SsangYong has introduced a beefed-up version of its pick-up in a bid to take a slice of a profitable and growing market.

The reworked double-cab vehicle is now called the Musso, which means ‘Rhinoceros’ in Korean, a name which replaces the Korando Sports.

SsangYong believes this animal’s image - rugged, rough and capable - suits the vehicle better than the Korando name it also uses on its medium-sized SUV.

Along with the new badge, you will now find a bigger engine, a new automatic box with more gears and an improved interior.

All this adds up to create a vehicle that’s pleasant to drive.

The number of cylinders has remained the same, but the 2.2-litre engine has brought more power and torque than the previous 2.0-litre unit.

It means Musso drivers now get 178hp, up from 155hp, while torque has increased from 360-400Nm.

When you hit the accelerator, you certainly feel the power at your disposal as this large vehicle leaps forward energetically.

The punchy engine, alongside a new auto box that offers quick, slick changes, makes overtaking easy.

Another benefit of the larger engine is that it helps SsangYong meet tough Euro 6 emissions rules without using AdBlue, which is another expense you don’t need to worry about compared with some larger rivals.

For a meaty diesel engine, it’s a surprisingly quiet and smooth unit, with the refined power delivery bringing the Musso into line with some of its European rivals.

In terms of value for money, there’s no doubt that you get a lot of vehicle for your cash.

The Musso is cheap to buy - starting at £15,995 - and should also prove to be reasonably economical to run.

Indeed, it comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, while fuel efficiency is better on this vehicle than its predecessor.

The manual version can achieve 40mpg on the combined cycle while the 2.2 automatic version, tested here, offers an official 37mpg, which seemed closer to 30mpg in real world driving conditions.

Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are 186g/km for the manual, rising to 202g/km for the auto.

The ride quality in the Musso is also pretty smooth and comfortable, with the multi-link rear suspension still feeling softly sprung.

In terms of handling, the steering feels a little light, while the back end seems eager to step out if you take a corner briskly in greasy conditions.

All-round visibility in the vehicle is excellent, with a high driving position, while legroom in the front is also good, although space for passengers in the back is a bit more limited.

The interior has a pleasant ambience and feels durable too. The Musso gets a new dashboard - with the built-in touchscreen and new centrally-mounted, digital clock.

The Musso has a generous specification despite its modest price. Air-conditioning, alloy wheels, a leather covered steering wheel and gear knob, heated seats, and high grade user-friendly stereo with both MP3 and Bluetooth capabilities were all included on the test car.

In terms of looks, it’s a quirky-looking vehicle that wouldn’t necessarily win any beauty contests. That said, the EX trim grade vehicle does have some aesthetically-pleasing features, including stylish black 18-inch alloy wheels, a new contemporary grille and daytime running lights.

Meanwhile, the moulded rear canopy on the test vehicle provided great versatility, meaning this pick-up was able to take on many of the qualities of an estate car when necessary.

All in all, if you’re after a pick-up within a constrained budget, the Musso offers durability, practicality and a decent engine, with a few creature comforts thrown in for good measure.

The Lowdown

SsangYong Musso

TRIM: EX auto

PRICE: Range starts at £15,995 but £18,995 as tested

ENGINE: 2.2-litre, turbo diesel, 178hp at 4,000rpm

TRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic, selectable 4x4 with low ratio

PERFORMANCE: 108mph, 37mpg combined, 202g/km

TOWING CAPACITY: 3,000kg

Will's Ratings

PERFORMANCE: ****

ECONOMY: ****

RIDE/HANDLING: ***

SPACE: *****

EQUIPMENT: ****

SECURITY: ****

VALUE: *****

OVERALL: ****