Isuzu D-Max Huntsman You may remember in our December issue, Muddy Madam and I borrowed an Isuzu D-Max Huntsman for a trip to France, specifically for a 4x4 and camping weekend at Parc Du Marquenterre organised by Ardent Off-Road. Since then we’ve been inundated with requests for more details on the D-Max. I say ‘inundated’, at least 4 of you have shown a slight interest in it.
What is it? We all know that the D-Max is a hard working pickup, and not only is it loved by many, but it continues to fill Isuzu’s trophy cabinet year after year with top awards. What is the Huntsman then? Well, based on the Utah model, Isuzu say that it’s designed specifically with the professional huntsman and countryman (or woman) in mind. Available in Obsidian Grey or Cosmic Black, it’s not only easy on the eyes but it also blends into the background - they’ve even done away chrome door handles and mirrors. It comes with black 18” wheels with Pirelli 255-60-R18 All Terrain tyres, sturdy side steps and a high-mounted tow bar allow for better ground clearance. In the back, under the colour coded Aeroklas canopy with roof rails, and sitting on top of a bed-liner is a Gearmate lockable drawer system which has a full Raptor coating. To enhance ride comfort and handling, there’s a Pedders suspension kit which is designed for increased suspension travel whilst improving vehicle stability.
On the road Our first drive was a 5-1/2 motorway haul from Muddy Towers in Lancashire down to the ferry terminal at Dover, then a further 1-1/2 drive to the campsite, and apart from utter boredom, the D-Max kept us comfy and alert. Being the first time I’ve taken a UK car abroad, I liked how the Sat-Nav automatically kept us in check showing our speed in kilometres. This might be a common thing, I don’t know, but it was useful. Once home I drove to the NEC in Birmingham, then to Wales for the Isuzu XTR launch, and with well over a thousand miles under our belt within the week I had nothing but praise for the smooth and comfortable ride. The Pedders kit kept everything stable on the twisty bits too.
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THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE
