Another Korean invader on the British roads who is doing quite nicely is SsangYong, who happen to be big in the 4x4 market.

Considering they actually only build 150,000 models for the entire world market they are comparatively small beer, but SsangYong have big plans for the future.

At the moment they sell just 4,000 vehicles in the year through 60 dealers in the UK. But by the end of 2021 they reckon to sell 10,000 vehicles a year and there will have a dealership of 90.

The latest model to help them up the sales ladder is the Musso, which is set to disrupt a fast-growing pick-up market with a tough, strong and value-for-money 4x4.

This chunky chap – Musso, which is Korean for rhino - takes its strong, tough and powerful image from the brand’s heritage, which was established more than 60 years ago and from the original Musso of the 1990s.

I reckon the Musso will sell like hot cakes with builders, farmers and the like queuing up to take delivery of an extremely competent vehicle.

Prices start at a sector-leading £19,995 (ex VAT) for a one tonne payload and 3.5 tonne towing capacity.

Built on the same architecture as the new Ssang Yong Rexton - which was awarded the 4x4 of the Year 2018 by 4x4 Magazine - Musso shares its body-on-frame construction to give an extremely strong vehicle that delivers excellent off-road driving performance and safety from its quad-frame and four-wheel-drive system.

After a brief outing in the Musso it was difficult to fault the versatility and style of the vehicle and the fact that SsangYong have come up leaps and bounds. Once their products were somewhat average. Not any longer; they can keep with the big boys now.

The Musso has quad-frame body construction and proven 4x4 system delivers rugged off-road capability.

One of the largest interiors of its rivals there is access and rear seat space for five people to travel in comfort.

As Korea’s leading and only SUV and 4x4 specialist manufacturer, SsangYong is committed to refreshing its entire product portfolio, and Musso is the latest new model to come from the brand in a programme of new introductions stretching into the 2020s.

The new Musso is a competent multi-purpose truck - comprehensively equipped, a sector leading seven-year/150,000-mile warranty with a value for money package, plus a surprising level of interior refinement and great infotainment.

The Musso is powered by the same e-XDi220 engine found in the Rexton which delivers a maximum power of 181ps at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm at 1,400 to 2,800rpm. It is available with either a six speed manual or a six speed automatic with its success proven by SsangYong and several other automotive brands.

Top speed is just over 120mph and you are guaranteed more than 30 miles to the gallon.

Inside, Musso is exceptionally well equipped compared with other pick-ups, and as well as offering excellent shoulder and leg room front and rear, nappa leather seats can be found on the top of the range model for added luxury and comfort. DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity feature across the range, while all but the entry level model feature a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes an 8-inch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-fi mirroring, or 9.2-inch screen with TomTom navigation on top line models.

“We believe in the strength of our new truck,” said Nick Laird, managing director of SsangYong Motor UK. “Our seven year warranty will also apply to Rexton on which Musso is based. No other pick-up or SUV comes with such comprehensive reassurance, and without the small-print of so many other manufacturer warranties.”

At more than five meters (5,095mm), the new Musso is larger than its predecessor in every dimension and gives one of the largest cabin interiors in its class. The load bed is also longer (1,300mm), wider (1,570mm) and considerably deeper (570mm) that its forerunner, and easily takes a Euro pallet.

There are sporty fog lamps on all models, LED daytime running lights on the Saracen and Rhino, and stylish roof bars on the Rebel and Saracen.

The doors are designed to cover the sills along the lower part of the body to ensure passengers don’t pick up dirt from the side of the vehicle when getting in and out, while black 18-inch wheels on the Saracen tell you this is no ordinary pick-up.

The load deck affords an extremely useful cargo area that is large enough to carry a 1 tonne payload and equipped as standard with a tough fitted load liner, a 12V/120W power outlet and rotating hooks to help strap-down loads such as tools and equipment.

The interior of the Musso is completely new and offers a high standard of detailing, fit and finish. Perhaps unexpectedly for a utility vehicle, it brings a level of refinement and contemporary ambiance that’s more akin to a premium SUV yet still feels robust and durable, complementing the exterior look of a pick-up.

With one of the most spacious interiors in its segment, the second row of seats is designed for three passengers to travel comfortably with class-leading leg and elbow room.

The new Musso powertrain employs a 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine manufactured by SsangYong, which delivers maximum power of 181PS and torque of 400Nm. This highly efficient, quiet and proven e-XDi220 engine delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start, and strong low-end torque typical of SsangYong power units.

Transmission is either a 6-speed manual, or optional Aisin 6-speed automatic as available on other SsangYong models and several other marques and noted for its smooth gear changing and durability.

The EX comes in at £19,995 offering the market-entry truck that is built for a hard day’s work at an unbeatable price. It comes with 17” alloy wheels, a DAB audio/Bluetooth system, 6 airbags, electric windows, remote central locking that includes the tail gate, manual air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and a full sized spare wheel.

The Rebel at £22,495 builds on the EX specification, adding 18” alloy wheels, roof rails, floor mats, an 8” smart audio infotainment system with Google CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view reversing camera, leather-look seats, front seats that are both heated and ventilated, heated leather steering wheel, black side steps and Rebel graphics.

Adding a premium feel, the Saracen at £24,995 is instantly recognisable with its 18” black alloy wheels, and adds nappa leather seats, power adjustable drivers and front passenger seats, heated rear seats, 9.2” screen with TomTom navigation, automatic projection headlamps and LED positioning lights, cruise control, metal front skid plate, bright finished tubular side steps, bright rear corner bars, bright finished mirrors and door handles and Saracen graphics.