The Isuzu Thread

Sunday’s ride curtesy of Isuzu and Ironman SA.

70c94fb4818dc6e794337c20b08bad4e.jpg
 
It's seats seems too low, feels like sitting in a go-kart, weird for such a big Bakkie.
 
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 for SA: official details emerge

At the start of April 2019, CARmag.co.za broke the news the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 was destined for local shores. And now Isuzu Motors South Africa has officially announced its plan to introduce the high-riding bakkie.

Billed as a “very exclusive new limited-edition flagship”, the AT35 is scheduled to launch in May 2019 and, as we pointed out in our original story, is based on the D-Max 300 LX 4x4 Auto derivative.

It is thus powered by a 3,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which sends an unchanged 130 kW and 380 N.m to all four corners via a six-speed automatic transmission.

As we earlier reported, the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 will bear a “recommended retail price” of R785 000 (that's R169 500 more than the model on which it is based). The flared wheelarches add some 180 mm to the overall width of the vehicle, while the ride height has been increased by 48 mm.

Built in South Africa, Isuzu Motors SA says the AT35-badged model has “undergone full local validation, with Isuzu’s engineering team playing a hands-on role to ensure the D-Max strengths of reliability and durability are not compromised”. The full five-year/120 000 km factory warranty thus remains, as does the five-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

“The very exclusive Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT35 is aimed at the customer who wants an extremely capable but thoroughly unique bakkie that certainly stands out from the crowd, but demands a properly engineered solution,” said Dominic Rimmer, executive for technical services at Isuzu Motors SA.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/isuzu-d-max-arctic-trucks-at35-official-details-emerge/

KB.jpg
 
High-riding Arctic Isuzu confirmed for South Africa

Developed in conjunction with Arctic Trucks of Iceland, the AT 35 is set to roll into local showrooms in May, but it comes at a price - with Isuzu asking R785 000 for one of these. That's a R170 000 premium over the D-Max 300 4x4 LX Auto which it’s based on.

“The very exclusive Isuzu D-MAX Arctic AT 35 is aimed at the customer who wants an extremely capable but thoroughly unique bakkie that certainly stands out from the crowd, but demands a properly engineered solution,” says Isuzu SA Technical Services Executive Dominic Rimmer.

To that end, the AT 35 rides 48mm higher than the standard 4x4 model, while the flared wheel arches add 180mm to the overall width of the vehicle. Full specifications will no doubt be released closer to launch.

The engine remains as per the standard double cab however, this being Isuzu’s proven 3-litre turbodiesel that’s credited with 130kW and 380Nm.

The Arctic Isuzu will be available in limited numbers, but will enjoy a full factory warranty, valid for five years or 120 000km. It will also be sold with a five-year/90 000km service plan.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...tic-isuzu-confirmed-for-south-africa-20786593
 
Tested: Is Isuzu mu-X a worthwhile alternative to Fortuner?

PRICES

Isuzu mu-X 3.0 - R576 600

Isuzu mu-X 3.0 4WD - R638 600

VERDICT

Compared to the best-selling Toyota Fortuner, the Isuzu mu-X makes a solid play for comfort and features at its price level.

But, there’s no arguing that at this price level you could also jump into many other SUVs, such as the Ford Everest or the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

So why would I buy an mu-X? Well, it drives as well as the Fortuner you’re considering and although it’s dated inside, it comes with a comprehensive warranty and an extensive dealer network to rely on.

You won’t want for features in the vehicle, and you won’t feel like you’re short on space when going on holiday, so it’s the ideal kind of car that can be paid off and kept for years.

Perhaps resale values won’t be as strong as the Fortuner (or Everest for that matter), but I do think it’s a ‘keeper’ and that it will provide you and your family with many hassle-free adventures for years to come thanks to its solid feel.

The Isuzu mu-X comes standard with a five-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance. It also has a five-year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty and a five-year/90 000km Service Plan.

