7^th September 2023 – Renowned English mountaineer and Everest-climber, Alan Hinkes, has recently put the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Basecamp through its paces during a trip to the Lake District.

Alan Hinkes, an esteemed English mountaineer born on April 23, 1954, holds the distinction of being the sole British climber to conquer all 14 of the world’s peaks exceeding 8,000 meters, a feat accomplished in 2005 with the scaling of Annapurna I in Nepal. Known for his tenacity and skill, Hinkes has left a permanent mark on mountaineering history through his remarkable achievements, overcoming the challenges of high-altitude climbing while also contributing to mountaineering literature and public engagement.

Alan’s trip began with an evening drive to Borrowdale. “It was already dark, and the light bar and grille lights were fabulous,” he said. “It must have been 11.30 pm by the time I put the tent up, but it was so easy, literally taking seconds. It’s exciting and you just want to get in it. Other seasoned campers could not believe it, as it is so streamlined and neat on the top yet opens up into a decent-sized tent”.

During his trip to Borrowdale in Basecamp, Alan found himself pitched up inside the roof tent, sheltered from the heavy rain of a storm. “At about 1 pm the heavens opened, and I lay there listening to the rain on the tent and the D-Max metal roof. It was like a symphony but so cosy.”

“It evoked memories of listening to the graupel (frozen rain) while camping in the past. I would have a tent this size at base camp while climbing for weeks. But I could have done with this one as its memory foam mattress was so comfortable and I got a really good night’s sleep.

After spending time in the go-anywhere vehicle, Alan also shared his final thoughts, stating: “The hardtop is voluminous, and I was able to chuck in all of my gear. The drawer and cooking unit are also exceptionally tidy. It’s all quick to pack away too.”

“Even in bad weather, it feels solid and secure,” he said “It cruises really well at 70mph, and the ride is excellent, not bouncy at all like many pick-ups. The roads were really flooded but it makes you feel bomb-proof. It is really high, and the tyres are fantastic. I really enjoyed it. It’s a brilliant piece of kit.”

The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Basecamp is the ultimate adventure companion, designed to conquer diverse landscapes. Its Obsidian Grey finish and commanding black palette exude rugged elegance. The ARB Esperance Hard Shell Roof Top Tent sits atop, accessed effortlessly via a sleek black aluminium hardtop canopy, and inside the load bed transforms into an organized haven with the ARB Outback Solutions modular roller drawer system. The tough carpet finish ensures secure storage and integrates a fridge and pull-out kitchen unit, containing a 3-burner gas stove and a collapsible 12-litre sink for maximum practicality when outdoors. Completing the set, the vehicle features 17-inch black Arctic Trucks alloy wheels with 35-inch BFGoodrich LT315/70 R17 Mud-Terrain tyres, perfect for conquering unforgiving terrains.

14^th December 2022 – Isuzu UK has recently reached a significant milestone, with the registration of the 50,000^th Isuzu D-Max pick-up in the UK. 

The original launch of the Isuzu D-Max took place at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham on 24^thApril 2012 with the new vehicle replacing the outgoing Isuzu Rodeo model. At the time of the consumer launch in June 2012, the new Isuzu D-Max was available in four specification levels and was also made available in an extended cab configuration for the first time. This meant that, along with single and double cab body styles,  there was an Isuzu D-Max available for every potential user. A philosophy that remains in place today.

After a decade of D-Max, Isuzu UK has now accumulated 50,000 sales of the pick-up, with the multi Award-Winning Isuzu D-Max becoming a firmly established favourite in the UK light commercial vehicle market. The latest generation Isuzu D-Max went on sale in the Spring of 2021, boasting class-leading safety standards after achieving the maximum five-star safety rating in the tough new Euro NCAP test. This UK first for a pick-up is in part due to the new Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) fitted as standard across the range, with every Isuzu D-Max featuring Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Manual & Intelligent Speed Limiter, along with Lane Departure Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard, making it the smartest, strongest and safest D-Max to date. 

Alan Able, Brand Director at Isuzu UK said “Over the last 10 years, the D-Max has been the top choice for those looking for a tough, reliable, and dependable pick-up, especially given our loyal connection with the agricultural and construction industries. The latest vehicle which was launched last year has also enabled the brand to compete strongly in other areas such as the leisure market, in a way we have not been able to do previously. The next 10 years will be one of significant change for the pick-up market, especially in the UK, but we are embracing the future and will evolve with the market requirements and we look forward to more success for the Isuzu brand and the mighty D-Max.”

In 2022, Isuzu UK announced six new variants for the D-Max line-up and introduced the halo model for the brand, the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35. Isuzu UK was also announced as the new title sponsor of the Isuzu FA Trophy and Isuzu FA Vase, along with a partnership with the Irish FA. Additionally, the Isuzu D-Max was also named What Van? Pick-up of the Year for 2023, adding to its many awards and accolades