Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Alastair Shephard | Author

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

From April 2025, the double-cab pickup tax will change as these vehicles will no longer be classified as commercial vehicles. 

This will lead to big tax increases for some owners, so it's important to determine whether the commercial vehicle tax changes will affect you before they're implemented. 

Find the essential details and how they'll affect you below.

What are the UK pick-up truck tax changes?

double-cab pickup trucks will be classified as cars for tax purposes. 

The new tax comes as part of the 2024 autumn budget.

for these vehicles. BiK are goods and services provided to an employee at a reduced rate or for free.

Currently, light commercial vehicles (e.g., double cab pickups with a carrying capacity of one tonne or more) are subject to a flat BiK tax rate of £3,960 annually for company drivers.

However, starting in April 2025, they’ll be reclassified as cars, and BiK tax will instead be calculated on a sliding scale based on emissions.

 of most double-cab pickups, this change is expected to substantially increase drivers' tax bills.

An example of the new commercial vehicle tax changes

The new pick-up truck tax changes will depend on what kind of vehicle you own. Let's quickly look at an example.

 that falls into the highest BiK bracket for company cars, you may end up 

This is almost three times the current flat rate for light commercial vehicles.

It's a significant hit for tradespeople who depend on these trucks for their work.

What to do for existing double-cab pickup trucks?

Do you already own a double-cab pickup truck? HMRC has announced transitional BiK tax arrangements for employers who have bought and invested in these vehicles.

Any business that purchased, ordered, or leased a double cab pickup before April 2025 can continue using previous tax treatments. 

However, note that this transactional treatment will only be valid until:

So, if you currently have one of these pickups, you have some flexibility before and after the new tax rules are implemented. 

Effects of the new pick-up truck tax changes

Aside from higher taxes, what do these changes mean for the industry?

The new regulations may lead businesses in industries like construction and farming to rethink their pickup vehicle fleets.

While reliable, double-cab pickups will face higher BiK taxes, which will lead to increased costs for employers due to added National Insurance contributions. 

 to reduce the tax burden, which still benefits from lower BiK rates. We might also see a switch to

 which offer reduced taxes thanks to their lower emissions.

Running any vehicle can get expensive, especially when you’re facing last-minute repairs and emergency expenses.

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra fee. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

Double Cab Pick Up Tax Changes - What To Know Before April 2025

In the last 10 to 20 years Hyundai have gone from a relatively unknown brand from South Korea to one of the most popular marques on UK roads. 

They have infiltrated every market segment from the compact i10 up to the Tucson SUV. 

But during their 57 years in business, what are the stand-out cars made by Hyundai?

Formed in South Korea in 1967, Hyundai initially began producing the Cortina under license from Ford. It wasn’t until 1976 that their first in-house design; the Pony, was released; it was sold in the UK from 1982 until 1990. 

Since then, Hyundai have regularly ranked highly in reliability leaderboards, and have gradually acquired more and more market share in the UK.

Since 2016 Hyundai have used the name Ioniq in relation to its EV and hybrid vehicles, the first one being a hybrid hatchback to rival the Toyota Prius. In recent years the IONIQ branding has been applied almost as a sub-brand for Hyundai's electric and hybrid lineup.

Today the IONIQ brand produces some of the most innovative and striking electric vehicles on the market, alongside their tried-and-tested lineup of i10, i20 and i30 

Especially in recent years, Hyundai have scored excellent rankings in reliability indexes, often landing more than one car in the top 10 most reliable. 

They also have a track record of honouring warranty claims, here are our most reliable Hyundai cars.

Hyundai Tucson SUV 2022 - Present - £32,000

 represents great value, especially in the SUV segment it leads; it was ranked no.2 in Honest John’s 2024 reliability guide, beaten narrowly by the Lexus NX.

Still on sale today the Tucson is available in either petrol or petrol hybrid guise, and a wide array of options to pick from.

As Hyundai’s first offering with a hybrid and EV option, the IONIQ was a big step for Hyundai, it remained in production, with substantial styling changes from 2016 to 2022, where it was phased out due to consumer demand for SUV and crossover style vehicles. 

