New-look SsangYong Musso gets more tech

Australian pricing and specs have been announced for the upgraded MY21 SsangYong Musso, ahead of its release in July.

The facelifted dual-cab 4x4 ute line-up now opens at $34,990 drive-away for the entry-level ELX variant (up $1000) and continues to include the Ultimate flagship – now priced $300 higher at $41,290 drive-away.

Punctuated by a bolder new front-end design, the 2021 SsangYong Musso also brings LED tail-lights, new wheel designs and darkened door-handles, mirrors and beltlines, plus six body colours: Grand White, Silky White Pearl, Marble Grey, Space Black, Atlantic Blue and Indian Red.

There are no changes to the Musso’s 133kW/420Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel or its six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, and while the ELX XLV continues with a leaf-sprung live rear axle, all other variants employ a multi-link rear-end with coil springs.

And unlike most other utes, the Musso continues to be available in long-wheelbase XLV form, which for an extra $1500 adds a 300mm-longer tray bringing 25 per cent more cargo volume at 1262 litres (up from 1011L in the short-wheelbase Musso).

All Musso variants stick with four-wheel disc brakes, plus a 3500kg braked towing capacity (750kg unbraked) including a 350kg tow ball load.

Payloads range between 790kg (Musso), 880kg (XLV Ultimate) and 1025kg (XLV ELX), and the part-time 4x4 system still offers 4H/4L gear ratios and an automatic-locking rear differential.

Instead of the previous top-shelf Ultimate Plus variant priced at $43,990 drive-away, SsangYong is now offering a $3000 Luxury Pack for the Ultimate flagship, including a powered sunroof, premium Nappa leather upholstery, powered front seats, powered driver’s lumbar support, heated rear seats and dual-zone climate control.

Metallic paint ($495) is the only other option and standard safety equipment continues to comprise autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning (FCW), lane departure warning (LDW), front vehicle start warning (FVSW), smart high-beam (SHB) and a reversing camera.

Entry-level ELX variants ride on new 18-inch silver alloy wheels (17-inch for XLV variants) and come standard with LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7.0-inch instrument cluster display, front/rear parking sensors, leather-clad steering wheel and cruise control.

Extra standard equipment for Ultimate variants includes blind spot detection (BSD), rear cross traffic warning (RCTW), lane chance collision warning (LCW), type pressure monitoring system (TPMS), 360-degree camera, HID headlights, 18-inch black alloy wheels, speed-sensitive power steering (SSPS), TPU leather-look seat trim, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, stainless-steel door sills, walk-away auto door locking and telescopic steering wheel adjustment.

How much does the 2021 SsangYong Musso cost?
ELX manual – $34,990
ELX auto – $36,990
Ultimate – $41,290
XLV Pack – $1500
Luxury Pack (Ultimate) – $3000
Metallic paint – $495
* All prices are drive-away (including on-road costs)