INDUSTRY NEWS
Pickups are the most desirable vehicle We’ve been saying it for years; but a leading car website now has evidence to back up our claim. Official data from CarGurus shows that the Ford Ranger is officially the most desired vehicle in the UK, closely followed by a number of other pickups. CarGurus, the online automotive marketplace created by TripAdvisor founder, Langley Steinert, analysed the number of shoppers searching for every model with at least 1,000 cars for sale since the start of the year to create its ‘Desirability Score’. Whilst the Top 10 includes some expected highly-desired choices, such as luxury SUVs Range Rover and Audi Q7, it also features the unexpected. Data shows the Ford Ranger is the most in demand used car on sale this year with 66 people searching for every model available.
Others to grace the Top 10 list included the Toyota Hilux with a Desirability Score of 34, Nissan Navara (33) and Mitsubishi L200 (27), to seemingly highlight Britain’s new obsession with pick-up trucks. The evergreen Porsche 911 was the only non-SUV and pick-up truck to make the hot list with 39 users searching for every model on sale. “When we’re buying our next car, we naturally consider the practicalities of the vehicle and search for the model that best fits our needs,” says James Drake of CarGurus. “But what if there were no restrictions? The CarGurus Desirability Score is the automotive equivalent of window shopping – it shows the models we are most curious about or desire, even if our circumstances make a purchase unrealistic.”
The findings follow on from a 2017 survey by US-based insure.com which found that pickup trucks drivers are the most attractive of all. Coincidence? We think not!
Most in-demand used cars (at least 1,000 cars for sale since start of 2018) Make/model 1. Ford Ranger 2. Range Rover 3. Audi Q7 4. Land Rover Disco 5. Porsche 911 6. Toyota Hilux 7. Nissan Navara 8. Volvo XC90 9. BMW X5 10. Mitsubishi L200
Desirability score 66 50 45 42 39 34 33 33 31 27
Isuzu launch new finance deals The Isuzu D-Max Utah is now available for just £239 a month (excl VAT.), over only 23 months, with an initial rental of £2150.19 plus VAT on Business Contract Hire. With keyless entry, push button start, leather upholstery, heated front seats, reversing camera & sensors, 7” multifunction colour touchscreen (with Apple Carplay™ & Android Auto™) all standard on the Utah (plus and a host of other features), demonstrating the amazing value of this finance offer. 4
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As well as the Utah, there are several attractive offers in Q3 across the product range, including the range topping Isuzu D-Max Blade, Blade is available from just £279 (excl VAT.) per month, with free Pearl White special paint finish included. As standard, each new vehicle comes with 5 years European roadside assistance, five-year / 125,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first) and is capable of achieving a combined 40.4MPG,
without the need for AdBlue, unlike many other pick-ups in the market. Offers end on the 30th September 2018.
INVESTIGATION
Tax Laws may be changing on double-cab pickups The HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs) is looking into changing the tax classification of double-cab pickup trucks, which could considerably increase the amount companies and individuals are paying for their vehicles. Since the 1st of December 1999, pickup trucks with a payload greater than one metric tonne have been classed as light commercial vehicles like vans which means that owners pay lower rates of tax than passenger cars. VAT-registered companies are able to reclaim the VAT on their purchase and, for the 2018/19 tax year, Benefit in Kind (BIK) is fixed at just £3,350 (£670 a year for those in the 20% bracket). Coca Cola court case However, a court case between the HMRC and Coca Cola last year opened a can of worms when the judge ruled that certain double-cab vans that Coca Cola provided to its delivery drivers could benefit from
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lower rates of tax, and the others not. Both the Volkswagen Transporter T5 Kombis and Vauxhall Vivaro DoubleCabs had two rows of seats and windows in the back, but other things were taken into consideration; the braking systems, weight limits and engine configuration. The result; the Vivaro was defined as a light commercial and the Transporter was defined as a passenger car. But the case hasn’t stopped there. The HMRC is now reviewing the tax classifications of all ‘dual-purpose vehicles’ (i.e. vehicles construction for both the transportation of both passengers and goods), and this includes pickup trucks. Sales of pickup trucks have almost tripled in 10 years, with over 51,000 registrations in 2017. The HMRC argues that many of these vehicles are not used for work and is assessing whether or not to reclassify them as passenger cars which would mean companies
would no longer be able to reclaim the VAT and increase the BIK rates.
