Category Archives: Vehicle type

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

AT35: A head-turning off-road beast

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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
Electric/hybrid, Motoring, Renault, SUV

Redefining comfort and performance

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Renault Austral Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

When it comes to car design, the competition for the fashion catwalk is as fierce as a runway show in Paris. But Renault designers have shown they can turn heads with the new Austral, but it faces stiff and cheaper competition in its segment.

The updated model has been completely redesigned to make it, says Renault, more consistent with the Rafale model.

 It showcases the brand’s latest design language, with an updated front and rear design, striking new lighting, improved onboard comfort and technology, and a premium interior. Standout features include a digital rear-view camera and clever adaptive cruise control, which allows for almost single-pedal driving.

It looks the part, and the power unit is just as impressive, a seemingly modest 1.2-litre three-cylinder hybrid setup that delivers performance and economy in spades.

Sleek and slippery profile

A sporty-looking SUV, it has a redesigned bonnet, bumper, and grille with the new Renault logo prominent within embossed diamond detailing. Most striking are the angular headlights featuring standard adaptive ‘LED Vision’ tech. 

The rear lights feature a tangram design, which is a simple set of seven geometric shapes made up of five triangles, creating a “floating ice cube” effect when off. 

Rounding off the look are 19 or 20-inch wheels, with this Esprit Alpine version adding black roof bars, dark window trim, and unique alloy designs.

Refined, hi-tech interior

Inside, it’s a comfortable space that exudes a premium feel, with high-quality fixtures and fittings. A standout feature is the central touchscreen, which manages navigation, infotainment, and smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, the OpenR Link offers navigation with Google Maps, voice control, and access to 50 apps via Google Play. The large central console includes a phone charging mat and provides ample storage space.

With a price tag approaching £37k, its not cheap, but is packed with kit, including sliding centre console, esprit Alpine leather steering wheel, esprit Alpine carbon fabric and Alcantara upholstery with blue stitching, a sliding rear bench, rear tinted windows, and a false floor in the boot. This model also featured a head-up display.

Efficient hybrid and dynamic performance

The full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp drivetrain combines a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine with a 50kW electric motor and a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery, mated with auto transmission to deliver impressive performance both around town and on the motorway, where the economy was exceptional over a prolonged drive. 

It was showing around 55 mpg against the official figure, but this was often high-speed motorway driving. It is also quick off the mark, hitting 62 mph in 8.4 seconds, but is even better at motorway speeds, accelerating from 50–74 mph in 5.6 seconds.

On the road

A choice of driving modes is available: including Eco, Sport, and Comfort, which adapt throttle response, steering, and cabin ambience to your preference. 

The car moves off in electric mode with almost silent running, and even when the three-pot engine kicks in, sound is deadened thanks to better soundproofing via new door seals, an optimised mirror design, and laminated front windows.

On the road, it handles well, but can be a bit uncomfortable on rougher surfaces. The suspension setup tends to prioritise handling over comfort, leading to a firmer ride that can feel jarring over bumps. However, it does offer a smooth experience when operating under electric power, especially in urban settings.

Practicality

The Austral is hugely practical, with clever ways to maximise stowage space. The modular rear bench can slide 16 cm and reclines in three positions, maximising space with a cargo capacity ranging from 527 to 1,736 litres. It was tested to the full and packed to capacity, including literally a kitchen sink at one stage, with no effect on performance.

Advanced safety

Renaults have always had a reputation for safety, and Renault says the SUV has up to 30 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including the aforementioned adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, and geolocation for semi-autonomous driving. 

In addition, the My Safety Switch allows customisation of ADAS preferences, including blind-spot alerts and. emergency braking, at the touch of a single button. Parking aids include 360° sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a digital rear-view camera.

Factfile

  • Renault Austral hybrid techno esprit Alpine
  • Price: £36,695
  • Mechanical: 1199cc, 200bhp three cylinder hybrid petrol engine driving front via auto transmission
  • Max speed: 108mph
  • 0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 60.1mpg
  • Insurance group: 22E
  • CO2 emissions: 105g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles