Another manual option bites the dust in Australia

The updated SsangYong Musso is due in Australia this year, but it will lose its manual transmission option.

Government approval documents viewed by CarExpert show the entire updated Musso range will come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

A SsangYong Australia spokesperson confirmed the move, adding that more details will be available close to its launch in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The current entry-level SsangYong Musso ELX is available with a six-speed manual transmission as standard in both regular- and extended-wheelbase (XLV) body styles. The six-speed automatic is a $2000 option.

The approval documents still list a power output of 133kW, indicating the Australian-market Musso will stick with the existing 133kW/400Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.

South Korean-market versions of the ute received an engine tune with 150kW and 441Nm last year, along with an electric power steering set-up that brought adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and active lane-centring.

SsangYong Australia has previously said it stuck with the older setup as it doesn’t require Diesel Exhaust Fluid, which is another term for AdBlue.

“DEF requires an additional tank, this takes up space in the spare wheel area to the point where a full-size spare wheel cannot be fitted,” a company spokesperson told CarExpert last year.

Besides the confirmation of an automatic-only lineup, the approval documents also show the updated Musso range will still consist of the ELX, Ultimate and Ultimate Luxury variants.

The regular- and extended-wheelbase (XLV) body styles will also continue.

There are also images of the front and rear three-quarter image of the regular-wheelbase ute.

Compared to the current model, there’s a different LED daytime running light signature and alloy wheel design.

South Korean-market Musso

At this stage it’s unclear if there will be any alterations to the interior of the Musso locally.

South Korean-market versions of the updated Musso receive a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that juts out of the dashboard, along with new horizontal air vents, climate control pod with touch-capacitive buttons, and USB-C ports.

Until the end of July this year, SsangYong has sold a total of 2304 Musso examples. This makes it the second lowest-volume vehicle in its segment, ahead of only the Jeep Gladiator (507 sales).

However, its sales are up 220.9 per cent year-to-date, the most dramatic growth of any vehicle in its segment.

SsangYong Australia still hasn’t confirmed when it’ll roll out its parent company’s new KG Mobility branding Down Under.

The updated Musso, as well as the related Rexton SUV were all revealed with KG Mobility badges.

However, SsangYong’s most recent logo still features on the grille and not the 1990s-era double-circle that had recently made a reappearance.

MORE: Everything SsangYong Musso