Category Archives: Isuzu

AWD, Isuzu, Motoring, Pick-up/4x4

AT35: A head-turning off-road beast

Leave a comment

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

By Bill McCarthy

When it comes to workhorses like a pick-up truck, it takes something special to turn heads and become a talking point. Such is the case with the AT35, a modified version of the new Isuzu D-Max launched this year.

Sitting on huge tyres, with a bright orange livery and dazzling roof lights, this imposing beast—and it is a huge beast—looks the part, even if its primary role is as an off-road explorer. But perhaps it also doubles as a lifestyle statement.

Standout design features

The AT35 grabs attention with flared wheel arches, Arctic Trucks side steps, mud flaps, and distinctive AT35 badging. Additional touches include roof rails, a rear multifunction receiver.

A cherry on the cake accessory is the Lazer Light Sports Bar, sitting like a cowboy hat on top of the cabin.

The light array shoots out spotlight-type beam bright enough to light up a jungle path or farm track, but no much appreciated by oncoming motorists on the high street.

Practical features include remote central locking for the tailgate, wireless phone charger, Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) for improved safety , locking wheel nuts and even. colour-coded tyre valve caps

Tackling the toughest terrain

Developed with Icelandic off-road specialists Arctic Trucks, this hardcore variant is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 164 PS and 360 Nm of torque, paired with either a manual or automatic gearbox driven here. It’s not the quietest—especially on start-up—but once moving, the noise fades into the background.

Key off-road enhancements include:

  • Dual all-wheel-drive modes (high and low range)
  • Locking rear differential
  • Reinforced chassis with Arctic Trucks Bilstein suspension
  • 35° approach angle for climbing steep inclines
  • 800mm wading depth and ability to traverse 40° side slopes
Performance and practicality

With a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and one-tonne payload, the AT35 is as capable on worksites as it is on adventures. Features like Trailer Sway Control and Hill Descent Control enhance stability, while its claimed 30 mpg fuel economy is respectable for a heavy-duty 4×4.

The load bed includes expedition-ready tie-downs and a remotely lockable, weatherproof roller cover. However, the weekly shop might need to go on the back seat. Even so, everyday items can be stowed in the rear bay via securing ties.

A refined interior

Inside, the AT35 blends rugged capability with comfort via leather upholstery, with heated front seats offering a touch of luxury, comfort and durability. It also features dual-zone climate control and other creature comforts.

 The dashboard is dominated by a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and built-in sat nav, together with an eight-speaker premium sound system. This is complemented by a seven-inch screen that delivers real-time information to the driver.

On the road

While optimised for off-roading, the D-Max handles tarmac reasonably well – though unladen, it can feel bouncy. However, the commanding driving position ensures excellent visibility, and the upgraded suspension keeps it stable through bends. For the record, it hits 60mph in around 12.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 112, although almost certainly not a priority when considering this type of vehicle.

Comprehensive safety

The AT35 comes packed with safety tech, including traffic sign recognition, full complement of airbags, auto autonomous braking, forward collision warning, lane assist and adaptive cruise control.

Verdict

The Arctic Trucks AT35 transforms an already more than capable D-Max into something extraordinary. It’s rugged enough for serious off-roading, practical for worksite demands, and stylish enough to make a lifestyle statement. While the diesel engine isn’t the smoothest, few pick-ups match its sheer capability and presence.

Factfile

  • Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35
  • Price: £54,995 (CVOTR)
  • Engine: 1898cc, 164 PS 4-cyl diesel
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic (or manual)
  • Top speed: 112 mph
  • 0-62 mph: 12.4 sec
  • Economy: 30.3 mpg
  • CO2 emissions: 241 g/km
  • Insurance group: 42
  • Warranty: 5 yrs/125,000 miles
AWD, Isuzu, Pick-up/4x4, SUV/4X4

Taking off-road to the Max

Leave a comment

Isuzu D-Max 2025

By Bill McCarthy

  • The 2025 D-Max pick-up combines on-road comfort and off-road capability, priced from £32,916 with a five-year, 250,000-mile warranty. 
  • It features a redesigned exterior, various trims (Utility, DL20, DL40, V-Cross), and a touchscreen infotainment system. 
  • Powered by a 162 bhp, 1.9-litre diesel engine with manual or auto transmission, it offers a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of over 1.2 tonnes. 
  • With enhanced safety features and a competitive price, the D-Max stands out in the pick-up market.

