The all-new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is on sale now, priced at £30,999 OTR.
A pick-up truck engineered for the most arduous conditions, the AT35 is built in collaboration with Arctic Trucks - a vehicle engineering specialist with a 25-year history of developing and building 4x4 vehicles in Iceland and Scandinavia.
Each AT35 is based on the D-Max pick-up, but ‘extensively enhanced’ by Arctic Trucks to 'take on the most gruelling terrains and conditions'. A number of significant chassis changes have been carried out by Arctic Trucks who, in Iceland has already enhanced the D-Max for rescue and highland utility work. Available in either double-cab or extended-cab configurations the new pick-up keeps the D-Max’s one-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing (braked) capacities.
The original 2.5-litre D-Max engine is also retained, with 163 PS and 400 Nm torque, and is available with a manual gearbox, as well as with a five-speed automatic, which features sequential manual shift control so that drivers can take direct control of gear selection for a more engaging experience – or allow the transmission to operate fully automatically to suit their mood and the terrain.
A shift-on-the-fly two- /four- / low-ratio four-wheel drive selector dial is located on the centre console. The system allows drivers to switch between two-wheel drive and high-ratio four-wheel drive at speeds up to 60 mph. Low-ratio four-wheel-drive can be engaged while stationary with the transmission in neutral.
The AT35 introduces several key hardware enhancements - the suspension is re-engineered exclusively for the AT35 with Fox Performance Series dampers, which helps deliver increased mobility over even the most rutted tracks and brutal boulders.
Special all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres endow the AT35 with improved all-round grip in the most slippery conditions. These huge 35-inch tyres are specifically engineered for off-road use and are fitted to 17” x 10” alloy wheels, considerably larger than those on the standard D-Max. The vehicle accommodates the larger diameter tyres and wheels within widened wheel-arches. Deflation and inflation of these bulbous monster tyres – helped by the AT35’s on-board inflation kit – means the AT35 can even ‘float’ on light snow slush.
The combined effect of Arctic Trucks’ suspension and larger tyres is a ride height 125mm higher than that of the equivalent standard Isuzu D-Max. With the increased ground clearance comes greater approach, departure and break-over angles. The AT35 sits 55mm higher than a standard double-cab D-Max, making for six degrees’ extra approach angle gain, and an added 10 degrees ramp angle flexibility.
The extended-cab body was designed from the ground up and includes a second-row, rear-hinged door, also known as the side-access panel (SAP) on each side of the vehicle. To ensure maximum strength and safety in the event of a collision, the engineers incorporated a one-piece B-pillar into the leading edge of the side access panels.
The result is uninterrupted access to the side of the cabin, ideal when loading large items behind the front seats. The side access panels can be opened from both inside and outside the vehicle. The rear seat cushions fold down from the back panel, creating additional seating, with fold-out thigh supports offering occupants even 'greater levels of comfort'.
Also on the inside, a six-speaker audio package with an ‘Exciter’ speaker in the roof lining, plus iPod/USB/Bluetooth connectivity, provides high-quality sound. Heated and folding door mirrors (including side indicator repeaters) are standard, as is a leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls. The double-cab model includes full leather upholstery as well as automatic climate control air-conditioning.
Exterior standard features include projector headlamps, chrome trio of door handles, grille and rear bumper, LED rear lights and a rear load liner. The double-cab model also adds roof bars and rear parking sensors for further increased practicality. Custom ‘receiver hitches’ fitted front and rear are given the Arctic Trucks treatment with style-led covers that hide the points when not in use.
Prices range from the £30,999 OTR for the Extended-cab (six-speed manual), £33,499 OTR for the Double-cab (six-speed manual) to £34,499 OTR for the Double-cab five-speed auto.