Isuzu | On the road

The new Isuzu and already mpressivd Isuzu D-Max has been transformed by Icelandic off-road specialists Arctic Trucks into something extraordinary. The result is the AT35 – a heavy-duty pickup that blends extreme off-road prowess with practical worksite capability, all wrapped in a head-turning, lifestyle-oriented package.

As its pricing confirms, this is far more than a mere workhorse. But how good is it?

Well, it’s certainly head-turning; I’ve rarely driven a vehicle that attracts so much attention. It comes packed with standard kit, including black alloy wheels, with 35-inch all-terrain tyres, Arctic Trucks side steps, mud flaps, badge, and branded interior and standard roof rails. It also had a chance to show its capability in snowy conditions.

You also get keyless entry and push-button start, USB-C ports and reversing camera, advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), and a wireless charger.

Built for extremes

Developed to tackle the planet’s most challenging environments, the AT35 features a reinforced chassis with Arctic Trucks-tuned Bilstein suspension. Dual-range all-wheel drive and a locking rear differential ensure traction is never in doubt. Massive 33-inch tyres permit an 800mm wading depth and enable it to traverse 40° side slopes, with a 35° approach angle allowing it to go where few production vehicles can

Power comes from a 1.9-litre turbo diesel, delivering 164 PS and 360 Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’s a functional, if occasionally raucous, powerplant that settles into a distant hum once on the move. Fuel economy is impressive for its size, at just over 30 mpg.

Head turning road presence

This is an undeniably imposing machine. It sits high on its massive tyres, housed under dramatically flared arches. The test vehicle was enhanced with vivid red paint and powerful auxiliary lighting from a piercing a roof mounted Lazer Sports Bar and Lazer bumper lamps. Further functional styling comes from side bars, a dark bonnet protector, and door visors

Utility meets practicality

True to its pickup origins, the AT35 retains the D-Max 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a one-tonne payload. This example was fitted with over £8,000 worth of extras, elevating its on-the-road price from just over £58k to around £66k, but making it fully prepared for the toughest terrains. Extras included a lockable ARB canopy with roof rack, a load bed liner, and a lockable roller tonneau cover as standard.

Refined premium interior

Inside, rugged capability matched by comfort and high end connectivity. Leather upholstery and heated front seats offer comfort in all climates. The cabin is dominated by a responsive nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supported by an eight-speaker sound system. A seven-inch driver’s screen and dual-zone climate control are also featured.

On the road performance

On tarmac, the commanding driving position affords excellent visibility. The upgraded suspension provides decent stability through corners for a vehicle of this height, though some body roll is inevitable. The ride can feel busy and bouncy when unladen. Performance figures of 0-62 mph in 12.4 seconds are adequate but largely irrelevant to this vehicle’s core mission.

Comprehensive safety

The D-Max AT35 is equipped with advanced safety technology, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alerts. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert provide crucial awareness during manoeuvres

Verdict

The AT35 successfully blends extreme off-road engineering, worksite practicality, and striking lifestyle appeal. Although the diesel engine could be more refined and the unladen ride is on the firm side, these are relatively small trade-offs in a vehicle with such capabilities. Few rivals can match its combination of off-road prowess, practical pickup versatility, and commanding presence. It is a distinctive and highly capable machine.

Factfile

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35
Price: £58,095.00 (CVOTR) – with extras, £66,114.83 (CVOTR
Engine: 1898cc, 164PS, 4-cyl turbo diesel driving all wheels via 8-speed automatic transmission
Performance: 0-62 mph: 12.4 sec; Top speed: 112 mph
Economy: 30.3 mpg
CO2 emissions: 241 g/km
Insurance group: 42
Warranty: 5 years / 125,000 miles

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

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