What is it?
Is it surprising that we're seeing more pick-up trucks on our roads? Equally, is it that remarkable that behind their (usually tinted) windows often sit families? It isn't, because SUVs are popular (gasp), and if you can persuade your boss to provide a pick-up for work use, the monthly company car tax rates are very low.
That makes pick-ups like this Isuzu D-Max Blade extremely appealing. For instance, a 20% taxpayer will lose just £54 of their pay packet each month to have a pick-up on the drive, and not just the Isuzu D-Max - that goes for any of them. Indeed, the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara and Volkswagen Amarok all demand the same. And, because pick-ups are classed as light commercial vehicles (LCVs), the boss can claim back their VAT.
But to make sure it is a D-Max on your drive, Isuzu has revised the model for 2017. A four-cylinder 1.9-litre diesel engine replaces the old four-pot 2.5 of before, there's a refreshed design outside and improved interior trim and infotainment, while the Japanese firm has also been more generous with standard equipment and payload weights across the D-Max's five trim levels.
Join the debate
Add your comment
The cheek.
Stick to reviewing cars
Perhaps better to stick to reviewing vehicles...
With regards to the VAT being reclaimable on a pickup please note the following: "provided the business is VAT registered the company can reclaim all the VAT if there is only incidental private use. The VAT is proportionately reduced by your private mileage percentage." If the vehicle is used as a car it is liable to the same Benefit In Kind charges as a car. Whilst many choose to ignore these stipulations with apparent impunity surely Autocar shouldn't condone the avoidance of the payment of tax of whatever type?