Whilst no longer made, the IONIQ can offer great value on the used carmarket, with low mileage 2023 registered cars being advertised for under £12,000.

 represent great packaging and value, it has been repeatedly touted as one of the most reliable small cars on the market. The second generation made from 2013 to 2019 scored 98.6% in the small car category of WhatCar?’s reliability report.

That said, the current generation is also well-regarded for being reliable, and at just over £16,000 on the road, it won’t break the bank either.

 are becoming ever more popular, Hyundai is not missing any opportunities, offering multiple models, ranging from small to large, with every fuel type possible.

 utility vehicle, but the Ioniq 5 is comparable in size to others in the sector. Speaking of size, the Ioniq 5 is definitely not one of the bigger SUVs on the road, which is not a bad thing, its packaging offers a 

The range starts at £39,900, but don’t think this is a plain base spec, it still comes with a heated 

, highway driving assist and a 12” touchscreen nav system.

 is a mid-size SUV, offering ample room for 4 people and luggage, but is not as tall or wide as the largest SUVs on the road.

At £32,000 it is good value, especially considering the lowest trim level ‘Advance’ comes with rain sensing 

Even though most of their lineup has been economy and practicality-focused, Hyundai do make some sporty vehicles.

Aimed as a rival to the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the 

 is Hyundai's fastest accelerating car by a large margin, achieving 60 mph from a standstill in 3.4 seconds. By all accounts it handles well for an EV too.

The Ioniq 5 N is on sale now, with prices starting at £65,000 it’s not a cheap car, but it’s almost £10,000 cheaper than the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, another main competitor.

Named the Tiburon outside of Europe, the Hyundai Coupe was the brand's first foray into a 2-door sports coupe. 

Whilst it wasn’t anywhere near as popular as its main rival the Toyota Celica, it still received praise for its handling and value. 

A choice of three engines saw most opting for the mid-range 2.0 petrol, there was a 2.7 V6 option, which sounded great, but didn’t really deliver the performance you’d expect. 

Second-hand prices are low, with V6 versions selling for sub £2,000 online.

 Golf R and Honda Civic Type R, with the same great formula; a compact hatchback with a serious amount of power. At either 250 or 280 horsepower and with only around 1,300kg to move, it’s no surprise it can reach 60mph in 5.4 seconds.

Unfortunately for hot enthusiasts the I30N will no longer be offered after 2024, despite good sales figures. Thankfully there are plenty on the secondhand market, with 2018 models selling for under £15,000.

The Santa Fe is the largest Hyundai SUV, with the Tucson being the mid-size of the range. The Tucson is available as either a 6 or 7 seater.

As standard Hyundai offers a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty across all its new car range.

Whilst the duration is fairly standard, if not low compared to some brands (Kia’s 7 years for instance) the unlimited mileage factor is impressive, making a new Hyundai an ideal car for someone who does 

In 1998 Hyundai bought the controlling share of Kia, whilst their share has reduced from 51% to around 34% in 2023, they are still considered a major shareholder. 

Whilst the two companies operate mostly separate from one another, they do share parts such as powertrains and engines across brands. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

7 Best Hyundai Models

Hybrids come in all shapes and sizes nowadays, from the original mid-size saloon Prius to enormous SUVs like the BMW X7 hybrid, but what if you just need a smaller car, for city driving or short trips? 

These are some of the best small hybrids on sale today.

 has long been a favourite in the small car segment. Known for its reliability, the Yaris combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to achieve remarkable fuel economy. With a spacious interior and decent boot space, it’s perfect for city driving while remaining practical for longer journeys.

At 129 horsepower the Yaris Hybrid has plenty of power to keep up with city traffic, and shouldn’t find motorways difficult either. A vibrant infotainment screen gives Android auto and Apple Car Play.

 is celebrated for its versatile interior and practicality. With a clever 'Magic Seat' feature that makes the most of its cabin space, the Jazz hybrid's economical hybrid powertrain provides excellent fuel efficiency, making it a fantastic choice.

