SsangYong MUSSO Grand – luxury for work

By European standards, SsangYong's offer on the Slovak market is expanding quite a bit. The Musso Grand pick-up is even bigger than the Rexton SUV, with which it shares technology and which we have already put to the editorial test: SsangYong REXTON – old-school SUV

For many, SsangYong may be an unknown brand and a complete novelty in our market, but the truth is a little different. This South Korean car company under the name SsangYong has been operating since 1988, although its history dates back to 1954. Slovak customers could drive cars of this brand in the second half of the nineties, after the connection with the traditional European manufacturer Daimler-Benz. SsangYong has always followed its own path, be it a unique design or its own execution and focus of individual models. However, the European market did not react too well to these differences in design, and in 2009 production was practically stopped. However, now SsangYong is returning to the world markets again and it looks like a real offensive. The model range: Tivoli, Korando, Rexton, Musso – contains everything that the European customer's heart desires… and finally with a design that won't offend.

I took the MUSSO Grand for a test after the Ford Ranger and I have to admit that I was surprised by the dimensions.
In pearl white color and on 20″ wheels – really, at first and second glance, this car is simply huge. The length is 5.4 m, the width is 2 meters and the height is almost 1.9 m. The design is very pro-European, but it is necessary to think at the level of work vehicles, so there are no complicated shapes and exciting dynamic lines. It is quite simple on the eye, but everything fits together nicely. When viewed from the side, the front and back parts are softened by a round molding, which optically pleasantly disturbs the really massive white surfaces. In the model we tested, the body behind the cabin was fitted with a plastic frame, the task of which is to bring the appearance of the pickup even closer to today's SUV trend. Thanks to this, the transition between the cabin and the body is smooth and does not have a classically chopped impression.

The front part of the vehicle looks really elegant and without unnecessary extravagances. The front mask follows the lights, which continue into the turn signals ending in the front part of the fenders. For practical reasons, the lower part of the bumper is unpainted and represented by black plastic, which continues around the entire vehicle. Contrasted with the white paintwork, it looks great and at the same time is a very practical thing when moving off the paved road. I personally like the new Musso Grand…

After "jumping" into the leather chair behind the wheel, the first thing that comes to your mind is that it would be good to have a handle on the A-pillar to facilitate entry, which, for example, Rexton has. His absence in the work pickup is incomprehensible to me. The same feelings as from the exterior surround you in the interior as well. Just to give you an idea of ​​where SsangYong has moved in recent years, I'll list the equipment I've uncovered. We can start with keyless access and starting, you will find here cruise control, heated steering wheel, lane assist, a system preventing collision and guarding the blind spots of rear-view mirrors, heated leather seats, the front ones are additionally ventilated and of course a central display with Apple CarPlay (and Android auto) connectivity and an interface controlled completely by touch. Furthermore, SsangYong reads signs and warns of zone radars. The 360 ​​° camera with the function of guarding incoming cars from the side and when backing up from a long standing position is also very helpful. With the length of almost five and a half meters, it is a really pleasant thing.

Due to the work focus, there is also an assistant for the descent of steep slopes. The level of equipment and materials in the interior is pleasing, and as I already wrote about the Rexton… some European automakers could learn a lesson. A place on the rear heated seats is also a very pleasant surprise. Competing pickup trucks can of course be ordered in a version with an enlarged cabin and space for 4 to 5 passengers, but honestly, I can only imagine a trip with a full crew here. The back seat is not too vertical, there is real legroom, and 4 adults will have no problem even with a longer journey. The only complaint is the pre-flood belt fastening system on the back benches, which could certainly have been solved in the classic way. This way, you still have the middle belt on the seat. SsangYong MUSSO Grand is one of the few very cleverly designed doors that cover the thresholds of the vehicle and they remain completely clean. Whether it's after the rain, after a trip off the paved road, or straight through the mud… get out and your pants will be clean.

Immediately after starting and driving, you will understand that refinement is at stake here. The powertrain, whose ancient basis comes from an immortal classic from Daimler-Benz, is exemplary, and I have not sat in a car with such a pleasantly tuned diesel engine for a long time. The engine with an output of 131 kW (184 hp) and a torque of up to 420 Nm is quiet, does not suffer from the ailment of rattling injections and only shows itself at full load like any diesel. The fuel consumption figures are also interesting – I was able to drive this colossus for 7L / 100km. As a standard, count on an average of around 10L/100km, which can still be considered a very good value. The automatic transmission works smoothly and offers three shift modes: Eco (Normal), Power and Winter. Unfortunately, here comes one of the weaker moments and the transmission sometimes does not know which gear to use. Changing the mode from Eco to Power will help and the problem is over. I ended up driving like this 80% of the time. The dynamics are completely satisfactory and the chassis is very pleasant, quiet and sure.

MUSSO Grand gradually forced me to adapt, take my time and enjoy the comfort, space and overview on board. It shakes easily when going over transverse bumps, according to the habits of pickup trucks, but I have not yet sat in a car of this class, which did not manifest itself in this way. The quad bike that is available here is definitely worth mentioning. No extreme crossing or off-road expedition took place, but it is important to mention that the rear axle is driven by default, and with it you can get by without any problems in at least 90% of the movement on the roads, and in our conditions, the percentage may be even higher. For the remaining ten percent, or expeditions off the paved road, there is assignable four-wheel drive, including a reduction and an assistant for the descent of steep slopes. Due to the ground clearance and focus, when moving off-road, the standard supplied tires may be the limit. MUSSO Grand won't let you down just like that…

The SsangYong MUSSO Grand is undoubtedly a great alternative to established brands in the work pickup market. It now comes with a European design and will offer a lot of extra space, making it a usable road car in four with the necessary cargo in the trunk. Among other things, it is equipped with a drawer, an artificial bathtub and cleverly placed handles for securing cargo. The high seating position, superior interior space, quiet ride and SUV-level equipment sometimes make you forget where this vehicle is actually going. With a price range from around EUR 25,000, I would definitely recommend, if you need such a car, to try this new product as well. Its practicality combined with comfort will certainly not offend anyone and will rather pleasantly surprise. And if you are concerned with the job and not the brand, then you certainly cannot just wave your hand over him…

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