For anyone that hasn’t caught up yet, Ssanygong is called KGM these days and it’s got a new commercial-spec version of its Rexton SUV.

Just like the passenger model, this sits on a steel ladder chassis and is fitted with a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine allied to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

See also: On test: Time for Ssangyong’s well-priced Musso pickup?

Power output is 200hp/441Nm, braked towing capacity 3.5t, and the lack of rear seats gives it a capacious 2,200-litre load area.

Off-road credentials are solid too, with a two-range transfer case that offers selectable four-wheel drive.

Like most vehicles of this type, the commercial model starts out life as a regular Rexton.

A team based in the UK then strips out and destroys the rear seats (a legal requirement) before fitting a carpet-clad aluminium floor, plastic panels to block off the back windows and a heavy-duty steel mesh bulkhead to separate passengers and cargo.

A tailor-made rubber mat can also be added to protect the load area.

© James Andrews

Together, these modifications qualify the truck for the same commercial benefit-in-kind tax rates and capital allowances as a van or single-cab pickup, with first-year vehicle excise duty set at £345.

Three spec levels are on offer, starting with the £34,995 K30, which features 18in alloy wheels, leather-look seats and a touchscreen display complete with DAB radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

For £1,000 extra, the K40 offers genuine Nappa leather seats and some extra safety features, while the range-topping £38,995 K50 gets larger 20in wheels, a sunroof, rear air conditioning and leather/suede upholstery.

Musso EV

Another new vehicle from the KGM stable is the Musso EV double-cab electric pickup, demonstration models of which are set to reach the UK later this year.

Packing 80kWh of battery power, it promises a range of up to 260 miles and a recharge time (from 10% to 80%) of 36 minutes when hooked to a 300kW rapid charger.

© KGM

Load lugging abilities aren’t a match for combustion-fuelled rivals, with a payload of 500kg and 1.8t towing capacity, but a power output of 200hp/339Nm should give it decent performance.

Interiors will be suitably plush, with leather upholstery and a bounty of technology including an “intelligent” cruise-control system.