In this article:
Styling
Performance
Fuel Economy
Safety
Price
Competitors
Verdict
Niche bakkies have been in vogue as of late with the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor and what goes on at the other side of the pond in the United States. Thus, more of these sorts of bakkies with ready-for-EXTREME-adventure setups are gaining in popularity. Take the humble current-generation Isuzu D-Max with dynamics that will appeal to back-to-bakkie basics enthusiasts and ramp it up with the Arctic Trucks treatment. You get the D-Max AT35.
Related:Isuzu AT35 D-Max (2023) First drive review
Arctic Trucks is famous in the 4x4 realm in that they re-engineer some of the world's best bakkies and trucks to the exact specification that has conquered, as you'd expect, the Arctic in many expeditions, and with that, the capability to conquer other landscapes. To give you an idea of what the modifications these vehicles are outfitted with are capable of, the team at Arctic Trucks have visited the North Magnetic Pole and did the fastest journey to the South Pole in trucks and bakkies that they have modified with their bespoke kits. They convert vehicles into 3 categories: sports and utility, professional or exploration. Cue the D-Max AT35, a collaboration between the two companies for the top-of-the-line D-Max.
Styling
Big is an understatement with this vehicle. Know that this vehicle is based on the D-Max V-Cross variant but dials the styling up to 11 for a purpose-built aesthetic. The Arctic Trucks treatment includes flared wheel arches, custom black satin finish 17-inch, meaty BFGoodrich tyres, Arctic Trucks branded side runners and mudflaps and AT35 badging. The fashion bar rounds off the rear and side profile of the bakkie with a subtle but nice red accent amidst the graphite finish. The Arctic Trucks treatment complements the styling on the D-Max and the shark nose front fascia with the broad arch and tyre combo and lifted stance, giving the AT35 an imposing appearance that towers over other cars on the road.
Our test vehicle was finished in Desert Orange. Graphite-coloured accents are found in the front grille and other parts of the exterior, both in gloss and satin finishes. The colour swatch and modifications are a lovely, eye-catching blend that's sure to catch a few stares of approval. In this writer's view, the AT35 styling hits the mark and is a burly vehicle with plenty of kerbs and rocks appeal. The look means business and shows a vehicle that isn't ready to play around. The styling kit here is purposeful and solidly installed rather than flimsy aftermarket pieces.
Isuzu bolsters D-Max range
Space & Interior
The interior of the AT35 remains more or less the same as your standard V-Cross but with AT35 embroidery on the seats and branding on the drive selector and rubber floormats. The interior is leather-clad with a soft-touch dashboard complete with white stitching. There are gloss black interior trim pieces to contrast the charcoal-coloured leather. There's an element of robustness to the interior of the AT35, as you'd come to expect with a bakkie made for expedition. Space is aplenty front and rear along, but the AT35's load capacity is pretty low at 660kg when compared to its competition. Despite this, though, the AT35, even with modifications, feels well screwed together.
Isuzu D-Max - A new X Rider in town
Comfort & Convenience
With the adjusted suspension for adventure, the AT35 can be firm and bouncy in on-road settings, but the noise factor isn't bad in the cabin. Even on the open road, tyre noise is relatively minimal and can handle the duality of onroad and offroad, but much of the AT35's shine is on the rough stuff when it comes to comfort. The 9-inch infotainment screen is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enabled, but the quality of the screen can be improved slightly to reduce screen glare in the sunlight. Despite this, the sound system is decent, and smartphone connectivity is fuss-free. The 8-way adjustable front driver's seat is golden, too. A tonneau cover would be welcome for this vehicle, and perhaps a roller shutter would not only round off the look but aid in practicality, too.
Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger vs Isuzu D-Max: Which one has the lowest running costs?
Performance
Powering the AT35 is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine stomping out 140kW and 450Nm, sending power to either 2 or 4 wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The AT35 cruises along like a train onroad, but offroad is where this vehicle shines as you'd come to expect. Part of the Arctic Trucks treatment includes Bilstein offroad suspension and a lift kit working with the 35-inch BFGoodrich tyres. You also have the dual valve system to handle tyre inflation and a ResQ puncture repair kit. Onroad, the AT35 rides well enough, but admittedly, the suspension can be firm for road use. However, if the AT35 is put in an offroad situation, the vehicle becomes unmatched in performance. Humps and yumps are handled with ease with the 266mm ground clearance. While we did light offroading during our test period, if you want to see the AT35 tackling the mountains, my colleague Lawrence Minnie tackled the Outeniqua mountains in the AT35 to a great result. The turbodiesel engine moves with gusto even with the meaty tyres, and power is put down well. Offroad, the AT35 is quite the hoot to drive.
AutoBattle - The Double Cab podcast
Fuel Economy
The AT35's claimed fuel consumption is 8.5l /100km, but we managed around 11l /100km.
Everything you need to know about the Isuzu D-Max
Safety
You'll find the following standard safety equipment in the AT35:
- ABS, EBD, BAS and ESC
- HSA and HDC
- Trailer Sway Control
- Brake Override Accelerator
- Multi Collision Brake
- 8 Airbags
- ISOFIX
- Front and rear park distance sensors
- Rear view camera
- Front camera
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Radar
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- Pedal misapplication mitigation
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Lane departure prevention
- Driver monitoring
Isuzu D-Max (2022) First Drive Review
Price
The purchase price of the AT35 includes a 5-year/90 000km service plan, 5-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance, and a 5-year/Unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty.
| Model | Price(incl. VAT) |
| Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD double cab AT35 4x4 | from R1 170 339 |
Competitors
- Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana
- Ford Ranger Platinum
- Ford Ranger Raptor
- Toyota Hilux GR-Sport
Verdict
Admittedly a niche market in the lifestyle bakkie realm, the AT35 will appeal to someone who wants to embark on an expedition, someone that adores 4x4 and wants to take it all to the next level. The D-Max already is a solid bakkie but the AT35 sweetens the deal further. It's fine on the road, but that's not the point of this vehicle, as it's a purpose-built machine. Get one while you can.