Working Truck Campaign At Professional Pickup & 4x4 magazine, we strongly oppose these changes. We believe the vast majority of double-cabs are used for work and their owners shouldn’t be penalised financially for a small minority who use them solely as a passenger car. We’ve started the Working Truck Campaign to warn the HMRC of the dangers of introducing a tax change. We need YOUR HELP to sign the petition and explain how the tax changes would affect you and your business and, together, we can block this harmful move.
NEW MODEL
Specs and prices on new Musso In the Q2 edition, we reviewed a prototype of the new SsangYong Musso on a journey from our offices in Lancashire to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. Now, the finished article is finally here, and SsangYong has announced pricing and specs. All three trim levels come with colour-coded bumpers and top-level specs will be the only models in the sector to come with 20-inch alloy wheels. Interior The cab is incredibly spacious in the front and back and offers an abundance of useful storage compartments, including a large central cubby and lockable glovebox, although the dashboard is high which tends to obstruct the vision more than other models. There are three trim levels: ● SsangYong Musso EX ● SsangYong Musso Rebel ● SsangYong Musso Saracen All models are generously specced, including the entry-level EX, which features 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, air conditioning, rain sensing wipers, auto headlights,
central locking (including tailgate) and a DAB radio with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connections. The top-of-the-range Saracen model has a much more premium feel, with real ‘Nappa’ leather seats, electrically-adjustable front seats, LED positioning lights, cruise control and a 9.2-inch display with TomTom satellite navigation. On the outside, the Saracen is distinguished thanks to its metal front skid plate, chrome side steps, corner bars and mirrors, and - if all those fail - its Saracen graphics. Engine and driveline SsangYong’s refined 2.2-litre (2,157cc) e-XDi220 provides the power, churning out up to 181PS (4,000rpm) and 400Nm (1,4002,800rpm), although this is slightly uprated to 420Nm for the auto. There is the choice of either a sixspeed manual or a six-speed Aisin automatic which, although smooth, can be slightly hesitant at times. On and off the road Although the 2.2-litre engines are starting to seem slightly anaemic in comparison to the larger displacements marketed by
Mercedes, Volkswagen and Ford, the lighter chassis of the Musso means that it feels a lot livelier that we assumed, and the broad torque spread ensures plenty of flexibility when towing and scaling steep inclines. Weights and loads What sets the SsangYong Musso 2018 apart from other pickups is its GTW/GCW (gross train weight/gross combination weight), which is rated at 6,450kg on the manual and 6,750kg on the automatic. This allows the automatic Musso to tow 3.5 tonnes and carry a one tonne payload at the same time – the only pickup able to do so. Manual versions are restricted to 3.2 tonnes. The maximum official payload is 1,095kg for the manual and 1,085mm for the automatic. Pricing and costs While prices have increased considerably compared to its predecessor, the SsangYong Musso 2018 still represents huge value for money. Prices start at £19,995 plus VAT for the EX, £22,495 for the Rebel, £24,995 for the Saracen.
