Let’s start by saying I’m a big fan of pickups. In my rural neck of the woods, they are popular with both working owners and those who use them for leisure purposes. With the recent tax changes, their popularity is in decline as double-cab models are now classified as cars for benefit in kind.

Business users will need to buy a double cab model with no rear seats, something that most pickup manufacturers are now offering, KGM included, in order for it to make sense as a tax-efficient purchase.

With this in mind, I have just attended the media launch of KGM’s new Musso Rhino and Musso Rhino+ models. This next-generation Musso sits above the current Rebel and Saracen variants. Incidentally, Musso is the Korean word for rhinoceros.

Immediately noticeable is the bold new front end, definitely more imposing with its distinctive LED lighting signature and redesigned grille. New 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, silver side steps, black and silver roof rails, Rhino graphics and an embossed KGM tailgate complete the look.

Under the bonnet sits KGM’s 2.2-litre diesel engine, producing 202PS at 3,800rpm and 400Nm of torque from 1,400 to 2,800rpm. It’s quite a refined unit, only making its presence felt when fully extended. It is mated to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission which gets on with the job in a mostly smooth manner. Some steering wheel paddles would be nice, so when you need to take control, the gear selector needs to be moved to the left and controlled thus.

No pickup would be complete without a decent 4x4 system, and the Musso Rhino has a selectable system with low range. In normal use, the truck runs in 2WD, but when conditions turn tough, a quick turn of the dial is all that is needed to send power to all wheels. Hill start assist and hill descent controls are also fitted.

KGM organised for us to try the new Musso at a bespoke off-road facility. Dry conditions and a mostly flat course did little to challenge the pickup, but there were a couple of dusty hills to test out the traction and other controls. From experience of KGM models in more extreme conditions, I am sure the Musso will provide all the off-road capability most users will ever need.

The new model does have increased ground clearance, something that will often stop less capable vehicles when driven in extreme conditions. Approach and departure angles seem to be class competitive.

Many pickup truck owners regularly tow, and both Rhino and Rhino+ can tow a braked trailer up to 3.5 tonnes in weight, which is impressive. There’s a trailer sway bar, a rear-view camera and a 360-degree surround-view monitoring system too, all of which will help even experienced drivers.

The main difference between the Rhino and the Rhino+ model is the load bed. The former offers 1,011 litres of load bed capacity and a payload of 1,090kg, while in the latter, this increases to 1,262 litres and 1,200kg. I’m reliably informed this is the biggest pickup load bed by volume. The load beds come ready fitted with a liner, eight lashing hooks, a load bed lamp and rear bumper corner steps. Load covers and full hard tops are, of course, available to suit.

The Musso Rhino’s interior is a nice place to spend time in. Nappa leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats and dual-zone air conditioning were all much appreciated on an especially hot day on the edge of the Cotswolds. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen controls most of the truck’s functions, but I was pleased to see separate heater controls. Other features include DAB radio, adaptive cruise control, push-button start and wireless phone charging. All the now-expected safety features come as standard, too numerous to list here.

My time behind the wheel was fairly brief, and I have already discussed how capable the Musso Rhino was off-road. On tarmac, tyre, engine and road noises are all reasonably muted, in keeping with the comfortable cabin. Acceleration from rest is fine without being startling, the engine being tuned for lugging rather than sprinting.

The ride is a tad on the firm side, with some of the usual rear-end bounce from the empty load bed. I do recall that older Musso models had a more cosseting ride. All in all, a truck I would happily take on long motorway journeys if required.

Pricing starts at £38,995, excluding VAT, with the Rhino+ just £1,000 more. With a push upmarket, the Musso Rhino now has to compete with the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok. It does so quite well in its new guise.

For those on a budget, the Musso Rebel can be on your driveway from £32,980 excluding VAT. It lacks the polish of the new Rhino models but should not be overlooked. Furthermore, KGM can also sell you a fully electric Musso. Priced from £39,995 including VAT and the £5,000 plug-in grant. Payload is reduced to 690kg, and the maximum braked towing capacity is 2,300kg. It may suit many users and still surprises with its relative silence when behind the wheel.

So, KGM has a truck to suit most applications, so why not pop along to your nearest main dealer and take a closer look? There’s lots to like and little to criticise.