FRESH FACE FOR MUSSO

A NEW FRONTEND DESIGN IS ABOUT THE EXTENT OF THE CHANGES TO THE 2021 SSANGYONG MUSSO, BUT IT’S STILL A WORTHY CONSIDERATION

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

WE REALLY grew to love our long-term tester SsangYong Musso during the 12 months it was with us, so when the updated 2021 model lobbed on our driveway we were keen to give it another look. Our long-termer was a 2019 XLV Ultimate model fitted with the dealer-optional Ironman 4x4 off-road suspension kit; while this one is also the long-wheelbase XLV in Ultimate trim, but without the suspension pack.

The changes to the Musso are really confined to cosmetics, with an all-new front-end treatment with bolder, squared-off styling that is much more contemporary and up-to-date. The previous front end was looking old because, well, it was old.

SsangYong has also toughened up the look using black on the grille, side mirrors, door handles and side trims, which work particularly well with this dark grey truck.

The rest of the Musso remains business as usual, with no changes to the drivetrain or mechanical package. We were a bit disappointed to find that the Musso didn’t get the same engine tweaks as its wagon sibling, the Rexton. These take the 2.2litre diesel’s outputs up from 133kW and 430Nm to 148kW and 441Nm, and backed by an eight-speed auto in the Rexton. This is a real nice driveline package that would lift the Musso up closer to its competitors in the ute category. For now, the Musso retains the lower-tune engine and six-speed auto transmission, which is refined and adequate but no powerhouse.