KG Mobility (KGM) will release the new pickup "Musso" in Jan. next year. It is a model that succeeds the "Musso Sports," which gained popularity in the early 2000s. Attention is on whether KGM can carry on the epithet of the former SsangYong Motor, once called a "pickup powerhouse."

KGM on the 30th unveiled the new Musso for the first time at Experience Center Ilsan in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. The new Musso is a modern reinterpretation of Korea's first pickup, the Musso Sports, which sold 75,000 units from 2002 to 2006.

KG Mobility's new pickup Musso, set to launch in January next year. /Courtesy of Reporter Lee Yoon-jung

SsangYong Motor, the predecessor of KGM, consistently introduced pickup models. From Musso Sports to Actyon Sports (2006), Korando Sports (2012), and Rexton Sports & Khan (2018), the number of pickups sold in the domestic market over 24 years is close to 500,000.

The new Musso comes with two engines: diesel and gasoline. First, the diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver a maximum output of 202 horsepower and a peak torque (the force that turns the wheels) of 45.0 kg∙m. The company said it strengthened power delivery at low speeds to ensure stability even on rough terrains.

The gasoline engine produces a maximum output of 217 horsepower and a peak torque of 38.7 kg∙m. An 8-speed automatic transmission and a high-performance turbocharger are applied.

The gear selector of KG Mobility's new pickup Musso. The left is for the diesel engine, and the right is for the gasoline engine. /Courtesy of Reporter Lee Yoon-jung

KGM said it improved driving stability and steering precision in developing the new Musso. By placing the motor close to the wheels, it boosts immediate steering response, and by minimizing motor vibration and noise, it provides quiet, stable handling.

In addition, the company added that it applied a "5-link suspension," used in authentic off-road sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), to enhance ride comfort across various road surfaces.

The new Musso is also equipped with a "differential lock," which helps ensure a stable escape by transmitting driving force to the opposite wheel when a wheel slips or lifts in mud or on snowy roads. Compared with models without this device, hill-climbing ability is measured to be about 5.6 times better and towing capacity about four times better. According to KGM, the Musso can tow up to 3 tons.

The interior of KG Mobility's new pickup Musso, set to launch in January next year. /Courtesy of Reporter Lee Yoon-jung

KGM gave the Musso a dynamic and solid image to further reinforce its pickup identity. Up front, it features bold daytime running light (DRL) lines and a horizontal LED center positioning lamp composed of five blocks.

Angular bumpers, a radiator grille, and three-dimensional headlamps further emphasize a rugged impression. On the side, a character line running from the first-row door to the end of the cargo bed reduces monotony. At the rear, a deck design embossed with large KGM lettering stands out.

The Musso is divided into "Standard Deck" and "Long Deck" by size. The Standard measures 5,150 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,865 mm in height. The Long Deck has the same width as the Standard Deck, but the body is 300 mm longer and 10 mm taller.

Musso on the left, and Musso Grand Style on the right. The Grand Style's radiator grille and bumper extend wider to the sides, and the vertical LED fog lamps continue down to the lower section. /Courtesy of Reporter Lee Yoon-jung

KGM also released a separate "Grand Style" model with a more urban-look front end. It features a front radiator grille and bumper, and vertically arranged LED fog lights that extend long and wide down to the lower section.

The Grand Style has a shallower approach angle (the angle between the ground and the lowest point of the front bumper) and a lower minimum ground clearance than the regular model. Lee Won-ik, head of KGM's product strategy office, said, "It is a suitable model for customers who prioritize ride comfort and SUV-level convenience features."

The rear of KG Mobility's new pickup Musso, set to launch in January next year, features large KGM lettering. /Courtesy of Reporter Lee Yoon-jung

In addition, KGM strengthened the Musso's driver-assistance and safety systems. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), and an intelligent speed warning are included.

Lee said, "All new Musso models are equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB)," adding, "with continuous holding and automatic restart now possible—constraints in the previous model—product appeal has been greatly improved." Highly favored convenience features such as a 3D around-view monitoring system and a smartphone wireless charger have also been widely applied.

Prices for the gasoline model are expected to be set in the 29 million to 39 million won range. Exact prices will be announced in Jan. next year.

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