Tong, or Parkwood as it’s also known as, is probably one of the largest off-road venues in the North West, so when I received an invite from Isuzu to come and play with their D-Max range there, I was a little bit excited.

Upon arrival I was greeted to a fleet of D-Max perched at peculiar angles, including an AT35 and the new STEEL special edition. It was evident that the PR team meant business.

After a brew, bite to eat and a chinwag, we began our foray into the great unknown, well, the off-road site. Parkwood is a great place to visit, there’s a myriad of tracks that weave in between trees, through streams and a large lake. Each track has a different degree of difficulty, and Isuzu weren’t shy about putting the fleet through its paces. Some of the best 4x4 media days that I’ve attended over the years have been with Isuzu.

Anyway, with instructors by our sides, we drove specific routes designed for each D-Max, leading up to the MUDMASTER, which had the toughest route.

Hang on, the MUDMASTER?  Yes, based on the top of the range V-Cross, the MUDMASTER has all the accessories thrown at it, and more.

I won’t go into too many details as I have one booked in November, but it’s quite a special D-Max that’s been designed and put together by the Isuzu PR team as a showcase vehicle.

It’s fitted with an array of Isuzu, ARB, and Lazer accessories that include a snorkel, winch, Lazer lamps on the grille and the roof, lifted Pedders suspension, custom sidebars, larger wheels with all-terrain tyres.  Inside it includes heavy-duty seat covers, vinyl mats, door handle protectors, and more.

With a grin on my face, I got behind the wheel of the MUDMASTER and was directed to a few new sections that were a little more extreme. This included a surprisingly deep water channel that almost stopped the us in our tracks.  This, by the way, was due to me not giving it enough gusto!  A little extra throttle gave me a lovely bow wave and a confident burble from the submerged exhaust (you can hear it, can’t you?).

Once I’d completed the off-road excursions I decided to take a V-Cross out for a drive on the road.  This model is a top-specification, heavily accessorised D-Max designed for the lifestyle driver, and includes illuminated door sills, a wireless charger, a load bed fitted with a mountain roll cover, an under-rail liner, sports bars, custom side steps and of course Lazer lights. Like any D-Max, it handled the rough and smooth with ease.

Next on my to-drive list was the recently released limited-edition STEEL model based on the aforementioned V-Cross.  Finished in the exclusive Steel Grey colourist includes premium features like puddle lamps, electric folding mirrors, black styling elements, and STEEL branding.  If you fancy one you better be quick as this vehicle is limited to just 300 units in the UK.

Another one of Isuzu’s partners is ARB, and they had another V-Cross fully laden with an impressive array of equipment which included ARB and Lazer accessories.  It features an ARB rooftop tent, awning, kitchen drawer set with a gas hob and sink, and a fridge. I borrowed an AT35 a few months back with all this kit fitted and it was a fun home from home for a few days.

Overall a cracking day was had putting the D-Max through its paces, and as usual, whichever model I choose, it never disappoints.