Isuzu’s impressive off-roader has just got even better. On road and most certainly off road as a challenging off-road course on a particularly wet winter day proved. Revamped for 2025, the iconic pick-up comes with several improvements to exterior and interior design and enhanced ability to tackle the really rough stuff.

Not to mention a five-year, 250,000 mile warranty and a VAT inclusive starting price of £32,916. The range is structured into two segments: Business and All-Purpose with four variations: Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross and a choice of angle, extended or double cab configurations. 

For the even more lifestyle-conscious, there is the blinged up, but seriously capable Arctic Truck versions.

A favourite for builders, on a farm or families looking for a lifestyle choice, it is bucking the trend with increasing sales in the segment. Primarily designed to tackle rough terrain, it offers 250mm of ground clearance and solid stability. 

Already stylish looking in the competitive pick-up truck glamour stakes, it now looks even more muscular with a new radiator grille, bonnet and bumper and smart 18-inch alloy wheels. Also new are Bi-LED headlamps, automatic windscreen wiper, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry, and dark side steps for easy access. 

Primarily a commercial vehicle, there is no shortage of creature comforts to keep the driver happy on the farm, in the Amazon rain forest or even on the school run.

The days of bog basic commercial vehicles are gone and interior features include a new touchscreen.

It controls features like navigation and an updated, wireless infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a new digital seven-inch driver display – higher spec models have uprated, larger screens.

It offers premium features like cloth or leather heated seats, a new multi-function steering wheel and upgraded door trims.

Extra for the DL40 and V-Cross are an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and larger info screens.Under the bonnet, the 1.9-litre diesel engine has been retained and paired with a six-speed manual or upgraded auto transmission.

It delivers 162 bhp and 371Nm of torque for tackling the toughest of conditions. Traditionally not the quietest of power units, this latest version has better sound proofing to quieten engine noise. 

A definite improvement on the road where the ride is surprisingly stable for a vehicle sitting so high off the ground. It does not bounce around when unladen like some competitors and the upmarket interior keeps other occupants in decent comfort.

It’s no cheap runabout, with economy depending, on model, hovering around 31-33 mpg with high CO2 emissions at between 220 and 236 g/km.

Equipped with a 4WD Shift-On-The-Fly system, and wading depth of up to 800mm, it’s all built on a sturdy ladder chassis with underbody protection coverings.  With a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a loading bay payload over a 1.2 tonnes that accepts a full pallet, the D-Max can handle heavy loads.

The tailgate has been redesigned with triple shield taillights and a damper for smooth load bed opening. 

Added sensors detect trailer swing and lower the speed if any sway is identified, while the refined suspension improves ride quality without compromising the payload.

Each model features the latest generation of Rough Terrain Mode (RTM), an off-road traction control system which works in conjunction with the rear differential lock to maximise torque transfer and keep going through the most difficult terrains. 

It controls brake force to individual wheels when slippage is detected and directs torque to the wheels with the most grip. While new displays show the angle of steering and side incline to help the driver decide what’s feasible over rough terrain.

On a particularly muddy and difficult off-road course, the pick-up dealt with the challenges with ease. One impressive manoeuvre came when the vehicle was stopped, deliberately, on a steep muddy slope and then started again with little or no wheel slip.

Upgraded safety  kit includes a full complement of airbags, reversing camera, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure alerts and dual-zone climate control. Emergency braking has been improved together wth new intelligent adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor and emergency lane keeping.

The Utility starts at under £33k  while the  range-topping V-Cross with all the bells and whistles has a price tag of £47,916.

A significant improvement on its predecessor, the latest D-Max undercuts its rivals in price, while offering an impressive range of standard kit and there’s the five-year 125,000 mile warranty, not to mention customer loyalty, no wonder its bucking pick-up trend with increased sales.