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- The Isuzu D-Max AT35 is the result of a factory-fitted Arctic Trucks conversion.
- This bakkie boasts aggressive styling and large 35-inch wheels.
- The D-Max AT35 is unique in various ways but it has some shortcomings.
The launch of the Isuzu D-Max AT35 sees a locally built seventh-generation Isuzu D-Max transformed courtesy of an Arctic Trucks kit.
Arctic Trucks is renowned for producing some of the most capable overlanding vehicles on the planet, and Isuzu's Struandale plant in Gqeberha is the only Isuzu facility in the world that Arctic Trucks has accredited to produce the D-Max AT35. That's something to be incredibly proud of in South Africa.
The upside
The upgrades to the AT35 include a suspension lift, Bilstein shock absorbers and 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres mounted to distinctive 17x10-inch AT black alloy wheels. The bodywork has been modified extensively to accommodate this running gear and includes significantly flared wheel arches that give the D-Max AT35 an unmistakably aggressive stance.
These upgrades increase ground clearance from 232mm to 266mm while improving the 4x4 statistics in other areas too. The AT35 boasts an approach angle of 33 degrees, a departure angle of 23 degrees and a break-over angle of 34 degrees, which puts it among a select few in off-road circles.
Also fitted are chrome AT35 badges on the front fenders and tailgate, wider profile side steps for easier access to the cabin and Arctic Truck mudflaps.
Arctic Trucks develops similar kits for a wide range of vehicles, but these kits are generally fitted in the aftermarket by overland specialists or Arctic Trucks fitment centres.
What makes the Isuzu D-Max AT35 unique is that it is assembled in the Isuzu Motors South Africa plant in Struandale, ensuring the same build quality as regular D-Max models.
Based on the top-of-the-range D-Max V-Cross 4x4, the AT35 is produced on the same production line as standard D-Max models.
Muscular bodywork enhancements are added in a dedicated Arctic Trucks conversion area where the bigger wheel wells and arches are added. Once e-coating and painting are complete, the vehicle follows the standard D-Max assembly line where all components, including the suspension lift kit and Bilstein dampers, are fitted. The final step in the transformation is the offline fitment of the more oversized wheel arch mouldings.
Inside, the AT35 features the same level of specification as the range-topping D-Max V-Cross. However, in this case, the leather-trimmed seats are embroidered with the AT35 logo, which also adorns the gearshift shroud and floor mats.
The massively flared wheel arches and those big tyres ensure that the Isuzu D-Max AT35 looks like no other bakkie on the market. It will always be a marginal seller, so it is sure to remain a unique sight on South African roads, adding to the appeal.
What is it like to drive?
The D-Max's proven part-time four-wheel drive system is retained, offering the choice of two-wheel drive for on-road use, as well as four-wheel drive high- and low-range and an electronic rear differential lock. This system, along with the massively increased ground clearance and off-road tyres, allowed the AT35 to conquer the rough Bonniedale 4x4 trails with absolute ease.
The AT35 is powered by Isuzu's well-proven 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 140kW at 3 600rpm and 450Nm from 1 800rpm in its latest iteration. It is mated to the latest specification six-speed automatic transmission. In this application, it offers the same power and torque as regular D-Max models, with no tweaks to accommodate the extra weight of the AT35 conversion.
Performance is adequate. Sure, you can feel the extra weight, and the AT35 is no rocket ship, but it can still perform adequately on faster gravel roads and when driving on the highway or overtaking.
The downside
Unfortunately, the raised ride height and big heavy tyres have a negative effect on the dynamics of this bakkie. The extra weight reduces acceleration performance, especially in the mid-range, such as when overtaking, but it was better than I had thought it would be.
The biggest drawback is the AT35's performance on gravel roads, where the weight of the large wheels and tyres seem to overwhelm the suspension, resulting in bone-jarring ride quality on rough or corrugated roads.
The wheel arches of the AT35 incorporate a plaque displaying recommended on and off-road pressures, and the tyres of the launch vehicles were inflated to the recommended 220KPA for off-road driving. These pressures were specified by Arctic Trucks, and I suspect they might be true for their own Icelandic conditions. Here in South Africa, you would need to run a significantly lower pressure in search of an acceptable ride quality. However, I am not even sure that will be enough to get the ride quality to a similar level to a regular D-Max, meaning that this kit has no real advantage in this usage scenario.
The extra weight also negatively affects fuel consumption. Our test route comprised some rough off-roading and gravel-road driving, so an accurate combined fuel consumption figure was not possible, but I suspect it will be well north of 12.0 litres per 100km.
Conclusion
Isuzu claims that as the range-topping model, the AT35 appeals to buyers who want to stand out, as well as those aiming to exploit the vehicle's adventurous nature and remarkable off-road capabilities, and it does that, just with a few shortcomings you could probably live with.
If you are looking for a bakkie that will stand out in your gym's parking lot or a vehicle that is well-sorted for tackling extreme, slow-speed off-road obstacles, then the AT35 is the perfect bakkie for you. However, if you are looking for an overlanding vehicle that facilitates multi-day off-road adventures and gravel road driving, you should look elsewhere instead.
Model range and pricing
The Isuzu AT35 is available on special order through Isuzu's local dealer network, with limited production numbers guaranteeing exclusivity. Pricing is R1 120 620.
The D-Max AT35 is covered by the same comprehensive warranty, roadside assistance and service plan as the standard D-Max, which includes a standard five-year or 90 000km service plan, five-year or 120 000km warranty, and roadside assistance.
