The Korean manufacturer KGM, which changed its name from SsangYong a few years ago (because it was bought by the KG Group), has introduced a new generation of the Musso Grand pick-up model to the Croatian market. The vehicle is available in domestic showrooms, and it is a five-seater with four-wheel drive intended for both business and private users.
It is a vehicle that comes as a competitor to models in the segment of medium-sized pick-up vehicles, where Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok are most often mentioned. By combining engine power, towing capabilities and a range of safety equipment, the manufacturer targets both professional users who need the vehicle for work, and private customers looking for a versatile vehicle for everyday use and recreation.
The Musso Grand is powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine with a power of 149 kW/202 hp and a maximum torque of 441 Nm. A 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic gearbox from the Japanese manufacturer Aisin are available for power transmission. The vehicle comes standard with four-wheel drive, with the driver able to select the drive mode depending on on- or off-road conditions.
With a total length of 5,405 millimeters, the Musso Grand is among the larger vehicles in its category. Payload capacity is up to 1,140 kilograms, while trailer towing capacity is up to 3.5 tons. The cargo area has a volume of 1011 liters and is equipped as standard with anchors for securing the cargo. The ground clearance is 245 millimeters, the approach angle is 30.9°, and the departure angle is 27.8°, which indicates the off-road purpose of the vehicle.
The model comes with a comprehensive package of Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Assist (BSA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The body frame is made of 60.8 percent ultra-high strength steel with crash box construction. For driving in more demanding conditions, the vehicle has an assistance system when moving uphill, which prevents sliding backwards, and a system for controlling low speed when going down a slope.
The infotainment system is based on KGM’s Athena 3.0 UX platform and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In front of the driver, as well as on the central part, there are 12.3-inch digital screens. Depending on the equipment level, a touch screen, digital radio and navigation are available. The vehicle is available in seven colors: Smoke Taupe, Grand White, Sandstone Beige, Amazonia Green, Marble Grey, Ultramarine and Space Black.
KGM also mentions improvements in the area of noise, vibration and driving smoothness (NVH) – a stiffer body structure reduces resonances, improved aerodynamics reduce wind noise at higher speeds, and a newly tuned suspension should contribute to driving comfort.
On the Croatian market, the Muso Grand is available in two trim levels. The basic Active package with manual transmission costs 36,999 euros, while the version with automatic transmission costs 38,999 euros. The more richly equipped Ultimate level, which comes standard with an automatic transmission, is available from 43,999 euros. A version with only two-wheel drive may be introduced later.
The richer, Ultimate package brings, among other things, 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable front seats, electric parking brake, automatic air conditioning, 360-degree camera, smart key, leather-covered seats, ventilated and heated front seats, and heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control… The Musso Grand comes with a five-year factory warranty.
