ISUZU D-MAX AT35

Since its launch in 2022, the South African Car of the Year Finalist Isuzu D-Max bakkie has enjoyed a positive reception from local buyers. While its many models offer something for everyone, the field has just received a newcomer aimed at lifestyle buyers – the D-Max AT35 that slots above the V-Cross – and takes on the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok Aventura and the Ford Ranger Raptor.

Looking to maintain its bakkie’s status as one of South Africa’s most sought-after off-roaders, Isuzu partnered with Icelandic aftermarket and tuning company Arctic Trucks to create the adventure-ready AT35. The same company was involved with creating a juiced-up Toyota Hilux that Jeremy Clarkson once drove to the summit of a live volcano during the better years of a particular television motoring show. Arctic Trucks specialises in aftermarket off-road upgrades, which have proven popular in the industry. Thanks to its partnership with Isuzu, customers can have the Arctic Trucks experience without breaking the bank or voiding their warranties. 

Unapologetic in its presentation, with visual upgrades that set it apart from anything else on the road, the AT35’s most notable attributes are its flared arches that add over 200 mm in width to the standard D-Max V-Cross on which it is based. The chunky arches house 17” alloys with meaty 35” BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres. 

The AT35 also sits on a Bilstein lift kit, raising its ground clearance from 232 mm to 266 mm. The combination of increased ground clearance, a wider body, and massive wheels gives the AT35 a mean-looking stance that commands attention, while additional Arctic Trucks touches include a gunmetal-finish grille, extended sidesteps, and AT mudflaps. 

FLAGSHIP-LEVEL INTERIOR APPOINTMENTS

For us, the AT35 interior is somewhat of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the lack of additional interior upgrades – considering the extensive exterior enhancements – is a letdown, while on the other, interior trim is functional and user-friendly, an attribute we praised when the V-Cross was introduced. 

This means the interior comes with niceties such as leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a 9” infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, and other appointments we have enjoyed from high-end D-Max models. The cabin also boasts Arctic Truck embroidery on the headrests and floor mats. Interior accommodations are the same as with the other D-Max double cab variants, as there are no increases in cabin dimensions.

WHAT TO EXPECT UNDER THE HOOD

The familiar Isuzu 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel propels the AT35 via a six-speed automatic transmission, churning out 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. While there are no performance gains to speak of, our launch drive proved that this is of little consequence.

For the upgraded Isuzu, the focus is on the extensive suspension upgrades rather than on increased power. The AT35’s Bilstein suspension system’s lift kit and improved damping are the real stars of the show here. With the kit, the bakkie rides 50 mm taller on both axles and boasts a 35-degree and 29-degree approach and departure angle, respectively.

ON AND OFF THE ROAD

The price point and aesthetics of the AT35 would logically pit the bakkie as a frontal assault on the new Ford Ranger Raptor, which also was our view until we sampled the AT35, and quickly realised that the bakkie offers an entirely different proposition to the Raptor. 

As the spec sheet shows, the AT35 is not a power match for the Ranger Raptor, as its four-cylinder turbodiesel simply cannot match the Ford V6’s 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque. However, the AT35 was not designed for high-speed onslaughts, as its setup is more geared towards traversing impossible off-road terrain. Once you drive the bakkie with this in mind, you will realise how the power on tap is adequate for the task at hand. 

Out on the highway, the AT35 was happy cruising at highway speeds and adept at overtaking. Also, due to its tall nature, using the accelerator pedal with some restraint is recommended, as the high centre of gravity makes high-speed antics alarming. We were initially concerned that the increased traction of the big wheels would detract from the vehicle’s performance, but the power loss through the wheels is negligible and hardly noticeable. 

The AT35 proved more than competent to deal with broken road surfaces thanks to the Bilstein suspension system. The suspension and generous tyre sidewalls give the AT35 a more compliant ride than the standard D-Max, although the chunky tyres do introduce more tyre noise into the cabin than standard tyres would. 

Our route took us to Bonniedale holiday farm situated in the Attaquaskloof, in the Outeniqua Mountains between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn. The road leading to Bonniedale can be a hassle for smaller cars, but for the AT35, this is where the bakkie’s best qualities come to the fore. The AT35 calmly made short work of the 4×4 trail with its jagged rocks and nasty undulations. The power-train setup was also up to the task thanks to its low-end torque, with which we calmly attacked near vertical climbs. A short drive into the heavy off-road stuff quickly justified the price premium the AT35 has over its competitors.

LAST WORD

The AT35 is a welcome addition to the already diverse D-Max range. The visual appeal and off-road upgrades target buyers in the lifestyle market who want a bakkie that stands out and has the off-road performance to match. At a starting price of R 1,120,620 and with about a hundred models produced annually, it is destined to be a niche product and likely to become a modern-day legend.

Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © ISUZU MOTORS SOUTH AFRICA