THE SSANGYONG MUSSO SPORTS DOUBLE CAB 4x2

CAR COMFORT-BAKKIE CONVENIENCE

A Double-cab version of the popular Musso, the Musso Sports 4x2 is to be launched locally. Based on the the Musso Sports Double Cab 4X4, the Musso Sports 4X2 is fully imported from Korea where it is known as a SUT (sports utility truck) and is set to redefine the meaning of multi-purpose.

The Musso Sports combines the seating space of a luxury 4-door saloon, yet provides the functionality of a sports-utility with the practicality of a bakkie, placing it in a class of its own.

The new Musso Sports boasts a number of unique features. It has the largest cabin interior in its class, normal sized rear doors, disc brakes all round (ventilated front), a class beating 5,6m turning circle and a 3 year / 60000km Maintenance plan.

Chromed steel roll-over bar, tonneau cover, double sealed rear load body and attractive 5 spoke 16" cast alloy wheels shod with 235/ 70 tyres are standard.

With regard to interior comfort and convenience, local models are equipped with neat and functional black fascia, factory fitted radio / tape, air conditioning, adjustable height steering wheel, power steering, electric windows front and rear, remote central locking, security system and remote side mirrors.

On the safety front, the Musso Sports is equipped with ABS braking, Drivers side airbag, pre-tensioner safety belts and side impact protection bars.

The Sports 4x2 retains the same muscular look as its stable mate, Musso, however, with a revised grille, clear glass wrap-around headlights and new look clear glass tail lights, it looks distinctively different. The well styled load body gives this bakkie a rugged yet elegant look, and whether it be for leisure or for work, the versatile Sports 4x2 is sure to fit in perfectly.

The Musso Sports will be available locally with a choice of a 5 Speed Manual or Electronically- controlled- 4-Speed Automatic transmission, each optimised for superb on and off-road driving. "Shift-on-the-Fly " 4WD with Traction Control is standard. Powered by the well known 5 cylinder 290TDi engine, built under licence from Mercedes-Benz, the Sports delivers an impressive 88Kw @ 4000rpm and 250Nm torque @ 2250rpm. Urban cycle fuel consumption figures of 10.56 litres per 100km's are claimed by the manufacturer for the Manual and 12 litres per 100 km's for the Auto.

The Local Market

" SsangYong Motor, Korea regards South Africa as an important market for its product and, as in Korea , expects the Musso Sports to do well locally," says an optimistic Hennie Bekker, General Manager of SsangYong Motor Distributors. Korea 's original projections were to retail 7500 units by the end of 2003, and in less than a month after their domestic launch, nearly 20000 orders were placed. "We know that pricing is a contentious issue at the moment and feel confident that the Musso Sports 4x2, as with our other products, is well priced against its competitors, offering excellent value for money." says Bekker. SsangYong Motor Distributors South Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated Motor Holdings, a member of the Imperial Group.

Dealer Network

Currently numbering 18 outlets, SsangYong have dealers in all major geographical areas of the country. "We are intent on growing our market share this year and have aligned ourselves with dealers committed to the product, both in terms of sales and service. Our strategy for 2004 is to open additional dealerships country wide and outside our borders, and to offer our clients a greater choice of quality products with improved after sales service. We have got our act together and prospective and existing clients will definitely experience a more professional approach in future," explains Bekker.

The Musso Sports is imported and backed by SsangYong Motor Distributors and like all SsangYong's is covered by a 3 Year / 100000km Factory warranty and 3 Year / 60000km Maintenance plan. Services are required every 10000km's.

Pricing:

Musso Sports 4X2 Manual -   R229 995.00
Musso Sports 4X2 Automatic -   R244 980.00