Technical Data Engine: 2.2-litre (2,157cc) e-XDi 220, 4-cylinder diesel Outputs: 181PS and 400Nm (420Nm with the auto) Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed Aisin automatic Suspension (F/R): Double wishbone with coils / live axle with five-spring coils Overall dimensions (LxWxH): 5,085mm / 1,950mm / 1,840mm Payload: 1,095kg Towing capacity: 3,200/3,500kg Ground clearance: 215mm Pin weight: 112kg (M)/120kg (AT) 12
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MERC
cranks up the
Power Mercedes-Benz is quenching the power thirst in the pickup sector by introducing the 3.0-litre V6 to the X-Class. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class X350D V6 is the most powerful pickup on the market, producing a monstrous 254bhp and 550Nm, and we put it to the test on and off the road in the forests of central Slovenia. The Mercedes-Benz X-Class hit UK dealerships in December 2017 but, up until this summer, was only available with Renault-Nissan’s 2.3litre engine from the Nissan Navara. Available in power ratings of 161bhp (X220D) and 188bhp (X250D), the 2.3-litre outputs fail to produce hairraising results, partly due to the colossal 2.2 tonne kerbweight. However, in the summer of 2018, Daimler installed the hugely anticipated 3.0-litre V6 (2,987cc, codenamed OM642) from the GWagon and GLC. The company also fitted a permanent 4-wheel drive system (4Matic) to improve stability and control, and stiffened the suspension for better performance. Specification V6 models will be available with either the Progressive or Power trim levels, with the entry-level Pure trim reserved only for the 2.3-litre engine. Progressive models feature Keyless-Go and two-zone
Thermotronic air conditioning as standard. Other standard items include 17-inch 6-spoke light-alloy wheels, leather-lined steering wheel and parking brake, seats in black Posadas fabric and the Audio 20 infotainment system with eightspeakers, 7-inch touchscreen display App-Connect, voice control and USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Moving up to the Power, users also receive front and rear chrome bumpers, 18-inch 6-spoke light-alloy wheels, LED High Performance headlamps, dashboard with large trim element in a matt black pixel look and with leather upper section, Artico leather seats, 8-way electrically adjustable seats, and a CD players and multifunctional touchpad. In the cab As we’ve already mentioned in previous appraisals, the X-Class has a luxurious interior that’s unrivalled in the pickup segment. Depending
on the design and equipment line, these come in either high-gloss black or silver shadow, creating a premium, high-end feel. Our main criticism of the cab relates to the practicality; there is a distinct lack of storage pockets for things like wallets and phones, and the steering column isn’t adjustable for reach. Engine and driveline As stated, the new engine produces 255bhp at 3,600rpm and 550Nm at just 1,600rpm, although this has been toned down from 620Nm as its believed the live-rear axle and certain other components would struggle to handle that much torque. With the right foot down, there is an initial feeling of disappointment as it takes a brief moment for the V6 unit – as powerful as it is – to move the 2.3t lump of metal. Once the momentum is behind you, the XClass swiftly gathers pace and it reaches 62mph in just 7.5 seconds –
0.4 seconds faster than the Amarok V6 221bhp. As with the 2.3-litre X-Class, the X350D is extremely quiet and refined, with only a faint growl under heavy acceleration thanks to the extensive sound dampening undertaken by the engineers. The X-Class has the widest track in its class providing better stability, while the suspension has been revised all-round for a more ‘dynamic drive’, which means there’s less body roll so corners can be taken at higher speeds. There will be five driver settings available on the ‘Dynamic Select’ control; Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual and Off-Road – each of which alters the engine and transmission characteristics. Comfort and Eco are similar in that they’re geared towards the low engine revs and get the best fuel economy, whereas the Sport increases the sensitivity of the throttle and holds the gears for longer. Manual passes gear control over to the driver via the paddle shift, located behind the steering wheel, while the Off-Road setting sends more drive to the front wheels for
more balance. Unlike the 2.3-litre models, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 (titled ‘4Matic’) is permanent 4wheel drive like the Volkswagen Amarok, and available with just the 7-speed 7G Tronic automatic. Weights and loads Weighing in at 2,285kg, the V6 XClass is 50kg heavier than the 2.3 which is largely attributed to the heavier engine and the permanent 4WD system. Gross vehicle weights have increased to over 3.3 tonnes so it can still carry one tonne, and the towing capacity remains industry-leading at 3.5 tonnes. Off road The X-Class isn’t scared of getting its wheels dirty, either. Under normal driving conditions, the permanent 4WD system splits the torque 40:60 front:rear although, when driving off-road, optimum traction is ensured by a continuously adjustable interaxle differential in the transfer case. It adapts extremely quickly on uneven ground and wasn’t caught wrong-footed during our test. There are three all-wheel-drive modes to choose from; 4MAT for increased vehicle dynamics, 4H for improved traction off-road, and 4L
