For VAT purposes the definition of a motor car has been amended several times over the years.
The current definition states: “Motor car” means any motor vehicle of a kind normally used on public roads which has three or more wheels and either:
- a) is constructed or adapted
solely or mainly for the
carriage of passengers; or - b) has to the rear of the
driver’s seat roofed
accommodation which is fitted with side windows or which is constructed or adapted for the fitting of side windows;
There are a number of exceptions to this rule: notably vehicles constructed to carry a payload of one tonne or more, i.e. double cab pick-ups such as a Toyota Hilux.