Isuzu D-Max

On the face of it a big pick-up truck with a traditional diesel engine doesn’t look like much of an alternative to the hybrid and electric SUVs and crossovers you might also be considering. And at a best case 30-something mpg you’ll be chucking a fair bit of diesel into it. But an increasing number of non-commercial ‘lifestyle’ buyers are attracted to the tough image of pick-up trucks and way they can fit into an outdoorsy lifestyle. For the canny buyer there are financial advantages to running a commercial vehicle as a private car, even if you’re not VAT registered and have to pay the full upfront price. Benefit In Kind and other tax costs can work out cheaper than equivalent passenger cars and, for the price of a mid-range crossover, you are – literally – getting a lot more vehicle for your money, and one with everything but the kitchen sink included. Literally the only option you can add to the lifestyle-oriented V-Cross trim is metallic paint, though Isuzu dealers do have a range of accessories you can choose, including body cladding, load bed covers and more.