Looks like 2012 is the year for new pickups.

Korean manufacturer SsangYong’s Korando Sports is the fourth new truck to hit the market in the past eight months.

Available in double-cab form only, it gets a modest two-litre turbodiesel engine. Kicking out 153hp and 360Nm of torque, the maker says it should be capable of lugging about 2.3t on the hook.

But if you want this truck you’ll have to do without the customary 1t payload – the Korando Sports will carry less than 650kg in the back.

There’s a choice of six-speed manual or auto transmission and SsangYong reckons the five-seater should double up as a weekday worker and weekend family wagon. Combined fuel consumption is a moderately good 31.4mpg.

The company promises a competitive price and five-year limitless mileage warranty. The price will be announced in October.