Isuzu D-max Arctic Trucks AT35
A second compelling collaboration between Isuzu and Arctic Trucks once again results in a factory-fitted, ready-to-rumble off-road kit for the popular D-max. Is this combination credible enough to crush the establishment?
Price: R1 159 900
S0–100 km/h: 11,53 seconds outh Africa may still have some way to go to replicate the level of extremity the US market enjoys when it comes to customising a pick-up truck. That said, the 2019 arrival of the previous generation Ford Ranger Raptor – followed by the 190 kw V6 TDI Volkswagen Amarok one year later – signalled the steady rise in popularity of the leisurefocused double-cab. The latter genre has developed an intriguing sub-plot within the significant local bakkie market and will soon
Top speed: 180 km/h
Power: 140 kw include the new Hilux GR Sport (see page 40).
Even though this publication spent time in Iceland in 2010 driving several South Africanbuilt Hilux double-cabs with Arctic Trucks conversions fitted, Toyota South Africa’s intention to introduce these conversions to our market sadly did not bear fruit at the time. Instead, in 2019, Isuzu received official certification from this legendary Icelandic offroad-tuning company (see sidebar) to install AT35 conversions to its
Torque: 450 N.m
CAR fuel index: 9,72 L/100 km then second-generation D-max. The ‘35’ suffix denotes the size in inches of tyres fitted to the final product.
This partnership has now extended into the D-max’s production line in Struandale, Gqeberha, the birthplace of the third-gen Isuzu double-cab.
Using the top-of-the-range V-cross as its base, the AT35 treatment begins with the fitment of a suspension lift kit and a set of Bilstein dampers (the previous D-max AT35 used Fox dampers),
CO2: 212 g/km before an off-the-line upgrade of the wheel arches takes place.
Available in a choice of five exterior colours, the final product leaves the line complete with larger side steps, branded mud flaps and several bespoke plaques and stickers. In addition, in order to avoid any confusion, a set of 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres are fitted to 17-inch tall, 10-inch wide, black alloy wheels. It’s interesting to note the AT35’S spare wheel is unchanged as an 18-inch item.
Sporting an almost demonic on-road presence, with the kit fitted, the At-converted Isuzu gains 34 mm in ground clearance (to 266 mm) and 65 mm in height. Isuzu claims a 33-degree approach angle, and 34-degree break-over and 23-degree departure angles
With a slogan of “The worse the weather, the better the adventure”, after exploring the possibilities of adding larger tyre sizes to its vehicles to better negotiate the rugged landscapes of its home base in Iceland, in 1990, Arctic Trucks was commissioned by Toyota Iceland to modify a fleet of its vehicles. This successful partnership, as well as a growing reputation for craftsmanship, led to Arctic Trucks being tasked with building everything from allwheel-drive machinery for the Norwegian armed forces to AT44 Land Cruisers for Antarctic expeditions, as well as serving 4x4 enthusiasts in markets like Russia and the UAE. on this imposing-looking 4x4. Wading depth has also increased from 800 mm to 865 mm.
Climbing aboard, there is plenty more Arctic Trucks branding to be found, including its embroidered logo on the headrests of the leather upholstery. In spite of us having previously noted the significant improvements in materials and equipment levels when likened to the previous generation Isuzu double-cab, based on the current D-max, the interior execution of the latest Ranger/amarok feels far more modern and, indeed, premium than in this new D-max.
As per its elite designation, the AT35 gains a comprehensive bouquet of modern infotainment technologies; there’s smartphone mirroring and a wireless charging dock, as well as Isuzu’s latest suite of advanced driving assists. These consist of lane-keeping assistance, collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring. You will be grateful for the reverse camera, too.
From its appropriately commanding driving position, the AT35 feels substantial on the road. It turns heads and elicits smiles wherever it goes. Isuzu’s 3,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine produces adequate performance without ever feeling overwhelmed and, by all accounts, the only on-road sacrifice we could find (it’s not as though the D-max has point-and-shoot precision at stake) was an increase in road noise from the larger all-terrain tyres fitted.
Isuzu D-max Arctic Trucks AT35
A fun-loving, yet commandingly capable flagship and halo model for Isuzu. That said, its tyres won’t be cheap to replace and the D-max is no match for the Ranger’s upmarket interior or performance. serv/maint plan: 01
price: cyl/capac: power: torque: gears/drive: 0–100 km/h: top speed: fuel index:
Payload: 03 04
Ford Ranger Raptor
As the pinnacle performance-focused, go-anywhere bakkie in the SA market, the Raptor delivers segment-defining ride quality and a stirring exhaust note. But the price of all that fun is felt with every fill-up.
price: cyl/capac: power: torque: gears/drive: 0–100 km/h: top speed: fuel index:
Payload: serv/maint plan:
USED OPTION [<2 years]
Toyota Hilux 2,8 GD-6 4x4 Gr-sport
As confirmed in this issue, there is a new Hilux GR Sport on the horizon. It has an imposing wide-body presence, upgraded suspension and all the interior bells and whistles. Will probably be better offroad than on the drag strip. cyl/capac: power: torque:
price: gears/drive: 0–100 km/h: top speed: fuel index:
Payload: serv/maint plan: