ISUZU’s R1.1 million D-Max AT35 bakkie is proudly built in South Africa

ISUZU’s new D-Max AT35 is the manufacturer’s flagship model in its bakkie range. The great news is that the Struandale plant in Gqeberha is the only ISUZU facility in the world accredited by Arctic Trucks to produce the D-MAX AT35.

The AT35 is based on Isuzu’s range-topping D-MAX V-Cross 4×4, and commands a price tag of R1 120 620 according to Car Magazine. If you’re feeling lightheaded after reading the AT35’s prices, it’s because the bakkie is fitted with a specially developed suspension lift kit and Bilstein dampers that give this vehicle its off-road attributes. 

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It rides on massive 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres mounted on 17×10-inch AT black alloy wheels. If you find yourself in a spot of bother and require more elevation, ISUZU’S AT35 is fitted with a purpose-designed lift kit.

The kit can increase the ground clearance from 232 mm to 266 mm and increases the vehicle height from 1810 mm to 1875 mm. 

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The AT35 also has a better wading depth than the normal model, boasting 865mm over the standard vehicle’s 800mm. 4×4 enthusiasts will relish in the bakkie’s steeper approach angle of 33 degrees (up from 30 degrees), an improved departure angle of 23 degrees (up from 18 degrees), and the greater break-over angle of 34 degrees (up from 22.5 degrees).

Step inside the monstrously big AT35 and the ISUZU is fitted with a driver’s seat with eight-way electric seat adjustment with lumbar support, a multi-display digital instrument cluster, 9-inch infotainment system with eight speakers, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as wireless charging for compatible smartphones.

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ISUZU’S AT35 is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 140kW and 450 Nm of torque from 1 800-2 800 r/min. 

“As the range-topping model in ISUZU’S D-MAX line-up, the AT35 appeals to buyers who want to stand out from the crowd, as well as those aiming to exploit the vehicle’s adventurous nature and its remarkable off-road capabilities,” says Kevin Fouche, Department Executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at ISUZU Motors South Africa.

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