In the previous article we reported that it wasn’t only us that was suffering from lockdown blues. Our lovely shiny new Atlantic Blue top of the range SsangYong Musso 4×4 Rhino pick-up, which was delivered just hours before the world stopped revolving, had been unable to venture anywhere more exciting than the local shops. Things have moved on considerably since then with an outing to the local recycling depot (approved commercial vehicle documentation in hand) and a day trip to our nearest seaside resort… Southend.
To see our previous article click here.
No proper hard graft yet then for this impressive 1,140 kg payload workhorse, but then again you know what they say about all work and no play, and this is a vehicle which is just as comfortable hanging out in the builders’ merchant’s yard as with the surfer and mountain biking dudes. One of the reasons for the significant increase in sales of pick-ups in the UK in recent years, and the big manufacturers looking to add a version to their various LCV platforms, has been this growing emphasis on getting a work/lifestyle balance just right. Here is a vehicle with sufficient load space to carry the amount of materials and tools required to earn its keep during a normal busy working week, but also has the car-like driving experience, and inside cab comfort and load capacity, to explore a multitude of leisure activities at the weekend.
In this respect you have to say that the Musso fits the bill perfectly, with plenty of power, thanks to a 2.2 litre turbo diesel powertrain, which can comfortably tow a 3.5 tonne trailer, and has the longest load bed in the market. There might be more economical ways of escaping to the coast or mountains, because robustly constructed pick-ups are not particularly known for their fuel conservation, but there will be no complaints from the driver or passengers on long hauls, because the level of inside cab refinements are right up there with the mid-range saloon car and hatchback offerings.
As lockdown restrictions ease, and with a trip – appropriately enough – to the Zoo and, of course, a nice bistro pub planned for the coming weeks, our long-term test Musso Rhino can enjoy its own personal staycation with us as long as it wants!
For those who require slightly less space and refinement the new Musso range also includes the Saracen, which has an entry level at an impressive £22,000 plus VAT and the Rebel at £24.500 plus VAT.