for tough off-road terrain. The combination of a controlled interaxle differential lock (0–100%), the optional rear-axle locking differential, and reduction gear delivers good performance both on and off the road. The all-wheel-drive system and the suspension with its long spring travel ensure impressive off-road capabilities. The X-Class effortlessly climbs gradients of up to 45 degrees, fords water courses with a depth of up to 600mm, and maintains its poise on inclines of almost 50 degrees, although the ground clearance is fairly poor at 202mm. Pricing and availability The Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 X350D will be arriving into the UK in September 2018, with prices expected to start at around £37,995 plus VAT – almost £4,000 more than the most expensive 2.3 X-Class and the most expensive Amarok. The X-Class is available from the 110strong Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle dealer network and is backed by a 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
X-Class X350D V6 No. of cylinders/arrangement: 3.0 litre V6 turbocharged engine Displacement cc: 2987 Bore x stroke mm: 83 x 92 Rated output kW/hp: 190 [258] at 3400 rpm Max. rated torque Nm: 550 at 1400– 3200 rpm Compression ratio: 15.5 Transmission: 7G-TRONIC PLUS with steering wheel shift paddles Front/rear suspension: Doublewishbone with coil springs and multilink coil springs Braking system: Ventilated disc brakes at front and rear Fuel economy: 31.4mpg (combined) 0-62mph: 7.5 seconds
Return of the commercial 4x4 Before pickup trucks became the refined and capable workhorses they are today, most businesses and individuals requiring a VAT-deductible off-roader would have chosen a SUV-derived commercial like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover Discovery. This was a relatively successful market with around 10,000 unit sales per year. Dozens of companies specialised in converting SUVs for commercial purposes and a number of manufacturers, like Land Rover, even purpose built them at the factory. However, a change in tax classifications in 1999 meant that pickups with a payload greater than one tonne were treated as commercial vehicles, and sales of commercial 4x4s dropped virtually overnight. Over the next 18 years, two vehicles – the Land Rover Defender and Mitsubishi Shogun – went on to dominate the segment, but the Defender was withdrawn in 2016 and sales of the Shogun will cease later this year. However, the market is far from dead-and-buried with three new additions in 2018:
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Mitsubishi Shogun sport commercial Replacing the age-old Shogun is the L200- based Shogun Sport, and commercial-variants of the new vehicle are expected to go on sale towards the end of the year but we got to test the new vehicle out in an active quarry in Gloucestershire. Cab and interior Asides from the excessive chrome on the dashboard and centre console, we definitely can’t knock the cab as it’s very spacious, provides great visibility and there’s plenty of useful storage spaces. From launch, commercial variants will only be available in the higher-spec ‘4’ trim which are finished with all the latest creature comforts. Ride and handling Under the bonnet is Mitsubishi’s relatively new, but already proven, 2.4litre (2,442cc 4N15 MIVEC) engine, which is capable of producing up to 181bhp and 430Nm – exactly the same output as the higher-powered L200 – and mated to an all-new 8-speed automatic. The Shogun Sport is quite weighty (2,100kg unladen) so its not the most lively of vehicles, but the 8-speed auto – developed by Japanese transmission manufacturer Aisin – provides smooth and decisive gear shifts. It’s also impressively quiet; the engineers have made a good job of dampening out the
noise and vibration from the engine and wheels, while the coil spring suspension at the rear cushions the harsh bumps and divots of everyday roads. Loading and towing At the business end of the vehicle, the Shogun Sport Commercial is equally as impressive. The load area is accessed via the two side doors, the rear tailgate or between the front two seats, as there’s no bulkhead. The load area measures 1,827mm long and 1,000mm between the wheelarches, meaning it can take a Euro Pallet lengthways. In terms of weights, there’s a 600kg payload and it can legally tow up to 3.1 tonnes. The rear windows are blacked-out for privacy and there’s a hard-wearing carpet floor, although there are no lashing points. Off-road Mitsubishi is globally renowned for its off-road capabilities, and the Shogun Sport is no exception. It uses the same well-respected Super Select II system as the L200, which has four settings; 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc. The shift-on-the-fly transfer case allows the driver to change from 2H, which powers just the rear wheels, to 4H (40:60 front to rear torque split) at speeds of up to 62mph on all surfaces. Meanwhile, 4HLc locks the centre diff, while the 4LLc lowers the gear ratio for
even greater traction. In addition, the rear diff can also be locked thanks to a button at the bottom of the dashboard. Pricing and availability Prices and dates have yet to be announced, but it’s expected that the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Commercial will be priced in or around the low £30,000’s plus VAT, and that we can expected the first deliveries to take place towards the back end of 2018. There are around 130 Mitsubishi dealerships in the UK, and service intervals are set at a fairly limited 12,500 miles or 12 months, but it is backed by a lengthy 5-year/62,500 mile warranty. Verdict As with the L200, the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Commercial combines rugged workhorse practicality with excellent value for money. While the towing capacity and performance may fall short of its competitors, there’s a lot of kit, its competitively priced, pleasant to drive and the 4-wheel drive system is second to none.