Service intervals are every 15 000km or every 12 months.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road...a-worthwhile-alternative-to-fortuner-21907418

Snip.JPG
 
Striking new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Safir revealed

At the start of April 2019, CARmag.co.za broke the news the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 was destined for local shores. And now the UK arm of the Japanese firm has revealed a special, limited-edition version exclusively for that market.

Dubbed the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Safir, just 10 examples will be built, each fitted with a unique numbered badge and finished in Sapphire Blue Mica paint.

The special bakkie boasts a silver sports bar, silver “Mountain Top” roller cover and a bespoke Safir-branded aluminium under guard. Two sets of “Lazer Lights” are also included, one sited in the front bumper and the second on the roof. The wheels (17- x 10-inch), meanwhile, gain a new “Hyper Dark” diamond-cut finish.

Inside, you’ll find leather seats with sapphire blue overstitching and a D-shaped sports steering wheel. The tiller, too, is trimmed in leather and suede (with sapphire blue stitching).

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/striking-new-isuzu-d-max-arctic-trucks-at35-safir-revealed/

KB 1.jpgKB 2.jpgKB 3.jpgKB 4.jpg
 
Isuzu XTR to Rival Raptor

Isuzu has inadvertently built a bakkie for Darth Vader. Meet the XTR!

As the global bakkie market shows absolutely no signs of product saturation, Isuzu is the latest brand to add a special edition double-cab derivative.

It’s called the XTR and Isuzu’s designers and engineers have attempted to create a Japanese double-cab bakkie with enormous presence and improved off-road ability.

The appearance is striking, with substantial black protective cladding added to the wheel arches and D-Max grille, which transforms into something unlike anything seen on any other bakkie.

Contrasting with the black plastic protection bits are green brake callipers and fender details. This green theme is repeated in the XTR’s cabin too, with lime steering wheel stitching and similarly hued ‘XTR’ seat logos.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/isuzu-xtr-to-rival-raptor/46604/

Isuzu 1.jpgIsuzu 2.JPGIsuzu 3.JPGIsuzu 4.JPG
 
That thing looks hot. Better than any of the other trucks currently on the market.
 
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35: here’s how many SA will build per year

Back in April 2019, CARmag.co.za broke the news the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 was coming to South Africa. And now the local arm of the Japanese firm has confirmed how many units will be built in SA per annum.

Set to be offered on an “order only” basis, Isuzu Motors South Africa says a “projected 50 units” will be built annually at its facility in Port Elizabeth.

Interestingly, Isuzu Motors SA’s factory is the first (and thus currently the only) Isuzu Motors facility globally to receive Arctic Trucks International’s stamp of approval to build a production model.

The AT35 begins life inside the Struandale body shop, where it is welded (alongside regular D-Max models) using a combination of robotic welding machines and handheld tools.

Once the cabin and load bay have been completed, the body in white is moved into a special Arctic Trucks conversion area within the body shop. Here, a “select group of handpicked Isuzu artisans and technicians” begins the process of transforming the bakkie into an AT35.

As a reminder, the D-Max AT35 is priced at R785 000 and is based on the D-Max 300 LX 4x4 Auto derivative, sharing this variant’s 3,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which sends an unchanged 130 kW and 380 N.m to all four corners via a six-speed automatic transmission.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-m...s-at35-heres-how-many-sa-will-build-per-year/
 
Isuzu Arctic AT 35: The toughest D-Max bakkie yet in SA

Isuzu has expanded its bakkie offering with the addition of an exclusive new flagship model aimed at avid off-roaders.

The Arctic AT35 bakkie is now available through Isuzu dealers on an exclusive order only basis with a projected 50 units to be built annually in Port Elizabeth.

"Arctic Trucks are engineered for people who need to do tough jobs in tough environments, combining this attribute with Isuzu heritage of engineering tough, reliable bakkies is guaranteed to surprise and delight our customers," says Dominic Rimmer, IMSAF Executive for Technical Services.

