Limited-edition Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT35 revealed – The most capable Isuzu you can buy

Isuzu has revealed the next-generation D-Max Arctic AT35 – the flagship model in its locally-made bakkie series.

Based on the range-topping D-Max V-Cross, the AT35 was designed in collaboration with Icelandic company Artic Trucks which specializes in re-engineering 4x4s to face the toughest conditions possible.

It is available in limited numbers and customers can now place orders through Isuzu’s local dealership network.

The automaker has not revealed the official pricing but did state that every purchase comes with a 5-year/120,000km warranty and roadside assistance plan and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.

As a reference, the old AT35 retailed for well over R900,000 back in January 2022, so expect the new one to be a bit pricier.

Performance

As the halo model of the Isuzu stable, the Arctic features a number of exclusive details intended to make it stand out from the rest of the crowd.

The first notable difference are large flared wheel arches – a necessary addition so as to accommodate four chunky 35-inch, all-terrain BF Goodrich tyres wrapped around 17-inch black alloy rims.

Consequently, the ground clearance has increased from 232mm to 266mm, the wading depth has gone up from 800mm to 865mm, and the vehicle’s overall ride height now sits at 1,865mm, as opposed to 1,810mm.

The driving experience is further complemented by a set of heavy-duty Bilstein dampers and specially-developed suspension for greater comfort, and its off-road angles have all been improved upon.

The approach angle has gone from 30 to 33 degrees, the break-over angle is now sitting at 34 degrees instead of 22.5, and the departure angle has increased from 18 to 23 degrees.

Tying everything together is a four-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox, which links to the brand’s 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine.

This setup provides a total of 140kW and 450Nm, with fuel consumption working out to 8.1l/100km on an average cycle. The Isuzu can carry 970kg in the load bay, too, and tow up to 3,500kg.

Features

Another way in which the limited-edition bakkie distinguishes itself from the V-Cross is inside the cabin, which features leather upholstery with the AT35 logo emblazoned on the seats, floor mats and gearstick.

The dashboard is decked out in a piano-black finish and houses a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which links to an eight-speaker sound system.

Additionally, the Arctic comes with a wireless phone charger, an eight-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, adaptive cruise control, and an all-round camera system with sonar and radar technology.

Safety features, meanwhile, take the form of front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, driver attention alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags.

Isuzu D-Max Arctic