News: Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT 35 is a badass bakkie
For roughly two months Ford’s Ranger Raptor cornered a new bakkie niche in South Africa all to itself. But so competitive is the motor industry that this unrivalled market capture was always going to catch the eye of watchful marketers. We just didn’t think Isuzu would be first to capitalise on the established Arctic Truck fanbase.
That name seems a paradox for the South African climate and indeed these modified Isuzu D-Maxs aren’t leaving the Port Elizabeth bodyshop replete with snow chains – although we suggest if you’re planning a trip up to Lesotho this month it might be a good idea to pack some. Yet unpicking the new Arctic AT 35 badboy bakkie reveals premium credentials.
Isuzu proudly claim that the D-Max Arctic AT 35 is ‘more than a suspension and body lift’ but let’s be honest with each other, you’re not going to buy it for the thicker mudflaps or the (uncharacteristically) subtle badging on the tailgate.
The metamorphosis is thorough enough to copy a few specifications from Ford’s Ranger Raptor. Fox suspension raises ground clearance by 220m, pushing the wading depth up by a useful 118mm – we assume for when the snow has melted by global warming. The extra daylight cast between chassis and earth has a positive effect on approach and departure angles. Tyres are from BF Goodrich, and since most of the photos were shot in the sandy dunes, we’d say these 35-inches are adept to South African conditions.
Combining the mainstream with the aftermarket is Isuzu’s bulletproof 3.0-litre turbo diesel with six-speed manual gearbox. This isn’t the most modern or cleanest engine out there. With 130kW and 380Nm it’s also easily outmuscled by smaller engines. Should you want driving modes beyond low range and diff lock, the Isuzu disappoints – no Sport or baja mode to unleash here like you’ll find in the Raptor.
The D-Max Arctic AT 35 and Ranger Raptor sit neck and neck in pricing. Isuzu wants R785 000 for their Arctic Truck. Ford asks R786 400 for the Ranger Raptor. Pricing parity is a problem for Isuzu because the Raptor comes with 10-speed automatic gearbox, mightier engine plus hooligan driving modes.
