You don’t have to be in the company of this vehicle for long to realise it’s no ordinary pick-up.
The new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is designed to conquer the most extreme terrains - but it also surprises in the levels of comfort it offers to occupants.
The result of over 25 years of continual development and re-engineering, the AT35 has full commercial vehicle status and doesn’t compromise on payload, towing capacity, and capability.
With a payload of over a tonne, a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and delivering 360Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, it’s a vehicle that can handle most challenges.
The standard Isuzu D-Max is already a dependable and strong pick-up, but theAT35 goes a step further when it comes to off-road ability and rugged styling.
The vehicle has been specially engineered by Arctic Trucks – a company renowned for its adventurous approach.
The suspension has been lifted to provide more ground clearance – making it easier to tackle uneven terrain, as well as snow, and deep mud.
The huge 35-inch all-terrain tyres add to the taller stance, while providing superb grip and stability over rough surfaces.
The bodywork has been revised to further enhance the rugged vibes, with features such as the flared wheel arch extensions providing space for those massive wheels.
Rugged-looking bumpers and enhanced underbody protection are also included.
The Arctic Trucks badge set acts as a further visual clue as to the vehicle’s capabilities.
Like most Isuzu interiors, there’s a solid and durable feel to the materials, with an excellent build quality.
But there are also plenty of creature comforts to enjoy.
The AT35 includes branded embroidered headrests, door entry guards, and carpet mats.
Drivers will benefit from a power-adjustable leather driver’s seat with lumbar support, alongside added comforts like heated front seats and under-seat base storage.
The vehicle is also equipped with a nine-inch multifunction colour touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A wireless charger, keyless entry, push-button start, and power windows are also part of the package.
The vehicle boasts a new seven-inch multi-information display, dual-zone climate control, and a rear ventilation panel.
A leather steering wheel, carpet floor trim, eight speakers, and multiple USB ports add to the appeal.
The D-Max also offers a range of practical features, including flat folding rear seats and front seatback map pockets.
The AT35 is powered by Isuzu’s trustworthy 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, which provides 164bhp.
This feels like a right-sized engine for the kind of tasks the vehicle is designed for
Its on-road manners are much more pleasant than previous incarnations of the D-Max. Inevitably for a vehicle of this size, you still get a fair bit of engine noise under heavy acceleration, but I went on quite a few lengthy journeys and never felt like I was driving a particularly agricultural vehicle.
Indeed, I found it to be a surprisingly good cruiser on the motorway, helped by a number of driver assistance technologies such as intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition.
In double cab guise, this is a vehicle that’s as comfortable taking a team of workers to a building site as it is taking the family for a weekend away.
In many ways, Arctic Trucks has performed a clever trick by making this trusty workhorse even more rugged yet more refined at the same time. You’d think those two attributes might be mutually exclusive, but it just works.
Lowdown
Isuzu D-Max
VERSION: Arctic Trucks AT35 Double Cab
PRICE: £57,005
ENGINE: 1.9-litre turbo diesel
POWER: 164ps
TORQUE: 360Nm
WARRANTY: Five year, 125,000 miles
TOWING CAPACITY: 3.5 tonnes
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