the SsangYong stand at the CV Show in Birmingham later this month.

As Korea’s leading and only SUV and 4×4 specialist manufacturer, SsangYong is committed to refreshing its entire product portfolio, and recently completed its SUV 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 what is described as its strong, tough and powerful image from the SUV 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 designed to give an extremely strong vehicle that delivers excellent off-road driving performance and safety from its quad-frame and four-wheel-drive system.

The Musso combines a five-seat crew-cab body style with a 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 (UK specification to be confirmed).

The Musso is powered by the same e-XDi220 engine found in the Rexton, and delivers a maximum power of 179 bhp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 310 ft lb at 1,600 to 2,600 rpm (automatic transmission). It is available with either a 6-speed manual or an Aisin 6-speed automatic.

SsangYong says the Musso is well equipped compared with other pick-ups. 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.

The exterior design of the Musso is intended to reflect SsangYong’s design language, Nature-born 3 Motion. 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, are intended to 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 a cargo area that is large enough to carry a Euro pallet. It also comes equipped with a 12V/120W power outlet and rotating hooks to help strap-down loads such as tools and equipment.

The interior of the new Musso is completely new. 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.

The new Musso powertrain employs the e-XDi220 engine 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by SsangYong, which delivers maximum power of 179 bhp and torque 310 ft lb (auto).

Transmission is either a 6-speed manual, or Aisin 6-speed automatic as used by several other marques.

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 4×4 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.

SsangYong says 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 large 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.

The new SsangYong Musso 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 per cent 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.

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-inch 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.