SsangYong’s Musso dual cab ute is back on the market, offering buyers a value-laden proposition across its sub-$40,000 four-model launch line-up that starts at $30,490 drive-away for the manual EX and tops out at $39,990 for the Ultimate auto.

In between, the EX auto is priced at $32,490 and the auto-only ELX carries a $35,990 sticker price – both drive-away figures in a range that has a lot of bases covered in terms of equipment, specification and warranty assurance.

All models are 4×4, using a part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing, in concert with a six-speed manual or Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic transmission option and the sole powertrain on offer: a 2.2L four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

Producing 133kW of power at 4,000rpm and 400Nm of torque from 1,400-2,800rpm, the Euro 6-compliant e-XDi220 diesel engine returns fuel economy of 7.9 litres per 100km in the manual and 8.6L/100km in the auto.

Other noteworthy numbers include a maximum payload of 790kg across the range – onet carrying capacity is coming soon with a long-wheelbase variant – and maximum braked towing capacity on the auto of 3,500kg. Kerb weight is 2,177kg (manual) or 2,192kg (auto), while gross vehicle mass is 2,880kg and gross combination mass 5,980kg.

The tub measures 1,300mm long, 1,570mm wide and 570mm high – enough room for a full-size Euro pallet, SsangYong says – and is fitted with a load liner, 12V power outlet and rotating tie-down hooks. Ground clearance is a handy 215mm.

All models come with an automatic locking centre differential and a limited-slip rear diff. The chassis is a traditional body-on-frame design, with the suspension using coil springs at both ends in a double wishbone set-up at the front and a multi-link arrangement down back. The forthcoming long-wheelbase model will have rear leaf springs.

Four-wheel disc brakes are welcome, along with a supporting cast of electronic aids including electronic stability and traction control, anti-rollover production, brake assist, emergency stop signal, hill-start assist and hill descent control.

Driver-assist systems include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and lane departure warning across the range (from December 2018 production); however, more advanced functionality with blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert only kicks in at ELX level. A 360º surround-view camera is reserved for the Ultimate.

All models have six airbags, air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a fully adjustable multi-function steering wheel, central locking and electric windows.

The ELX adds daytime running lamps, rear fog lamps, a 7” instrument cluster, 8” multimedia screen, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, tyre pressuring monitoring system, front/rear park assist and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) seat covers with heating and ventilation for front occupants.

At the top end, the Ultimate has HID headlights, a sunroof, rear deck pillar, auto-dipping rear-view mirror, leather seat upholstery, seat heating front and rear, electric front seat adjustment (eight-way driver/six-way passenger) and a speed-sensitive steering system.

The EX comes standard with 17” steel wheels and 235/70-section tyres (including full-size spare), with an alloy rim available as an option. The ELX ups the ante to 18” alloys with 235/70 rubber, while Ultimate has 20” alloys with chrome-like sputtering and 255/60 tyres.

A seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with seven years of roadside assistance is also part of the standard package.

SsangYong Australia is set to bolster its Musso dual cab utility range with a long-wheelbase model that brings a host of benefits – extra length, yes, but also more torque and a higher payload.

Local specification and pricing were still to be released at the time of writing, but the South Korean manufacturer had confirmed that the LWB version would be available in three trim levels – EX, ELX and Ultimate – as seen on the short-wheelbase range, so count on comparable features on each respective grade.

Known as the Rexton Sports Khan in overseas markets, the LWB model is 310mm longer overall – wheelbase length extends an extra 110mm – and increases total length to 5.4m.

SsangYong claims this hands the stretched Musso one of the biggest load spaces on the market, while payload increases 30% to 1,020kg – an important point, considering the SWB variants do not make it to the tonne.

A leaf spring rear suspension replaces the SWB’s coil spring set-up “to meet the heavy-duty demands expected by target customers, including tradespeople”.

The LWB model also offers more pulling power with torque on the 2.2L turbo-diesel engine uprated to 420Nm – 20Nm more than on the SWB, and arriving at the same 1,400rpm.