Tag Archives: technology

Isuzu, Motoring, Pick-up/4x4

Unleashing the Isuzu D-Max with the bespoke AT35

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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
BYD, Electric/hybrid, Estate/Sport Tourer, Executive saloon, Motoring

Is BYD helping shape the future of PHEV?

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SEAL 6 DM-i Saloon and Touring

By Bill McCarthy

Stepping on the accelerator – or perhaps charging up the battery – in the UK, Chinese car maker BYD’s models are arriving thick and fast. The brand is rapidly expanding its line-up and has now introduced the SEAL 6 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid designed to offer the best of both worlds.

It provides electric driving for daily commutes and leisure with a claimed range of around 65 miles, backed by a 1.5-litre petrol engine for longer journeys.

Plug-in hybrids and full hybrids are ideal for those attracted to the idea of an EV but not ready to fully commit, often due to range anxiety.

The advantage of this plug-in is its 65-mile electric-only range, which allows drivers to avoid congestion and clean air charges, with low emissions making it cheaper to run. The petrol engine can then kick in to recharge the battery while on the move.

The car is available in two body styles: a sleek saloon and a still stylish, but more practical Touring model, which marks BYD’s first estate car in Europe. Trim levels include Boost and Comfort.

Both models offer an upmarket, stylish design that belies their price, starting at £33,990 for the Saloon and £34,990 for the Touring. Considering the standard equipment, this seems to represent a good buy for the money.

Interior and comfort

The cabin is a comfortable, tech-filled space with a minimalist setup common to modern EVs. Key features include:

  • A large, rotating tablet-style infotainment screen that controls major functions like connectivity, infotainment, and satellite navigation. Both accessible via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
  • Leather seats and plenty of USB ports.
  • A genuinely roomy interior, particularly in the rear, ensuring comfort even for larger adults on longer journeys.
Boot capacity

The estate offers excellent, if not class-leading, boot space. It provides 560 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to a maximum of 1,460 litres with them folded. The saloon remains practical for its segment, with a useful 450 litres of cargo space.

Safety and driver assistance

Standard features include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and a robust body structure.

It also incorporates advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), typically featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring to enhance driver confidence.

Powertrain and performance

BYD’s “Super Hybrid” system operates primarily on battery power. On longer journeys, the petrol engine acts mainly as a generator to recharge the battery, promising a claimed total range of over 900 miles.

When more power is needed, the system can combine the power from both the engine and the electric motor for maximum performance.

Like other hybrids, it also uses regenerative braking to capture energy and recharge the battery while slowing down. 

However, it is wise to be sceptical of this maximum range figure, which is likely achieved under ideal conditions.

Real-world factors like driving style, cold weather, high speeds, and hilly terrain will reduce that number. While 900 miles seems fanciful in practice, other BYD models have proven highly economical, and the Seal appears set to follow suit.

On the road

The test drive involved urban driving through busy towns as well as longer stretches on country roads and fast dual carriageways. Both cars felt refined and comfortable, with the leather seats providing good support. It’s not the quickest EV off the mark, but achieving 60mph in around 8.5 seconds provides enough pace for most needs.

Handling proved decent, though the ride felt a little firm. There was some wind noise around the door mirrors and road noise from the tyres on poorer road surfaces, though this largely disappeared on better roads. En route, the models’ design and branding attracted considerable attention, a sign that BYD has quickly established a growing recognition in the country.

Every model comes with a six-year or 93,750 mile warranty. The vehicle supports AC charging from 15-100% in three or 2.7 hours (depending on the model), and a DC fast charge from 30-80% takes just 23 minutes. A 3.3kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function is also standard.

Verdict

A technologically advanced PHEV, the SEAL 6 appears to offer a substantial electric range for a practical transition from combustion engines, in either saloon or estate form. Its real-world efficiency and long-term reliability in the UK are yet to be proven. But it looks good, feels premium and is keenly priced.