S. Korean Musso set to muscle in on Jeep
S. Korean Musso set to muscle in on Jeep
By Russell Williamson
INDONESIA is set to get yet another vehicle from the
automotive powerhouse that is South Korea.
However, this will not be a small generic four-door sedan
along the lines of the Timor, Nexia or Cakra but a large tough
four-wheel drive off-roader with a Mercedes-Benz drivetrain
wrapped in a SsangYong body.
The SsangYong Musso will make its Indonesian debut at the
Jakarta Auto Expo on the stand of its local importer, Indomobil.
Indomobil hopes to begin deliveries of the 3200cc straight-six
petrol engined Musso by about November.
Priced at about Rp 142 million, the Musso will compete with
Chrysler's Jeep Cherokee, Toyota LandCruiser and the Mitsubishi
Pajero.
The vehicle shares its 165kW engine and standard four-speed
automatic transmission with Mercedes-Benz' E320 and S320 luxury
sedans.
However that is where the comparison ends.
As a true off-roader, the Musso can be switched into four-
wheel drive at the flick of a switch from inside the cabin.
Once four-wheel drive is engaged, the double wishbone and
torsion bar suspension at the front and a multilink live axle at
the rear ensure stability and grip is maintained in all
conditions.
The Musso has been praised for its on-road ride, its low noise
levels and it passive safety features, which include dual air
bags and antilock brakes.
Accommodation is reported to rival that of the Mitsubishi
Pajero and outshines the space available in the hot-selling Jeep
Cherokee.
Comfort and convenience equipment levels will also be high
with leather trim, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning,
premium sound system and central locking all available.
In other markets, the Musso is also offered with a 2900cc
five-cylinder diesel engine, also of Mercedes-Benz origin.
However, Indomobil is still undecided as to whether this will
be offered in Indonesia as overseas reports suggest it is a
little sluggish.
Mercedes Benz may be able to offer a turbo version of this
same engine, however, which might make the diesel Musso a more
attractive option for Indomobil.
SsangYong have been making four-wheel drive vehicles for more
than 40 years but are also keen to branch out into passenger car
production.
In South Korea, the company will begin building passenger cars
next year, which may also eventually make it into the Indonesian
car market.
The Korean carmaker flagged its desire to enter the passenger
car market outside Korea when it displayed a four-seat concept
car at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September.