Isuzu reveals most capable D-Max Arctic Trucks edition

Isuzu UK has created a new edition of the D-Max in collaboration with Iceland’s specialist Arctic Trucks. Here’s the news from Isuzu: The all-new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is a pick-up truck engineered to excel in the most arduous conditions, and is the result of close technical collaboration between two respected off-road and pick-up specialists. Each AT35 is based upon the strong and durable D-Max pick-up vehicle, which is extensively enhanced by Arctic Trucks, a company with a 25 year history in Iceland and Scandinavia as a developer of 4×4 vehicles able to take on the most gruelling terrains and conditions.

Whether in the wilds of the British countryside or on building sites in the city, the AT35 is the most robust and capable pick-up that Isuzu UK has ever created. The original 2.5-litre D-Max engine is retained, whilst a number of significant chassis changes have been carried out by Arctic Trucks.

Arctic Trucks bring experience of creating vehicles for all conditions, from severe off-road to the sub-zero, an area in which Isuzu has its own proven success as its D-Max is the best-selling pick-up in the undulating and snow-covered Scandinavian country. In Iceland, Arctic Trucks has enhanced the D-Max for rescue and highland utility work. This experience has heavily influenced the creation of the AT35 now on sale in the UK.

The AT35 retains the impressive one-ton payload and 3.5-ton towing (braked) capacities that have helped make the Isuzu D-Max one of the most popular pick-ups for those seeking an exceptional workhorse with low running costs. 

Enhanced running gear

The AT35 introduces several key hardware enhancements, ensuring extraordinary off-road capability. Within the Isuzu D-Max model range, suspension is re-engineered exclusively for the AT35 with Fox Performance Series dampers, which helps deliver increased mobility over even the most rutted tracks and brutal boulders.

Special all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres endow the AT35 with improved all-round grip in the most slippery conditions. These huge 35-inch tyres are specifically engineered for off-road use and are fitted to 17” x 10” alloy wheels, considerably larger than those on the standard D-Max. The vehicle accommodates the larger diameter tyres and wheels within dramatically-widened wheel-arches, giving the AT35 a securely planted and powerful look.

The specification of the tyres follows Arctic Trucks’ assertion that any off-road journey can be completed without the assistance of a winch or other rescue materials. Deflation and inflation of tyres – helped by the AT35’s on-board inflation kit – should be part of the adventure. The truck’s 35-inch wheels significantly broaden the contact patch and, in certain frozen weather conditions, the tyres are so bulbous they can even allow the car to float on light snow slush.

The combined effect of Arctic Trucks’ specialised suspension and larger tyres is a ride height 125mm higher than that of the equivalent standard Isuzu D-Max. With the increased ground clearance comes greater approach, departure and break-over angles. The AT35 sits 55mm higher than a standard double-cab D-Max, making for six degrees’ extra approach angle gain, and an added 10 degrees ramp angle flexibility. Furthermore, drivers and passengers benefit from improved all-round visibility, a great advantage for identifying the safest route to an ultimate destination, whether that’s across ice fields in Norway or icy moors of North Yorkshire.

Two body configurations

The AT35 is available in double-cab and extended-cab configurations. The extended-cab body was designed from the ground up as an ‘open-cab’ pick-up. Isuzu’s engineers developed a second-row, rear-hinged door, also known as the side-access panel (SAP) on each side of the vehicle. To ensure maximum strength and safety in the event of a collision, the engineers incorporated a one-piece B-pillar into the leading edge of the side access panels.

The result is uninterrupted access to the side of the cabin, ideal when loading large items behind the front seats. The side access panels can be opened from both inside and outside the vehicle. The rear seat cushions fold down from the back panel, creating additional seating, with fold-out thigh supports offering occupants even greater levels of comfort.

Comprehensive standard equipment

The AT35 can haul more than a tonne of on-board cargo and up to 3.5 tons in a braked trailer (where the terrain allows) – just as its D-Max stablemates can – as well as traverse more extreme topography than ever before. Meanwhile, passengers remain as well catered for as ever in the refined and well-appointed premium interior.

A six-speaker audio package with an ‘Exciter’ speaker in the roof lining, plus iPod/USB/Bluetooth connectivity, provides high-quality sound. Heated and folding door mirrors (including side indicator repeaters) are standard, as is a leather steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.

The double-cab model also includes full leather upholstery for an even more luxurious interior, as well as automatic climate control air-conditioning. This is controlled by a large, circular Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) selector located on the cabin’s centre console, which allows occupants to control temperature and fan settings with a single dial. The system automatically maintains the set temperature for optimal passenger comfort.

Exterior standard features include projector headlamps, body-coloured front bumper, chrome trio of door handles, grille and rear bumper, LED rear lights and a rear load liner. The double-cab model also adds roof bars and rear parking sensors for further increased practicality. Custom receiver hitches fitted front and rear are given the Arctic Trucks treatment with style-led covers that hide the points when not in use.

Optional accessories

Buyers have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional accessories to further enhance the interior, the practical functionality and the visual impact of the AT35.

Styling upgrades include an Arctic Trucks Truxedo that provides added security for cargo in the load bed, as well as the Arctic Trucks Sports Bar for improved styling.

Off-road extras include a 27-LED square work light that provides widespread illumination under the darkest skies, skid plates for enhanced under-body protection, and an ARB tyre inflator with inline gauge help the most adventurous continue on their way.

Customers opting for the double cab AT35 can upgrade their infotainment system with the Pioneer AVIC-F860BT audio set-up, DVD and European navigational system with 6.1-inch touchscreen, reversing camera and Parrot Bluetooth kit for wireless calls and music streaming.

Strong chassis, powerful engine, manual and auto transmissions

The AT35 is based on the tough and durable Isuzu D-Max chassis. It is made of high tensile strength steel with cross-member braces to ensure exceptional torsional rigidity and large cross-sectional dimensions for a strong and stable structure. Additional cross braces aid torsional rigidity and also spread the weight of payloads evenly, enhancing the vehicle’s laden handling balance, both on- and off-road.

Under the bonnet of the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is the highly-efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that delivers 163 PS and 400 Nm torque for all models in the D-Max line-up.

Isuzu offers the largest range of automatic pick-up models on the market and buyers of the double-cab AT35 can also specify auto transmission. The five-speed automatic features sequential manual shift control so that drivers can take direct control of gear selection for a more engaging experience – or allow the transmission to operate fully automatically to suit their mood and the terrain.

A shift-on-the-fly two- /four- / low-ratio four-wheel drive selector dial is located on the centre console. The system allows drivers to switch between two-wheel drive and high-ratio four-wheel drive at speeds up to 100 kph. Low-ratio four-wheel-drive can be engaged while stationary with the transmission in neutral, and, combined with other Arctic Trucks enhancements, means the AT35 can crawl up and over almost anything.