Hot on the heels of KGM’s rebrand from SsangYong, Al Suttie puts the long-wheelbase Musso Saracen+ pickup to the test.
KGM Musso Saracen+
List price: £34,115 CO2: 241g/km Economy: 31.0mpg Test efficiency: 30.4mpg
Monday
The KGM Musso Saracen+ sits at the top of the tree of the South Korean firm’s pickups. Its price puts it into contention with the best-selling Ford Ranger, but can a change of same do enough to convince buyers to swap from their Fords into the KGM – formerly SsangYong? It’s an intriguing question and one this week will hopefully answer.
Tuesday
Having driven a Musso a couple of years back, it was good to refresh my memory of how decent it is behind the wheel. While not quite on the same page as the latest Ford Ranger, the Musso is nevertheless comfortable and refined during this morning’s commute up to Perth on a mix of country roads and dual carriageway.
Wednesday
Another morning, another journey in the Musso, though this time on some A-roads that have not seen any maintenance in a long time. The high-riding KGM has no fear where the potholes are concerned, but they do show up the bouncy suspension that’s typical of this type of vehicle. Half a tonne of hay bales in the back would certainly help quell the bounce from the rear-end.
Thursday
The 2.2-litre turbo diesel of the Musso is among the more refined you’ll find in a pickup. It’s also well matched to the six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox shifts smoothly and there’s the option of high and low ranges for the all-wheel drive when needed. Fuel economy seems to be on the mark at 30.4mpg on the dash versus a claimed 31.0mpg.
Friday
Unlike some pickups with double cab bodies, the KGM doesn’t force those in the rear to sit with their knees up to the ears or rammed into the back of the front seats. It’s remarkably roomy back here and the raised seat base offers my daughter a good view out to stave off the cries of “where are we?”. In this Saracen+ version, you also get Nappa leather upholstery with electrically adjusted and ventilated front seats.
Saturday
The styling cues of the Musso are pretty much unchanged with its shift from SsangYong to KGM badges. I quite like the big, bold grille of the Musso, but I’m more impressed by the 1.61m-long load bed and its 1,025kg payload, which also bring tax-saving benefits for many of those looking at this type of pickup with fleet use in mind.
Sunday
As a workhorse cum family car, the KGM Musso Saracen+ is a sound choice. Perhaps the biggest fly in its ointment is the cheaper Saracen version does all of the same for a smaller spend. And to answer the question about tempting drivers away from the Ranger, the Musso’s updated cabin with improved infotainment and ventilation controls puts it right into contention with the Ford.