New Isuzu D-Max AT35: A Challenger on its Own

New Isuzu D-Max AT35: A Challenger on its Own

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Besides referring to the regions around the North Pole, the Arctic Trucks nameplate is no stranger to the market.

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In fact, the Icelandic off-road specialists built a highly modified Toyota Hilux years back that former TopGear presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May used to get to the North Pole through some very challenging terrain. 

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The Arctic Trucks firm has been re-engineering off-road vehicles since 1990, and its most recent example is the 2019 Isuzu D-Max AT35 based on the outgoing model, which was built and modified at the Isuzu factory in Gqeberha.

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The factory is the only Isuzu plant approved to build Arctic D-Max bakkies. Though few were created, the previous-gen AT35 D-Max is highly capable off the beaten track.  

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Brand New Challenger

Entering its second generation is the newly-unveiled AT35 D-Max which is based on the current-gen D-Max, and here's the thing; it's not just a kit that has been bolstered onto a regular D-Max – a lot has happened underneath the skin, and it's not just for showing off. 

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If you are wondering, it gets its name from the diameter of the all-terrain tyres it sits on. The Icelandic specialists did bespoke modification work, such as the fitment of the Bilstein suspension that comes with new springs, dampers, and a lifted chassis that raises the behemoth by 50 mm compared to the regular D-Max bakkie. 

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Regarding off-road tools, the AT35 takes a jab at the Ford Ranger Raptor, but calling it a direct competitor is a stretch with the Raptor's high-speed terrain travelling abilities courtesy of its V6 engine. If we had to put it in a box, though, it squarely slots in between the aforementioned Raptor and Ford’s new Ranger Wildtrak X. Still, that’s not a bad place to be as it boasts departure and approach angles rated at 29 and 35 degrees, respectively. Furthermore, it has a ground clearance of 266 mm. 

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The rival of American origins competes in the extreme fold featuring approach and departure angles of 32 and 25, respectively. 

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Aesthetically, you get massive side steps, bulbous wheel arches, and mud flaps with the Arctic Trucks branding and AT logos sprinkled around the car.

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While we expect a bespoke interior setup, it mainly retains interior trimmings as seen on the V-Cross it's based on. The AT boasts numerous technological features, including a 9" infotainment system, leather seats, a wireless charging pad, two-zone climate control, and various safety features. If you are a fan of high-riding bakkies, you will appreciate the commanding driving position of the AT35. Guaranteed. 

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Still a Great Powerplant Underneath

Then there's the power: The D-Max AT35 retains the regular model's 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit, and while 140 kW and 450 Nm don't sound like much power for the bakkie's size, it should be enough to haul the behemoth around with relative ease and through obstacles off the beaten track. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that, unfortunately, is below par compared to its closest rival.

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Not a Bad Option

Isuzu SA plans to introduce the D-Max AT35 in the coming months, and while it doesn't directly compete with the Raptor on the power front, it's still designed to conquer any challenging terrain. 

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Currently, no pricing information is available for the AT35. However, the V-Cross has a price starting at R857,700, and we anticipate that the AT35 may exceed R1 million. It can only be ordered through Isuzu's dealerships and produced in limited quantities.

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