Publications
Partners
- Isuzu unveiled an Arctic Trucks version of their latest D-Max in the heart of bakkie country at Nampo in Bothaville.
- The D-Max AT35 is converted to Arctic Trucks specification on the production line in South Africa.
- This bakkie features massive wheel arches and 35-inch off-road tyres.
At this year's Nampo harvest day, Isuzu unveiled an Arctic Trucks version of the latest D-Max, which comprises raised suspension, 35-inch wheels and aggressive bodywork.
The Isuzu D-Max AT35 was designed in collaboration with Arctic Trucks, which is renowned for producing some of the most capable overlanding vehicles on the planet.
As the range-topping model in the D-Max line up, the AT35 appeals to buyers who want to stand out from the crowd and who aim to exploit the vehicle's adventurous nature and remarkable off-road capabilities.
The design of the D-Max Arctic AT35 means that there is no mistaking the model for a standard bakkie, thanks to the aggressively flared wheel arch extensions along with an increased ride height and a wider track.
Also fitted are AT35 chrome badges on the front fenders and rear tailgate and wider profile side steps for easier access to the cabin and Arctic Truck mudflaps. The AT35 rides on 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, mounted to distinctive 17x10-inch AT black alloy wheels.
Factory fitted
Traditionally, these kits are fitted by Arctic Trucks or approved dealers, but what makes the Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT35 unique is that it is assembled at the Isuzu Motors South Africa plant in Struandale, ensuring the same build quality as regular D-Max models. The Struandale plant is the only facility in the world accredited by Arctic Trucks to produce the D-Max AT35.
Muscular bodywork enhancements are added in a dedicated Arctic Trucks conversion area in the body shop, where Isuzu's most skilled artisans and technicians craft the bigger wheel wells and arches required to accommodate the 35-inch tyres and beefed-up suspension, which comprises a specially developed lift kit and Bilstein dampers.
This increases ground clearance from 232mm to 266mm while improving the 4x4 statistics in other areas. The AT35 boasts an approach angle of 33 degrees, a departure angle of 23 degrees and a break-over angle of 34 degrees, which places it among a select few in off-road circles.
The D-Max's proven part-time four-wheel drive system is retained, offering the choice of two-wheel drive for on-road use, four-wheel drive high and low-range and an electronic rear differential lock.
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.
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 good and the bad news
With the model shown at Nampo being the first of the latest generation to be treated to the Arctic Trucks conversion, we could not get behind the wheel at the time of the event.
However, I spent quite a bit of time behind the AT35 version of the previous Isuzu D-Max a few years ago, which revealed some shortcomings that I suspect will remain.
With massively flared wheel arches and those big tyres, the Isuzu D-Max AT35 looks like no other bakkie, even making the Ford Raptor look like it hasn't been to the gym in a while. In addition, the extra ground clearance means it will conquer rough terrain like few other bakkies on the market.
Unfortunately, the raised ride height, wider track, as well as those big heavy tyres have a negative effect on the dynamics of the bakkie. All that extra weight results in drastically reduced acceleration while having a negative impact on fuel consumption and making Isuzu's ageing 3.0-litre work harder than necessary.
On the previous model, the weight of the tyres also overwhelmed the suspension, resulting in less-than-ideal ride quality during faster off-road driving, such as on gravel roads, and a painful experience on corrugated roads. Hopefully, the addition of Bilstein dampers this time around makes that less of an issue.
That being said, the aggressive styling is out of this world, and if you are looking for a bakkie that turns heads, then the D-Max AT35 is the right bakkie for you.
What is it going to cost you?
The Isuzu D-Max AT35 is covered by the same comprehensive warranty, roadside assistance and service plan as the standard D-Max, which includes a five-year or 90 000km service plan and a five-year or 120 000km warranty. This unique offering lets enthusiasts buy a uniquely modified vehicle with complete peace of mind.
Isuzu has not yet revealed pricing for this AT35 but has said that this model, which is based on the top-of-the-range D-Max V-Cross 4x4 (currently priced at R857 700), will be available via special order through Isuzu's local dealer network, starting in a couple of months, with limited production numbers guaranteeing exclusivity.
