Isuzu has introduced a Commercial version of its flagship D-Max V-Cross pickup that swerves the savage tax rises on double-cab models that came into force in April.

This has been achieved by stripping out the rear row of seats and replacing it with a permanent storage area – a conversion that ticks the boxes for commercial vehicle classification.

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D-Max Commercial V-Cross storage area © Isuzu

As such, its cost can be fully written off against tax in the year of purchase, rather than the revised 6% capital allowance cap on standard double-cab trucks.

And company car buyers will only pay a flat £4,040 benefit-in-kind rate, as opposed to a figure based on carbon dioxide emissions.

Like five-seater derivatives, VAT is fully reclaimable for registered businesses and road tax is set at £346/year.

In addition to the new in-cab storage area, V-Cross Commercials come with a lightweight rear canopy as standard, as well as a load bed liner, a tow bar with accompanying electrics, tinted rear windows and protective seat covers.

D-Max Commercial V-Cross load bed © Isuzu

The mechanicals are unchanged, so it remains powered by the firm’s 1.9-litre diesel, runs through a six-speed automatic transmission, and has 1t payload and 3.5t towing capacities.

As it is based on the top-spec model, buyers also get leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and a 9in infotainment system with wireless smartphone integration.

It is priced at £41,995.