A striking, comfortable and rugged pick-up with amazing off-road credentials, is how Isuzu have described their updated D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35, so we sent our Phil Eaglestone off to put it through its paces.
Available here through dealers Eakin Bros of Claudy and John Barr Cars of Crumlin, the AT35 has a host of innovative features that certainly make it stand out from the crowd, as we soon discovered when we climbed behind the wheel.
For those not familiar with this particular D-Max model, it is the result of a close collaboration between Isuzu and Artic Trucks; Arctic Trucks have over 25 years of expertise in reengineering vehicles to cope with the harshest conditions in some of the most remote places on earth, not least in Iceland and Scandinavia as a creator of 4×4 vehicles able to take on the most demanding terrains and conditions.
Already an exclusive standout pick-up, the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 has a host of features,. 35” Nokian Rotiiva AT Tyres, 17” x 10” AT Black Alloy Wheels, Fox Performance Series Suspension, Flared Wheel Arch Extensions, Extended Profile Side Steps, Arctic Trucks Chrome Badge & Decal Set, 7” Multifunction Colour Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, full leather as standard, the test vehicle had an optional “superior quilted leather” upgrade. Very powerful laser lights fitted into the front bumper!
This new updated version also benefits from a refined and enhanced interior, with a refreshed seat trim and updated soft pad designs to the arm rests, binnacle and utility box lid. Gloss black trim has been added to the window switches, air vents and glove box, which also incorporates a new Isuzu D-Max badge. Our test model benefited from a leather trim upgrade.
Now standard on the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35, Trailer Sway Control uses sensors to detect trailer swing and reduce vehicle speed if sway is identified. Speed is controlled by reducing engine torque and braking automatically (without driver operation). Vehicle brake lights will illuminate when automatic braking occurs.
In addition to these new features, the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 retains its superior 3.5 tonne towing, outstanding 125,000 mile / 5-year warranty (whichever comes first) and 5-year roadside assistance in the UK and across Europe.
Powered by a 1.9 litre turbo diesel engineproducing 164PS and 360Nm of torque, it meets Euro 6 standards without AdBlue, making this truck more refined, quieter and economical than the previous model D-Max.
Creature Comforts
It may look like a rugged beast on the outside, but inside there are plenty of creature comforts to make any journey, on or off-road, a real pleasure. Apart from what we have already mentioned, it also features height adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, satellite navigation, DAB radio, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry, push button start system, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control, multi-information display and Bluetooth connectivity.
It doesn’t disappoint from a safety perspective, either, coming with a reversing camera,
rear parking sensors, hill start assist and hill descent control – and for those taking the family on board, Isofix child seat anchors.
The award-winning D-Max has already had a successful 2018, being crowned ‘Pick-Up of The Year’ at both the 2018 Export & Freight and WhatVan? Awards, ‘Most Reliable Pick-Up’ for 2018 by Professional Pick-Up & 4X4 magazine, ‘Best Workhorse Pick-Up’ for 2018 by Trade Van Driver and ‘Best Pick-Up 2018’ by Scottish Field.
Verdict
Clearly, this is a pick-up truck engineered to shine in the most gruelling conditions – and does so equally on the open road. With a generous, spacious and comfortable cab, it would serve well as a week-end family ‘getaway’ vehicle or a Monday-Friday workhorse – but, as we found out, it does turn heads, so it is not a pick-up you would want if you are the sort of person who likes to keep a low profile! On the other hand, if you really want to get noticed…
