South Africans have a real passion for bakkies, and it's no surprise that we're seeing more and more exciting options hitting the market these days. In a nation with so much to see off the beaten track, Isuzu offers a vehicle that's capable of conquering the toughest trails all while leaving a lasting impression from the moment it rolls out of the showroom.
The AT35 is a D-Max on steroids, more so on the looks and size than the power. It is a monster of a bakkie, and one that I was itching to get my hands on. Although it was modified with the help of Arctic Trucks (which inherently specialises in icy conditions), it proves to be a valuable addition for those who frequently find themselves on sand. Whether it’s Namibia's dunes or Botswana's salt flats, the AT35 could be a serious consideration for adventure enthusiasts and farmers.
The AT35 interior is a rather simple space, and it's almost identical to the V-Cross with a few extra decals and labels. It balances workhorse and lifestyle bakkie well, with leather seats and a slightly cramped back bench. It also provides an infotainment screen, which is rather outdated and can be slow at times. The driver is also given an analogue information cluster, which is easy to use and makes the living experience with the AT35 fairly simple.
This is something that I have enjoyed in the current generation of D-Max; it’s a fairly uncomplicated bakkie that is comfortable, well-built, and gets the job done. And with the added height of the AT35, you feel at peace floating above traffic and looking truck drivers in the eyes as you overtake. Okay, maybe it isn't that big, but you get the idea.
Imagine looking down on a new Ford Ranger in traffic, knowing that your car ships from the factory as is. Well, this gives you a sense of just how colossal the AT35 is by South African standards. It's all thanks to those massive 35-inch tyres as they increase the width, but more importantly, the ground clearance and height of this D-Max. This setup makes traversing sand dunes and muddy terrain effortless. However, it does generate a considerable amount of road noise and rolling resistance.
The AT35 is a heightened and wider D-Max V-Cross, so there was no doubt that it would be stupidly capable off-road, and it is. It sports the same 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine as the V-Cross, which produces 140kW and 450Nm. This is where my only real reservation comes into play. The V-Cross manages its power exceptionally well, providing the driver with more than enough torque to tackle obstacles and overtake on the highway while maintaining a reasonable fuel consumption figure. The AT35, on the other hand, is larger and has a lot more rubber and surface area with which to overcome basic physics. It's more than sufficient for most tasks, but on the open road, it does leave you wanting a little more from the engine.
Isuzu claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.5l/100km. However, you're more likely to see an average closer to 9.5l/100km. There's no getting around the fact that it's an enormous vehicle, which also makes navigating around tight parking lots a nervous excursion, but once you are on the open road, you feel unstoppable.
The most important aspect of lifting and modifying a 4x4 is having good tyres and even better suspension. As such, Isuzu, with the help of Arctic Trucks, fitted 35-inch all-terrain tyres around 17-inch rims to ensure the Isuzu can take on the rocky outcrops without damaging its rims. When you combine these wheels with Bilstein suspension, your car becomes ready for nearly any challenge right out of the showroom. The fenders, greatly widened to fit your new setup and provide a menacing look, add the perfect finishing touch.
It's no surprise that a top-spec specialty car like the Isuzu D-Max AT35 would come with a sizable sticker price, and this model comes in at R1,159,900, which positions it against the likes of the Ford Ranger Wildtrak while being a fraction less expensive than the Ford Ranger Raptor. This puts the AT35 into perspective.
Yes, the massive wheels and suspension add a lot of substance, but the V6 Ranger Wildtrak produces more power, which the AT35 could do with. And the Raptor, well, it comes with everything and more, including a lot more power, a better cabin environment, and a considerable tech loadout.
The AT35 is an excellent addition to Isuzu's lineup, and while few people in South Africa require arctic tyres, it is a vehicle I admire and thoroughly enjoyed my time with. It's bold and makes a statement, leaving you looking back in astonishment at its sheer size. And yet, it could do with more power, especially for the price. But if the Wildtrak X isn’t your vibe and you're looking for something competent, reliable, and capable of stirring up a conversation, then the Isuzu D-Max AT35 or Arctic Truck 35 might be the leisure vehicle for you. If you can still pick it up in its limited numbers, that is.
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