Exterior styling is very reminiscent of the previous generation Jazz, but with a sleek modernisation bringing it firmly up to date with Honda's other models, such as its bigger brother, the Civic.

As one of the cheapest new hybrids out there, the 

 offers great value, not only will it do over 64 miles to the gallon, but it also has a 10.5” touchscreen infotainment system, as well as a 7” screen for the digital dash.

Whilst the basic SE spec doesn’t get blind spot detection, it does have adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and forward collision avoidance – an impressive amount of safety features for the price.

4. Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid - £21,395

 offers a stylish SUV-esque exterior paired with a hybrid powertrain that performs well both in the city and on the motorway. Its compact size makes it easier to manoeuvre than a mid-sized SUV, while the spacious interior ensures comfort for passengers. 

At just under £21,400 the Evolution trim level comes with 17” diamond cut alloys, a 10.4” infotainment screen and rear-view camera.

 is the cherry on the top for those looking for great fuel mileage, with up to 74 MPG achievable. Power is provided by a 1.5L three-cylinder engine, and a 59kW electric motor. 

The base trim, or grade as Mazda term it, is the Centre-Line, which comes with keyless entry, various safety features and a 9” infotainment screen. Multiple stylish colours are available, though the pearl ones will add to the final bill.

Suzuki are famed for making great small cars, and the 

 has been a favourite since its release in the UK in the late 1980s. The hybrid version then, is sure to be popular too! It comes with a mild hybrid system assisting the 1.2-litre petrol engine and plenty of tech.

As standard, the Swift Hybrid comes with heated seats, keyless entry, rear parking camera, and blind spot detection, among a host of other safety features. It really is packed full, especially for such a competitive price and compact size.

 uses a mild hybrid system, and its simplicity allows the bargain price of sub £17,000. Instead of a high voltage battery system, it used a 12v lithium battery in place of the normal car battery, and in effect a beefy starter motor to aid the engine; it does not have an electric-only mode.

Despite this, the 500 Hybrid is a fantastic city car, offering reasonably good MPG from the fizzy 3-cylinder petrol engine, and its ability to be parked in the tightest of spots is unparalleled. As with all 500s, its styling and quirkiness add plenty to the deal too.

 has been a favourite small hatchback since its introduction in the 90s, famed for not only practicality but French style too, the latest Hybrid edition also brings great fuel economy and a peppy 145hp.

Fitted with plenty of safety tech, alongside a multimedia touchscreen and digital dash, the new Clio has all the bells and whistles. Prices start from £21,695 which is pretty good value considering the modern Clio is considerably larger than it used to be, offering better people and luggage space.

9. Mercedes-Benz A-Class Plug-in Hybrid - £19,995

, Mercedes has created one of the most popular small cars in the last 10 years, worlds apart from the original cumbersome shape. It has been available with petrol and diesel engines since 2012, but the Hybrid released around 2020 offers better economy and electric-only range.

In typical Mercedes fashion, the interior is well-made and features plenty of upmarket materials. The engine is a small 1.3-litre petrol unit with an electric motor and battery combo giving 47 miles of electric-only range.

Available in full hybrid, plug-in hybrid or diesel guises, 

 should be able to fit most people's requirements. Not only are the engines hi-tec but the styling has been thoroughly revamped to suit the rest of the modern Peugeot line, with angular facets and dot matrix-like grilles.

If you have a short commute and the facility to charge at home, the plug-in would be perfect, with 35 miles of electric-only range. Otherwise, the self-charging is the one for you. Thankfully all models come with infotainment screens, diamond-cut alloy wheels and sleek styling.

Depending on your use case, a small hybrid car could be the ideal choice for you. They can often achieve excellent MPG figures, whilst the modern tech gives the same convenience and luxury as a bigger car.

Can You Still Drive a Hybrid Without the Battery?

Yes, you can drive a hybrid on petrol power only, this is useful as EV batteries deplete over time, to the point where some early electric vehicles can only achieve 10% of their original range. Thankfully you can still use the petrol or diesel engine of a hybrid, even if the battery is worn out, just don’t expect to hit the same MPG figures as a new one.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Best Small Hybrid Cars

With winter just around the corner, more extreme weather predicted left right and centre, and the road condition worsening, now might be the best time to jump into a 4x4 for your next car, but what are the best ones to look for?

