Since 1981, the title of the best-selling car in the USA belongs to one model. Although the generations have changed, the model has remained the same – the Ford F series pickup truck. It went into production after the war and is currently the latest iteration of the F-150. There is also fierce competition for the prestigious title in Australia, while the situation is different in Europe. Here, people are concentrated around big cities, so they prefer compact cars that do not take up much space.
However, the pick-up market is also quite active in the Old Continent. They are especially appreciated by those who follow an active lifestyle, farmers and those who often have to transport various bulky items. The off-road capabilities of the pickup, as well as the practical cargo box, are useful for all of the above. But which pickup to choose?
New brands attract attention
The offer of new pick-ups in the Baltic countries is not too big. We have the following models: Toyota Hilux, Jeep Gladiator, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Dodge RAM 1500, Isuzu D-Max and KGM Musso. Given the limited selection, each new model generates considerable interest. This is exactly what happened with the recently launched KGM Musso – it both attracted the attention of car journalists and was even included in the Latvian Car of the Year 2024 competition.
KGM is still a new name in our region, but the beginnings of this manufacturer can be traced back to 1954. The company was previously known as SsangYong. In 2022, the conglomerate KG Group bought this company and renamed the usual SsangYong for the European market to KGM. A year later, the updated Musso pickup was presented, which is one of the most important models of this manufacturer, since the brand’s priority is an all-wheel drive SUV.
According to Guntars Puls, editor-in-chief of Profi Latvija magazine and a long-time member of the Latvian Car of the Year jury, the long-body version of the Korean KGM Musso Grand pickup, which participated in our national competition, immediately earned the designation “workhorse”. In other words, the manufacturer focuses on the elements that are most important to buyers of such models.
“This is a simple pick-up truck. It has good towing capacity, a very modern interior and a not too noisy diesel engine. You could say that it is especially comfortable when the beaten track disappears under the wheels and off-road adventures begin. Despite its physical dimensions, it is really pleasant to drive. Musso clearly left a positive impression,” says Guntars, who has tested many pickups.
The price range is wide
The Musso is available with a 2.2-litre diesel engine that develops 202bhp at 3800rpm, while peak torque of 441Nm is available over a wide range of 1600-2600rpm.
The pickup has a frame structure, so when driving on smooth asphalt, body vibrations are felt, and larger road irregularities can cause discomfort. However, this is typical for vehicles of this type, and minor inconveniences are compensated by impressive performance.
Depending on the model version and transmission, Musso can tow a trailer weighing 2,600-3,000 kg, while the Musso Saracen+ modification has increased towing capacity up to 3.5 tons, with a payload of one ton. Such performance figures are on par with the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger. To balance the Musso’s ride with its high towing capacity, it has a double wishbone suspension and double springs.
“The driver’s seat is comfortable, and the finishing materials are of sufficient quality. Also, there is no lack of various safety systems and the most necessary comfort extras. Of course, the new Ford and Volkswagen pickups are more comfortable, more dynamic, and pleasant to drive, but they also have a much higher price,” says Guntars Puls.
Pickup truck prices can vary wildly. For example, the Volkswagen Amarok, armed with a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine and developing 240 hp and 600 Nm of torque, costs from 51,879 euros in Latvia. People’s favorite Toyota Hilux with a much more modest 2.4-liter 150 hp engine – from 42,500 euros, while the price of the KGM Musso starts from 35,990 euros. The starting price of the Isuzu D-Max pickup in Regular Cab version is 29,900 euros, but it has a low-power 1.9-liter diesel engine that develops 163 hp and 360 Nm.
Comfort is constantly being improved
When evaluating “workhorses” that are distinguished by practicality, people most often complain about the lack of comfort. However, in the new pickups there are also changes in this respect – the further away, the more pleasant it is to stay in them. Nowadays, motorists have become more demanding and no one wants to sacrifice their well-being, even when it comes to a car designed for hard work. Technologies have progressed, and now pickup trucks can also serve as recreational vehicles, so the comfort items in them become more with each new model.
In this aspect, the Volkswagen Amarok excels with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Toyota Hilux boasts a wealth of safety equipment, while the Ford Ranger offers a 360-degree video camera view that can be very useful both in the city and off-road. KGM Musso Quartz, on the other hand, comes with heated and ventilated front seats. Such extras are not found even in models of more prestigious brands.
For those who want even more comfort, KGM offers the Musso Saracen package. In it, the pickup is equipped with 18-inch wheels, and the interior has Nappa leather seats – the front seats are electrically adjustable, and the rear seats are heated. Dual-zone climate control and a 9.2-inch central screen with integrated TomTom navigation are also installed.
The comfort and excellent performance offered make Musso stand out from the competition. In 2022, this Korean pickup won the “Best Commercial Vehicle/4×4” title at the Scottish Car of the Year competition, and a year later it also won the popular “Carbuyer Best Pickup” nomination.
2024-02-24 11:34:12
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