Technical Data Engine: 2,442cc MIVEC Turbo Diesel Power (hp): 181 @ 3,500rpm Torque (Nm): 430 @ 2,500rpm 0-62mph (secs): 11.0 Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 32.8 Load volume (cubic metres): 1.5 Maximum load length (mm): 1,827 Load width between wheelarches (mm): 1,000 Kerb Weight (kg): 2,105 (approx.) Payload (kg): 600 Towing capacity (kg): 3,100 Ground Clearance (mm): 218 Wading depth (mm): 700 App/Dep angles (°): 30.0/24.2 19
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Toyota LanD Cruiser commercial The Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial re-joined the market this summer, three years after the demise of its predecessor. It is heavily targeted towards the working end of the market, and therefore lacks the ‘bling’ of the Shogun and Discovery commercials. The ‘Utility’ is the only trim-level available, although there are a number of optional extras to choose from. On the outside, there are colour-coded bumpers but only comes with 17-inch steel wheels and a black plastic grille, door handles and door mirrors. A film has been placed over the rear windows and the back window has been darkened to prevent break-ins, and there are roof rails for carrying longer items. Interior Despite its modest appearance, the Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial comes with quite a lot of standard equipment. Air conditioning, fog lights, push-button start, Smart Entry, auto-dipping headlights and cruise control are all standard, while infotainment is
provided by a six-speaker radio with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity. Engine and driveline Under the bonnet is Toyota’s newlydeveloped 2.8 GD engine (2,755cc, straight 4-cylinder), which develops up to 177hp (3,400rpm) and 450Nm (1,400-2,600rpm) and is hooked to a sixspeed manual transmission. A rear difflock isn’t standard, but there is Toyota’s Active Traction Control. On the combined NEDC cycle, the Land Cruiser achieved an impressive 39.2mpg. Loading and towing Although the gross vehicle weights and kerb weights have yet to be released, Toyota has revealed that there will be maximum payloads of 593 and 756kg on the short and long wheelbase variants respectively and there is a standard towing capacity of 3,000kg. The load area measures 1,574mm on the short wheelbase and 2,216mm on the long. The load area comes with a rubber lined rear floor tray, four lashing points, bulkhead and mesh hatch.
Price and availability The Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial arrived into Toyota’s Approved Business Centres at the start of July, and prices start from £27,546 plus VAT. This rises to £28,509 plus VAT for long wheelbase models and includes Toyota’s respectable five-years, 100,000 mile warranty.
Technical Data Engine: 2,775cc GD Turbo Diesel Power (hp): 177 @ 3,400rpm Torque (Nm): 450 @ 1,400rpm 2,600rpm 0-62mph (secs): 12.7 Fuel Economy (combined cycle): 39.2 Load volume (cubic metres): 1.5 / 2.0 (approx.) Maximum load length (mm): 2,216 Payload (kg): 593 / 756 Towing capacity (kg): 3,000 Ground Clearance (mm): 220 Wading depth (mm): 700 App/Dep angles (°): 32.0/26.0
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