Playing The Long Game

SSANGYONG’S NEW LONG-WHEELBASE MUSSO DUALCAB OFFERS A SEGMENT-TOPPING TRAY LENGTH, THE INDUSTRY’S LONGEST WARRANTY AND KILLER PRICING.

- Justin Walker

THE SsangYong Musso XLV is the long-wheelbase version of the Musso dual cab, released last year, with this stretched variant measuring a touch over 5.4 metres in length, with that additional size allowing the XLV to boast a longer rear tray and the ute segment’s highest payload capacity (1025kg in ELX with leaf-spring rear) as a result.

The SsangYong XLV is available in three model trims – ELX, Ultimate and Ultimate Plus – all powered by an EU6-compliant 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that pushes out 133kW at 4000rpm and 420Nm at 1600 to 2600rpm, backed by the choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. SsangYong is confident this stretched rig will be popular with buyers, predicting the XLV to end up accounting for approximately 60 per cent of Musso sales.

STRETCHING REALITY

THE XLV hides its increased overall length reasonably well, with a side profile that is slightly wedge-shaped from front to back. The sheer bulk of the high-sided rear tray does dominate the standard wheelset, regardless of whether it’s the 17-inch alloy wheel-equipped ELX, or the Ultimate Plus sitting on its stock 18s (or optional 20s), making them look a tad inadequate.

The long, wide-opening doors are the first indication of the additional length, with the wheelbase extended by 110mm allowing additional legroom in the rear as well as easier ingress to the vehicle.

It’s the monstrous rear load tray that stands out style-wise, though, as it is not only long – at 1610mm, it’s 310mm longer than the SWB Musso – but it’s also deep. The rear tray includes four low-set sturdy tie-down points, as well as a 12V outlet.