Rumours suggest that the ISUZU D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35, confirmed for local markets by ISUZU Motors South Africa in May, will be another R1 million bakkie.
According to Cars.co.za, the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is set to become the country’s fourth-most expensive double-cab bakkie, trailing behind the Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion, Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost Raptor 4WD, and Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon. Assuming this pricing is correct, it will the crown as the most expensive 4-cylinder bakkie available in South Africa. Based on the D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross 4×4, this formidable off-road vehicle will have a starting price of R1,120,620 in the South African market.
Offered in limited numbers, the AT35 will be exclusively available through Isuzu’s local dealer network via special order. It marks the 28th variant in the D-Max lineup and is positioned as the pinnacle of Isuzu’s offerings, featuring numerous enhancements and exclusive features.
The D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is a product of a collaboration between Isuzu and Icelandic specialists Arctic Trucks. It is assembled at Isuzu’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, the only Isuzu facility in the world authorized by Arctic Trucks to manufacture the D-Max AT35.
The manufacturing process involves a dedicated conversion area within the factory’s body shop, where skilled artisans and technicians craft the larger wheel wells and arches necessary to accommodate imposing 35-inch tires and an enhanced suspension. The vehicle then proceeds along the standard D-Max assembly line, where it receives a specially developed suspension lift kit, Bilstein dampers, and larger wheel-arch mouldings.
Related: Review: Town to trail in Isuzu’s D-Max X-Cab
Distinctive visual features of the AT35 include chrome badges on the front fenders and tailgate, wider-profile side steps, “Arctic Trucks” mudflaps, and 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires mounted on 17×10-inch AT black alloy wheels. It also includes an 18-inch spare wheel positioned beneath the loadbox and comes with a “ResQ Puncture Repair Kit.” Inside the cabin, the bakkie boasts leather-trimmed seats adorned with “AT35” logos, extending the premium feel throughout.
The enhancements made to the AT35 result in impressive performance capabilities. The purpose-designed lift kit and tires increase ground clearance from the standard 232 mm to 266 mm, while the overall height rises to 1,875 mm. The bakkie’s wading depth improves from 800 mm to 865 mm, and its approach angle, departure angle, and break-over angle are enhanced to 33 degrees, 23 degrees, and 34 degrees, respectively.
Under the hood, the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 retains the standard 3.0-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine found in other D-Max variants. It delivers 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it may not match the V6-powered Ranger Raptor in terms of raw power, the AT35 will aim be looking to compensate with its exceptional off-road capabilities and robust build.
In terms of ownership benefits, the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 comes with a 5-year/120,000 km warranty and a 5-year/90,000 km service plan, with service intervals set at 15,000 km.
Watch: Off-roading in a 3.0L D-Max 4×4
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