Isuzu is now offering a version of its head-turning D-Max AT35 that meets the latest Euro 6 emissions legislation. Developed in conjunction with off-road specialist Arctic Trucks, the manufacturer says it’s the most extreme pickup ever to go on general sale in the UK.

Based on the 2017 model year Isuzu D-Max, the new AT35 is equipped with the brand new 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine producing 164hp and 360Nm of torque. The engine is able to meet Euro 6 standards without AdBlue, making this truck more refined, quieter and economical than the previous model D-Max.

Building and adapting 4×4 vehicles for over 25 years, Arctic Trucks is one of the world’s leading experts when it comes to off-road vehicles, and this is the first time UK customers have been able to purchase an Arctic Trucks pickup through an authorised dealership.

The AT35 has been reengineered and homologated with an increased gross vehicle weight (around 150kg greater) so that it is still able to offer a one-tonne payload and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity.

Isuzu D-Max AT35 2017 The Beast is Back
Isuzu D-Max AT35: Upgraded Running Gear

One of the most obvious alterations is to 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 shock absorbers have also been fitted all-round, which help deliver increased mobility over 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 challenging and slippery situations. Optional upgrades include a sports bar for a heavy-duty off-road look, while the Arctic Trucks Truxedo 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 an inline gauge help the most adventurous continue on their way.

The D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 will be available in; Splash White, Cosmic Black, Obsidian Grey, Tundra Green, Titanium Silver, Nautilus Blue and the glorious Venetian Red pictured here.

Isuzu D-Max AT35 2017 The Beast is Back
Isuzu D-Max AT35: Pricing and Availability

The D-Max AT35 is available from Isuzu’s 32 Arctic Trucks specialist dealers and is priced at £37,200 plus VAT for both the six-speed manual and five-speed automatic. Unlike the previous 2.5-litre AT35, there is no option of an extended cab.

This represents a £10,000 uplift over the price of the current flagship model, the Blade, so it’s a pricey upgrade. These modifications could be retrofitted more cheaply, although this may invalidate Isuzu’s respectable five-year, 125,000-mile warranty, and could affect the residual values.

Liam Campbell
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