I am looking for a new company vehicle. I work in outdoor events - in the summer I am on green field sites across the country and in the winter I’m doing the meeting rounds with current and prospective clients. So I need something with a reasonably large load carrying capacity and some 4x4 capability to cope with rough tracks, uneven ground and serious mud. In an ideal world I’d like a reasonable fuel consumption. I’d also rather not be crippled by benefit in kind (BIK) tax.

The most fit-for-purpose over the last 8 years was a Skoda Octavia Scout. I had a Passat Alltrack for a while which was ok but pricey on BIK. However, jacked up estates seem to be on the way out.

I have looked at hybrids but most seem pointless as they have a very limited range on electric, are expensive on fuel, have load space limited by batteries, plus few places I stay have exterior sockets available for charging. I was seriously considering a double cab Mitsubishi or Nissan pick-up but then both pulled out of the UK market. One worry was the security of a hard top as I do carry some reasonably pricey kit around.

I guess I’m looking for a workhorse that is reasonably comfortable, enjoyable to drive and doesn’t cost the earth to run. Does such a beast still exist?