Used Fiat Fullback (2016-2019)

Thanks to various tax breaks, sales of double-cab pick-up trucks are on the rise, with company car users realising that these four door vehicles can actually make a fairly practical everyday proposition.

The short-lived Fullback was Fiat's first attempt at producing a pick-up for the UK market.

It borrows most of the mechanical parts from the popular Mitsubishi L200. In fact, take the Fiat's exterior styling away and it is practically identical to the big Mitsubishi underneath, but where the Mitsubishi offers a choice of cab styles and loading capacities for a range of uses, the Fullback is designed only to those looking for a luxurious, tax-efficient option.

As a result, the Fullback is only offered in a double-cab body style, which limits the amount of company car tax that it incurs. The only engine available is a 2.4-litre diesel available with two different levels of power.

It is still capable, with four-wheel drive and a large load area that is capable of carrying 1,045kg in a load space that measures 2.2m² - that's roomy enough for a Euro pallet but a little smaller than the 2.4m² that rivals commonly offer.

It also falls short when it comes to towing too; the Fullback can tow a hefty 3.1 tonnes of unbraked load, but that's less than the 3.5 tonnes offered by the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger.

The Fullback lacks the quality of a Mercedes X-Class or Nissan Navara but the generous equipment levels offer plenty to keep occupants and driver comfortable, with even entry-level SX models including the sort of luxuries that rival manufacturers insist on charging for as optional extras. There is plenty of room in the front and back, along with Isofix child seat mounting points in two of the rear seats. All models get a leather steering wheel and gear lever, while a front armrest gives the driver somewhere to place an elbow. The door bins are sizeable, although the interior does lack the cubbyholes and large storage areas of some rivals.

Air conditioning, a keyless entry system, digital radio with Bluetooth, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and active safety systems, including a system that improves stability when towing, all come as standard. Outside, 16in alloy wheels, side steps and body coloured front bumpers are included too.

The Fullback may look more school-run than sand-dune, but it’s clearly a pick-up from behind the steering wheel. Even if your hands are gripping leather trim.

The five-speed automatic gearbox is a little clunky, with abrupt gear changes that feel like the shifting of major machinery. A lack of sixth, seventh or even eighth gear means motorway cruising can be noisy. The basic suspension system (a design known as leaf spring) is unsettled and uncomfortable over rough surfaces, especially when compared with the more advanced suspension set-up found in the Nissan Navara.

But that said, the fiat Fullback never feels unwieldy or awkward to drive and its best-in-class turning circle of just under 12m and light steering makes it easy to swing around in the driveway.