4 wheel drive was invented for increased traction off-road, so I’ve added this section for useful but still comfortable 4x4s, perfect for anyone who lives in a rural area and needs to travel over rough terrain.

, itself being an evolution of the Series Landrover of old, being so revered, Land Rover had their work cut out bringing a completely new version to market. The new Defender is a good homage to the old one, albeit with much more luxury and comfort, although that isn’t hard!

Starting at £57,420 for the utility hard top version, with steel wheels and one paint finish option, the Defender is priced to the upper end of the market. Inside you’ll find a blend of old and new styling with a few callbacks to the classic Landy.

Although predominantly a pickup truck, the 

 offers plenty of passenger space alongside a very useful pickup bed, if you add on the optional tonneau cover this is essentially a huge boot!

Because many of the users of the Ranger double cab treat it as an SUV rather than a pickup, the interior is kitted out with all the mod cons you’d expect in a high-end Ford, including touchscreen infotainment, adaptive cruise and more, a utilitarian pick-up it is not!

As an established chemical processing company, Ineos doesn’t have the pedigree of Ford or Land Rover, but that hasn’t stopped them from producing a dependable and impressive vehicle in 

The mantra the company publicised was that the Grenadier is to be the “spiritual successor" to the outgoing Defender, and many argue it fills that gap better than the new Defender. 

Whatever your opinion, you can’t argue with its ruggedness, with its heavy-duty ladder-chassis, permanent 4-wheel drive and front and rear skid plates. 

If we’re being honest most 4-wheel drive vehicles rarely see dirt, and as such don’t need to offer long-travel suspension or locking differentials. 

What they do offer is an elevated driving position and heaps of passenger space.

 is based on the same platform as the VW Toureg, with an onus on on-road performance, comfort and safety. The latest model is one of the German brand's flagship models, featuring all the latest gadgets and styling hallmarks.

With a colossal 500NM of torque available, the new Q7 will make it to 60mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for a car that weighs over 2 tonnes. Contributing to the heft is an abundance of safety and tech features, such as adaptive air suspension, a hybrid system and loads of safety systems.

Hailed by many as the peak of luxury SUVs, the 

 certainly exudes style and comfort. It has a price tag to match, though, starting at over £104,000. This gets you an SE trim level, with a mild hybrid diesel engine. 

Regardless of trim level, the interior of the new Range Rover is an excellent place to be, with premium leather and metal everywhere. The 24-way adjustable heated, cooled and massaging seats are a perfect example of the exuberance and comfort found throughout.

, it's still sizable enough to provide plenty of comfort and luxury touches. Whilst the base model xDrive30D xLine possibly offers the best value at just over £72,300, the M60i would be the dream spec, with its twin-turbo V8 producing in excess of 500hp!

All models come with the modern styling of contemporary BMWs, with the exterior of the current generation X5 being less divisive than that of the X7, for now at least. Inside the seats and controls are as well built and functional as you’d expect from a high-end BMW, which is to say very!

Another luxury SUV born from a utility vehicle, the first G-Classes made were for military use, it wasn’t until the updated version was unveiled in 1990 that it gained traction as a luxury/status vehicle.

 costs well over £130,000, with many opting for the superior G63 V8 version starting at £184,000+. For your £136,690 you get all-wheel drive and a diesel hybrid powertrain, giving a sprightly 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds, what’s even more impressive is its claimed economy of 30+ MPG. 

If you don’t need an enormous Land Rover or an ultra-luxurious German SUV, these bare-bones, simple and cheap 4-wheel drive options may be worth a look.

Another modern revamp of an old classic, the 

 is a quirky but practical small off-roader. Sadly due to EU emissions regulations, the passenger version was discontinued in 2020, but the commercial 2-seater is still made.

