Launched in the United Kingdom last year, the Isuzu
D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 has been given a mild nip and tuck as part of a
greater revamp of the D-Max range. While the go-anywhere pick-up still has yet
to receive the second facelift offered in certain ASEAN markets, there are a
few small upgrades all around.
In terms of aesthetics, the revised version gets new
Galena Grey, Sapphire Blue and Spinel Red paint options, while inside, there
are new leather seat trims, soft-touch materials on the armrest, instrument
binnacle and upper glovebox lid and gloss black trim around the window
switches, air vents and lower glovebox. The latter also gets a new D-Max badge
stamped on it.
The biggest change, however, concerns safety, with a
new Trailer Sway Control feature that brakes the truck if it senses a swing
when you’re pulling a trailer. Of course, the new D-Max Artic Trucks AT35
retains the same 3.5 tonne towing capacity as before.
Elsewhere, you get the same rugged chassis tweaks
from off-road specialist Arctic Trucks of Top Gear fame. To that end, there’s
the Fox Performance Series suspension that gives the D-Max a considerable 125
mm increase in ground clearance – all the better for the fitment of 35-inch
Nokian Rotiiva tyres (hence the AT35 name) over 17-inch black alloy wheels.
Flared wheel arch extensions cover the increased track width.
Power comes from an unchanged Euro 6-compliant 1.9
litre Ddi Blue Power turbodiesel engine, making 164 PS at 3,600 rpm and 360 Nm
of torque from 2,000 to 2,500 rpm. As before, there’s a choice of six-speed
manual and automatic transmissions.
You’ll also receive the same amount of standard
equipment, such as extended side steps, Arctic Trucks badging and a Pioneer
head unit with a seven-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All
this doesn’t come cheap, with the Arctic Trucks AT35 retailing for a cool
£ 38,545.
