How to pick up a cheap pick-up

If you haven’t heard of Ssangyong before, we’ll forgive you.

Currently, the South Korean brand is only selling around 1,500 cars a year - all SUVS and pick-ups – and it’s mainly focused on rural areas and buyers who need them for work.

However, while its range sells in small volumes, the brand has breathed fresh life into the latest editions, offering attractive but affordable cars.

The new Musso’s had a makeover to look more stylish on the road. Its biggest appeal is its payload and towing capacity – able to bear a braked trailer load of 3,500kg, paired with the automatic gearbox and carry a 1,085kg payload.

It also has a surprisingly premium-feel inside; comfortable seats, a quiet drive and plenty of creature comforts for less than £30,000.

There’s one engine option in the Musso – a 2.2-litre diesel, ideal for load lugging. It’s available as either a sixspeed manual or automatic; we tested the auto.

All models come with part-time fourwheel drive, which gives you the option to switch to all-wheel power, and there’s hill descent control.

It has a top speed of 115mph from its 179bhp engine, and will achieve between 32.9 and 35.8mpg on a combined cycle.

The double cab is undisturbed by the engine noise when out on the road, even at motorway speeds. However, when going this fast, the slightly disconnected steering suffers from the shakes.

Cruising around the countryside though, this pick-up is comfortable and tackles big bumps off road well, thanks to the four-wheel drive.

Depending how you’ll use it, the Musso has plenty of interior choices. Hard-wearing but attractive TPU seats are available, but there’s also cloth and leather for those demanding a more premium pick-up.

Available in EX, Rebel, Saracen and Rhino specifications, the Musso can do basic and functional or over-the-top and showy. However, the entry-level cars are available for less than a new Ford Focus at £19,995 and go up to £28,254.

The infotainment system is available with either an eight or 9.2in screen, kitted out with satellite navigation, DAB, Bluetooth and Carplay or Android Auto.

If you have a huge budget, this may not be the car for you, but if you’re looking for something affordable that offers loads for your money then the Musso could be it.

The combination of price, looks, comfort and towing power will work for a lot of drivers.