Isuzu has teamed up with off-road specialist Arctic Trucks to offer a new special-edition D-Max
Priced from £30,995 plus VAT, the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is the most extreme production version of the popular pickup yet.
Helping the AT35 stand out from the crowd is a beefed-up exterior styling pack, while its enhanced off-road performance means it’s capable of tackling the toughest of terrains.
Iceland-based Arctic Trucks has been adapting and building 4×4 vehicles for its country’s extreme landscapes for 25 years, so it knows a thing or two when it comes to developing a capable pickup truck. However, this is the first time an Arctic Trucks pickup has been available through a manufacturer’s dealer network in the UK.
Upgraded running gear
One of the most obvious alterations is the ride height. Arctic Trucks has raised the suspension by 125mm which increases the wading depth as well as approach, departure and break-over angles.
Fox Performance Series shocks have also been fitted all-round, which help deliver increased mobility over even the most rutted tracks and brutal boulders.
The AT35 sports all-terrain Nokian Rotiiva AT tyres, which help to create that butch look and provide excellent grip in the most challenging and slippery of situations, the manufacturer claims.
Optional upgrades include the sports bar for a heavier-duty off-road look and the Arctic Trucks Truxedo that provides added security for cargo in the load bed.
Furthermore, off-road extras such as a 27-LED work light can provide widespread illumination under darkness, skid plates provide enhanced under-body protection, and an ARB tyre inflator with inline gauge help the most adventurous continue on their way.
Pricing and availability
Prices start from £30,995 plus VAT for extended cab models with double-cabs at £33,495 (the five-speed automatic is a £1,000 premium). All models will go on sale in May 2016 and come with Isuzu’s five-year manufacturer warranty.
This represents a £8,000 lift over the price of the current flagship model, the Blade, so it’s a very pricey upgrade. These modifications could be retrofitted a lot cheaper, although this may invalidate the warranty and affect the residual values.
