Motoring | 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

Audi Q4 S line 45 e-tron

By Bill McCarthy

Audi’s enduring popularity is a tribute to a strategy developed over recent decades, built on premium quality, a comprehensive vehicle range and clever marketing. Who has never heard of the phrase “Vorsprung durch Technik”, even without understanding its meaning?

Many EVs lose their brand character, particularly with the disappearance of the traditional grille, but Audi remains an aspirational brand for many customers looking to move upmarket. There is, however, a premium to pay for a premium vehicle, with this mid-range S-Line model costing well over £50,000.

Sleek and aerodynamic

This Q4 e-tron also stands out not just as a handsome vehicle, but because, unusually in this segment, it is a rear-wheel-drive model powered by a single motor. Although the grille is now a smooth, flat panel, it still retains the signature Audi four-ring look.

Featuring modern LED headlights, the car’s slippery shape is designed for efficiency. To the rear, there is a full-width LED light strip and a built-in spoiler. The look is rounded off with smart alloys and integrated roof rails. Overall, the 0.28 drag coefficient improves its driving range and reduces road noise.

Hi-tech, premium cabin

As one of the smaller SUVs, sitting between the Q3 and Q5, it remains spacious, offering a 2.77-metre wheelbase that delivers decent rear legroom. Inside, the cabin offers a premium ambience with logically placed, intuitive controls and typical high-end, hi-tech equipment.

It is dominated by an 11.6-inch multifunction central screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The central screen controls major functions like smartphone connectivity, various apps, infotainment and navigation via the familiar Multi Media Interface (MMI) system.

Standard equipment on this version includes the usual electronic aids, camera-based traffic sign recognition, a digital radio, four-way lumbar support for the front seats, an auto-dimming frameless rear-view mirror, exterior folding door mirrors with an auto-dimming function, a front centre armrest and logo projectors in the exterior mirrors. This is not to mention more than £2,000 worth of optional extras fitted to our test car.

Performance and drive quality

Performance is decent. It is not the quickest off the mark, but hitting 60 mph in 6.7 seconds should provide enough pace for most. The powertrain consists of a 77 kWh battery and a single rear-mounted electric motor delivering 204 PS and a hefty 310 Nm of torque, which also provides great mid-range pull.

It handles well, feeling agile on sharp bends, and its responsive steering enhances the overall driving experience. On the motorway, it is a near-silent cruiser, with only tyre noise – depending on the road surface – becoming intrusive. There is little wind noise, and the car offers a refined driving experience. Adjustable regenerative braking helps to maximise efficiency during driving.

Real-world range

The official WLTP range is around 337 miles, a figure that proved impossible to match over a lengthy 400-odd mile drive. Conditions were appalling for the first part – heavy rain and murky weather – with wipers, de-misters and lights draining the battery at, at times, an alarming rate. The indicated range hovered around 210 miles. As conditions improved on the return leg, that figure increased to nearer 260 miles.

What was noticeable was that using the adaptive cruise control on the motorway and setting it to around 65 mph allowed the vehicle to run at its most efficient, with the range dropping at a much slower rate.

While range anxiety is always at the back of one’s mind with an EV, the vast improvement in charging infrastructure means longer journeys can be planned with confidence. Using a DC fast charger with a peak rate of 135 kW allows the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just under half an hour.

Practicality and safety

Like all SUVs, it is a practical vehicle and offers good stowage capacity. Accessed by a powered tailgate, the boot provides 520 litres of space, which can be expanded for larger loads by folding the 40:20:40 split rear seats, opening up to 1,490 litres.

All Audis are safe and this model includes the Audi pre sense front system, which provides autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning. Other features include adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance and a full suite of airbags.

Verdict

In summary, this Q4 e-tron delivers a quality, tech-focused interior, practical space, and a refined, stable driving experience. While its real-world range is weather-dependent and its price is high for the class, it remains an upmarket choice for buyers prioritising brand prestige, cabin finish, and motorway comfort over outright efficiency or value.

Factfile

Audi Q4 S line 45 e-tron
Price: £56,580 (plus options)
Mechanical: 286 PS, single rear-mounted electric motor and 77 kWh battery driving rear wheels.
Max speed: 112 mph
0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
Range (WLTP): Up to 332 miles
Insurance group: 34 tbc
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
BIK rating: 3 per cent
Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles. Battery: 8 years/100,000 miles.

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