Inside the Jimny is just as functional but fun, with rugged switchgear and controls, despite its price and simplicity they still include a touchscreen infotainment system for interior convenience and a low-range gearbox for off-road capability.

 is a modern mild hybrid that has a certain degree of off-road capability, it's powered by a 3-cylinder 1200cc engine, that’s straight from the Renault production line, and it offers modest power and impressive fuel economy. 

Inside the new Duster is a far cry from the plastic-heavy early Dacias, with synthetic leather and high-quality plastics elevating the feel. Infotainment is provided through a touchscreen system combined with sleek physical controls for certain features. 

Although the Allgrip system isn’t a permanent 4-wheel drive, it can offer some additional traction in tricky situations, the 

 is slightly lacking in ground clearance too so don’t attempt any difficult green lanes or off-road courses!

Although not an all-out offroader, the Ignis does offer a good compromise between a compact city car and a 

 with its quirky body mouldings and interior designs. As standard, the SZ-T trim comes with 16” alloy wheels and Apple Car Play as standard. 

4x4 means the car’s engine powers all 4 wheels, most cars use either the front or rear wheels only. 4-wheel drive gives the car better traction in slippery conditions such as snow, ice or mud.

Delivering power to all 4 wheels requires more components and therefore more complexity and weight. This means 4x4 cars typically have more costly maintenance schedules and use more fuel than 2-wheel drive vehicles.

Best 4-Wheel Drive Cars You Can Buy

When the snow starts to fall and our roads become a slippy, sludgy mess there are many things drivers need to think about. Reduced visibility, increased braking distance, and the risk of skidding are just some of the perils facing motorists when the weather becomes too cold.

Now drivers are being warned of a less well-known risk associated with driving in wintery conditions.

 advises motorists that driving with snow on the top of their car could incur a serious fine.

While there is no law that says it's illegal to drive with ice and snow on your car, the Highway Code stipulates you must be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle. This is supported by the Road Traffic Act (1988) which states it's a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road ahead before you set off.

Snow and ice falling from the roof of your vehicle while on the move could not only be potentially life-threatening but could land you a fine of £60 and three points on your license.

Not properly clearing your vehicle could also mean trouble with your insurance company. If you're involved in an accident due to snow falling on your windscreen, insurance companies could find you are at fault for neglecting to properly clear your vehicle and could withhold a payout.

So what should you do? Using an ice scraper and de-icer, make sure to thoroughly clear your vehicle of snow and ice before setting off. De-mist all windows windows using your car's heater.

Snow day driving mistake that could get you 3 points

Hybrids are great at offering incredible economy, without sacrificing long range, in the same way an electric car does. The first hybrids used a petrol engine for simplicity, but diesel engines are just as suited to working in conjunction with an electric motor. These are the best diesel hybrids on sale today.

 is one of BMW’s most popular SUVs, and from 2023 it was offered with the impressive 6-cylinder diesel engine and 48v mild hybrid system. This boosts power to nearly 300hp, with a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds, which is impressive considering the X5’s size!

As standard the new X5 comes with air suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels and loads of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance and more! 

At nearly £40,000 less than the ‘full fat’ Range Rover, the 

 has been a favourite of those who love the opulent styling and prestige, but don’t need such a large vehicle.

In order to increase fuel efficiency whilst delivering a smooth and powerful ride, the Sport uses the 3.0 diesel hybrid powertrain from BMW, the same one featured in the X5 above.

This gives it comparable power and acceleration figures, and should mean the reliability is pretty good too!

 has all the comfort and features of a car. Plus, as a commercial vehicle, it is excluded from 

Only the Invincible X trim level and above are available as a diesel hybrid, which makes it around £9,000 more than the cheapest double cab trim. 

It yields more than just a hybrid option though, it also includes 18” alloys, a high-quality built-in nav system and a 360-degree camera. Whilst the 

 and motor do not add power, Toyota claims up to 5% reduction in 

In a bold move straying away from the competition with their 

 Mazda have opted to offer their CX-60 SUV with a sizeable 3.3 Litre diesel engine, accompanied by a mild hybrid system. There are two power options, the rear wheel drive 200hp version, and the 3 wheel drive 250hp version. 

