Isuzu Motors South Africa will display the new D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 at an upcoming event in Gauteng, suggesting a local launch is on the cards…

It’s looking more and more likely the new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 will launch in South Africa in the relatively near future, with the Japanese firm’s local arm set to display the upgraded bakkie at the 2022 SA Auto Week in Gauteng.

Though the official line from Isuzu Motors South Africa is that the D-Max AT35 is “still under consideration” for the local market, the fact it will be shown at the inaugural Naamsa SA Auto Week – which will take place at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in the final week of October – is a strong indication the re-engineered off-roader will soon join the range.

It’s not yet clear whether Isuzu Motors SA will again assemble the D-Max AT35 at its Struandale facility or instead outsource the task to a third party. At this stage, it seems unlikely the company would opt to import this uprated derivative.

The D-Max AT35 boasts 35-inch tyres supplied by BFGoodrich.

So, what do we know about the latest AT35, which was developed in collaboration with Icelandic specialists Arctic Trucks? Well, the version offered in Europe is described as a “professionally re-engineered vehicle” incorporating “significant enhancements” to components such as the body, frame, suspension, wheels and tyres.

Taking its name from the 35-inch tyres fitted as standard, the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35’s chassis and bodywork are tweaked to accommodate its 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels and 315/70 R17 all-terrain tyres (the latter from the folks over atBFGoodrich). In addition, the suspension system has been overhauled with an “optimised and elevated” tailored Bilstein performance set-up featuring front springs and dampers, rear dampers and an additional front and rear body lift. The result is a total front and rear elevation of 50 mm over the standard D-Max.

Of course, that brings major improvements to D-Max’s off-roading capability, with the approach angle growing to 35 degree, the departure angle to 29 degrees and the breakover angle to 34 degrees. In addition, Isuzu says the larger tyres, performance springs and dampers allow a “softer, faster ride” over rough surfaces and a “lighter footprint over delicate terrain”. Interestingly, Isuzu says the AT35 package does not compromise payload or towing capacity (something Ford can’t claim with the Ranger Raptor).

We don’t expect the AT35 derivative to boast any extra power over the 3.0TD V-Cross 4×4.

Since the SA-spec version is likely to be based on the flagship V-Cross 4×4 double-cab derivative (which currently starts at R835 100), power would come from Isuzu’s 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which in this state of tune is worth 140 kW and 450 Nm. Whether the local derivative will gain any powertrain upgrades remains to be seen, though we’d suggest such a move seems improbable.

You’ll have no trouble identifying the D-Max AT35, thanks to its ultra-wide colour-coded wheel-arch extensions, extended-profile side steps and Arctic Trucks mud flaps. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see a sports bar and tonneau cover included for the SA-spec model. Inside, you’ll find leather upholstery with Arctic Trucks branding on the headrests, along with model-specific door entry guards and a new carpet set. Overseas, the model furthermore boasts dedicated locking wheel nuts and an Arctic Trucks torque wrench.

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