Musso Sport

After a few years absence, SsangYong has returned to Australian showrooms with two new models: Rexton wagon and Musso Sports ute. Though it has a history stretching back to the 1930s, SsangYong Motor only made its debut here with Musso in 1996. Soon after, the Korando short-wheelbase 4X4 arrived, then Daewoo took over SsangYong and vehicles were rebadged as Daewoo. When Daewoo folded, creditors saved SsangYong and now New Zealand's Rapson Holdings is bringing the Korean 4X4 marque back to Australasia.

Rapson has been selling the Rexton here in limited numbers for about a year but, according to Rapson boss Russell Burling, that was merely a 'toe-in-the-water' exercise. The plan for 2004 is to have 50 dealers nationwide, with a sales volume of 1000 units for the rest of 2004 projected. A three-year, 100,000km warranty is offered on all-new Ssangyongs.

SsangYong has a total production capacity of 175,000 units per annum, and sells 90 percent of its vehicles in Korea. A creditor bank is in the process of selling its 50 percent share of Ssangyong and it is believed a Chinese automotive group is likely to buy a controlling interest. Mercedes-Benz still retains its 30 percent share of the Korean manufacturer and still gives engineering input.

The Musso Sports is essentially a Musso wagon body - modified, of course - bolted to a Rexton chassis. The engine, a 2.9-litre turbo-diesel, develops a claimed 88kW at 4000rpm and 256Nm at 2250rpm. A five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto is linked to a part-time dual-range four-wheel drive system. The suspension is a torsion bar independent at the front and coil-spring, five-link live axle at the rear.

For the full vehicle test, pick up the July 2004 issue of 4X4 Australia on sale now at your local newsagent.