Because the system is a mild hybrid, there is no electric-only range, except on the petrol PHEV model. The MHEV can achieve 60MPG though, which is pretty good considering the size of both the engine and car. 

, that has a substantial diesel engine but also gets good fuel economy, the 

 would be perfect. Using the same drivetrain as the X5 we discussed above, the X7 makes even better use of the torque on offer, being that it’s around 350kg heavier!

Inside the X7 is even more refined too, with premium materials everywhere, it is very apparent this is the competitor to the Range Rover, it even features a split tailgate; a revered feature of the Range Rover since the ‘80s. 

The Diesel-Hybrid is a relatively rare fuel type, with only 6 brand new cars for sale on Autotrader at the time of writing. 

Why Are Petrol-Hybrids More Popular Than Diesel?

Petrol and diesel engines produce power in different ways, the power delivery of a petrol engine complements that of an electric motor much better than a diesel engine, with the electric motor providing the low speed torque that petrol engines are inefficient at providing.

In contrast, diesel engines are good at providing low-speed torque, so the benefit of having a supplemental power source for accelerating up to cruising speed is lessened. 

What Are the Benefits of a Diesel Hybrid?

Much like a petrol hybrid, the main benefit of a diesel hybrid is the fuel efficiency gains. For example, Toyota claim the addition of the mild hybrid system in their Hilux Hybrid gains around 5% efficiency. 

Emissions regulations also play a part. All new cars need to adhere to strict EU laws on carbon dioxide and other chemical emissions. The addition of a hybrid system allows some manufacturers to continue using older engine designs or larger-capacity engines. 

AdBlue as it is used on many modern diesel engines to help their emissions output stay within legal limits, many diesel-hybrid engines use it, as determined by EU regulations. 

 is a catalyst solution that improves the conversion of harmful emissions into less harmful compounds.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two; blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

What Are The Best Diesel Hybrids?

You’ve just passed your MOT — hooray! 

But what’s this? A list of MOT advisories? 

MOT advisories are small or potential future problems that should be checked as soon as possible. 

In this article, we’ll explain how to navigate MOT advisories, how long you have to fix them, how to stay safe, and other frequently asked questions. 

MOT advisories highlight potential issues or minor problems identified during your car’s MOT test. 

While they don’t pose an immediate safety risk, they could develop into more serious issues over time. Addressing advisories promptly is essential to maintaining your vehicle’s safety and preventing 

MOT advisories are given to inform owners about upcoming maintenance needs. This helps 

ensures road safety, and helps you prepare for future inspections. 

MOT advisories alert drivers to potential issues that, while not immediate safety concerns, may require attention in the future. 

 highlight severe defects that demand instant repair to comply with road safety standards and legal frameworks.

The critical difference between MOT advisories and failures lies in the level of danger and the urgency of action needed. Don’t take advisories too lightly, though. You must still get these checked out quickly.

Yes, MOT advisories are an important element of maintaining your vehicle’s safety and overall performance. 

While they’re not as urgent as MOT failures, they highlight potential danger in the future and may worsen over time if you don’t address them. 

and don’t fix it, the rust may spread to other parts of the car and weaken its structure. This will lead to a future MOT failure.

Ignoring MOT advisories won’t just lead to a bad MOT test. It can also result in breakdowns, higher repair costs, or even road accidents. So, it’s vital that you make repairs as needed.

Alongside preventing future issues, keeping on top of MOT advisories improves your car’s performance. 

When your car is in good condition, it delivers a smoother drive, 

 and less wear and tear from daily usage.

Plus, a well-maintained car has a higher resale value. So, if you plan to sell your car in the future, you should keep it in tip-top condition.

How long do I have to fix an MOT advisory?

MOT advisories don’t come with strict deadlines. They offer guidance on what to fix rather than safety concerns with deadlines.

However, it’s best practice to fix them as soon as possible. This will make your car safer and less likely to get worse.

Leaving an MOT advisory can lead to higher repair costs, future MOT failures, and an unsafe car. 

Advice