Isuzu

Safe as houses, tough as teak: Isuzu brings ultimate off-roader to market

The highlight of Isuzu’s stand at the CV Show was the first showing of the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 pre-production model, launching in Spring 2022. It’s an exclusive, robust, serious 4x4 model for the off-road enthusiast.

The collaboration between Isuzu UK and Arctic Trucks builds on the award-winning all-new D-Max (below) with advanced technology that has been especially developed to handle challenging landscapes. A strengthened chassis, Bilstein Performance Suspension and an All-Terrain Wheel and 35” Tyre Package offer confidence when driving off-road while the AT35 drives with a great deal of comfort and control.

The AT35 is a luxurious but competent 4x4 pick-up. Refined amenities such as the Bespoke Arctic Truck branded headrests, Arctic Trucks floor mats, branded sill covers, and leather interior provide comfort in this resilient vehicle. With high-tech features like traffic sign recognition, automatic windscreen wipers and emergency lane keeping, the AT35 also has impressive features to allow for an enjoyable driving experience. This includes a 9” multi-function touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity that can sync with Android Auto and Apply CarPlay. The truck also has a HDMI port, dual zone climate control and eight speakers with a subwoofer. Other convenient features include a rear camera, parking sensors and Arctic Trucks side steps.

An elevated driving position, enhanced suspension and wider tyres come together to keep drivers safe while providing great off-road performance.

After scoring the highest achievable score in the tough new Euro NCAP safety tests, the all-new Isuzu D-Max AT35 has a range of advanced driver assist systems, such as cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency breaking.

Lifestyle pick-up fans turn to Isuzu

Andrew Walker

Isuzu’s new D-Max has landed in the UK at exactly the right time for the Japanese brand. – and fans of lifestyle pick-ups. Established players Mitsubishi, Fiat Professional and Mercedes-Benz have left the sector altogether, Nissan has decided not to bring its latest Navara to the UK and VW is on a pick-up sabbatical, so the competition has shrunk.

It means that Isuzu, a company that knows more than a thing or two about pick-ups, has a clear shot at the market, and its latest D-Max should go down a storm.

It comes in three ranges: Business, All-Purpose and Adventure. These three are complemented by four trim levels: Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross. Having tested the Adventure we realised that it still had in spades the toughness, reliability and durability that Isuzu was renowned for, but added more car-like interiors, on-trend-tech and safety features to broaden appeal.

First and foremost, the 1.9-litre 162bhp engine carries over from the previous model. However, the ladder frame chassis, while similar to before, now comes with larger rails, additional bracing plus newer steels, all of which contribute to make it stronger. There’s a longer wheelbase, re-designed rear suspension, a shorter body but increased load space both inside and out and a newly designed front and rear end.

Also new is electric power-assisted steering and redesigned seating. The dashboard is more upmarket with a new touchscreen infotainment system and all models come with a height and reachable adjustable steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, DAB radio, Bluetooth, a front USB port and a 4.2” multi-information display.

Every version has a payload rating of at least 1070kg, which is important for commercial vehicle tax purpose.There’s also a 3.5 tonnes towing capacity.

But don’t worry, it hasn’t lost its off-road grunt for all its new-found on-road charm. The selectable shift-on-the-fly 4WD drive engages faster, rear axle articulation has increased and all models bar entry-level Utility models come with a mechanical rear diff lock in addition to electronic aids that now include hill descent control and hill start assist.

We tested it in a variety of situations. In water, it has a wading depth of 800mm; take it through gravel and up and over some very steep hills and it performed admirably. The 4WD engages faster than before and the locking diff, low-range gearing and electronic aids work perfectly.

One thing is for certain, and that is it’s light and day over the outgoing Blade to drive. The V-Cross handles the road much more like a large SUV than before, the electronic steering makes it easier to manoeuvre and the bigger brakes means it stops faster. The seats are way more comfortable and, coupled with the improved body structure, there’s far less body-roll. Rear passengers get more leg room and the rear seats more comfortable as well. The improvement is impressive.

Only negatives are a lack of out-and-out pull from the 1.9-litre engine, and emissions and economy are not selling points: manual offers 33.6 mpg/auto 30.7 mpg with emissions of 220g/km and 241g/km respectively.