Those of you that have been to the United States or Canada have probably bore witness to the sheer size of some of the pick-up trucks patrolling the open roads there. The beloved Ford F-150 is well over five metres long, for example. Truthfully, we don’t know the meaning of large this side of the Atlantic. But, what is true, is that you can only play what is in front of you.
So what of this, then – the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 (rolls right off the tongue, I know). By European standards, it is a mammoth of a double-cab pick-up truck. If you were at this year’s Ploughing Championships, you may recall seeing one on the Isuzu stand.
‘Arctic Trucks’, an Icelandic firm that specialises in the re-engineering and conversion of 4x4s, has upped the ante with the latest version of Isuzu’s D-Max. Custom suspension, 35-inch tyres, flared wheel arches, revised side steps and radiator grille, rear bar with multifunction hitch, mud flaps and roof rails, all make for a head-turning package.
Powered by the same 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission found in a regular D-Max, the AT35 produces 360 Nm of torque and has over a tonne of payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity. Despite its off-road prowess, the AT35 retains full commercial vehicle status with prices kicking off from €69,950 (+VAT). That is over €13,000 more than a D-Max LSE – but at least you will have bragging rights.
The AT35 introduces to the D-Max, a new rough terrain mode as standard for enhanced grip and traction on mud, wet grass and snow etc. Isuzu Ireland’s boss calls it a “go-anywhere machine”. I didn’t find myself tackling the sort of adverse terrain that any other 4×4 couldn’t handle, but I will take his word for it.
Having tested the D-Max LSE earlier in the year, I was curious to discover what impact, if any, all the extra weight and massive tyres would have on the driving dynamics. Little to none, thankfully.
Despite being shod with 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres, the AT-35 produces little road noise from asphalt, while roll through corners felt on-par with the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor and Ineos Quartermaster. Custom Bilstein suspension further boosts ground clearance, although the raised side step makes for a slightly awkward exit from the cabin.
The double-cab cabin is much the same as the top-spec D-Max, with leather upholstery and heated front seats. Considering the asking price of the AT35, I don’t think it would be too much to ask for a heated steering wheel and wireless phone charger. The nine-inch central touchscreen is responsive and supports wireless Apple CarPlay, but I would argue that its resolution is somewhat dated. Ditto the seven-inch display directly facing the driver.
The AT-35 is available exclusively as a double-cab, meaning you get the shorter rear bed of 1.52-metres. This is slightly less than the double-cab versions of Ineos Quartermaster and Ranger Raptor. (I’m comparing those based on footprint and price).
Overall, the D-Max AT35 is a job well done by the boffins at Arctic Trucks. Let’s see how many appear outside the mart on a Saturday morning.