The Isuzu Arctic AT 35 is available in one derivative, the 3 litre double cab 4x4 6 speed automatic at a recommended retail price of R 785 000.00 including VAT.

https://m.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/isuzu-arctic-at-35-the-toughest-d-max-bakkie-yet-in-sa-20190701
 
Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT 35 (2019) Launch Review

Verdict

It's great to see Isuzu "the workhorse bakkie brand" stepping into this rarefied lifestyle performance segment of the double-cab market. Given the Arctic AT 35's admirable extreme off-road ability, we're glad it's here and, as a brand-builder, it elevates the recently rebranded D-Max bakkie's brand appeal. We do have 2 criticisms, though. Firstly, that engine, while tried-and-tested, doesn't quite deliver enough punch to match the bakkie's image. Granted, a new or extensively tuned engine would have greatly increased the price tag so we are prepared to cut it some slack. On the bright side, we should be thankful that we have the 3.0-litre motor, as the AT 35 is also available with a 1.9-litre turbodiesel motor in foreign markets.

Secondly, we wish the interior was a bit more special. The exterior of the Arctic AT 35 is majestic and it comes as a bit of a disappointment that when you step inside the cabin, the seats and trim are same as the bog standard, even if top-of-the-range, D-Max derivative. Surely there could have been sportier seats, red seat belts, or similar, just to let proud new owners of the bakkie know that they're sitting in a one-of-a-kind vehicle?

A few manufacturers are now offering bakkies with a distinct offroad performance bias. Our first taste of the Arctic AT 35 was largely positive and expect that demand will outstrip supply. Isuzu is likely to sell every unit that rolls off the Port Elizabeth production line and it wouldn't surprise us one bit if dealers start selling build slots. All we can say is we're eager to pit the newcomer against the Raptor and upcoming Toyota Hilux GR Sport...

Isuzu Arctic AT 35 Price in South Africa (July 2019)

Isuzu is offering its new Arctic AT 35 with the same warranty as its standard D-Max derivatives. This means you get a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Get a quote / Request a test drive.

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 TD 4x4 LX Arctic Trucks AT 35 R785 000 (including VAT)

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/isuzu-d-max-arctic-at-35-2019-launch-review/46971/

Isuzu 1.jpgIsuzu 2.jpgIsuzu 3.jpgIsuzu 4.jpg
 
DRIVEN: Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 4x4 Auto

This is undoubtedly a very exciting time for bakkie enthusiasts in South Africa. Indeed, never before has there been such a wide variety of pick-up models in our market. There are turbocharged V6 derivatives (watch VW's Amarok V6 take on the Mercedes-Benz X350d in a drag race here) and even an OEM-engineered off-road performance bakkie in the form of the Ford Ranger Raptor. Isuzu is the latest local manufacturer to offer a special model at the summit of its line-up and we headed to the Eastern Cape to sample it.

Summary

As only one or two AT35s can be manufactured at the Struandale plant in PE per week, the allocation for the rest of the year has already been sold. While Isuzu buyers in particular and bakkie fans in general will be intrigued by the new AT35, there's no escaping the fact it is priced too close to the Ranger Raptor (the latter now costs R803 300 after Ford's recent price adjustment). The Blue Oval bakkie offers a better suspension setup, more power and torque as well as updates to its cabin. And that's a list of items many buyers will struggle to ignore.


FAST FACTS

Model: Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 4x4 Auto
Price: R785 000
Engine: 3,0-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 130 kW at 3 600 r/min
Torque: 380 N.m at 1 800 r/min
0-100 km/h: N/A
Top Speed: N/A
Fuel consumption: 8,6 L/100 km
CO2: 227 g/km
Transmission: 6-spd AT
Service Plan: 5 years/90 000 km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-review...iven-isuzu-d-max-arctic-trucks-at35-4x4-auto/
 
Hitting the road (and dunes) in Isuzu's Arctic AT35

The world trend is moving more and more towards SUVs but here, in South Africa, bakkies still rule the roost.

Witness the monthly vehicle sales records, Ford’s recent upgrade to their Ranger range and launch of the Raptor, and this week Toyota are launching their Legend 50 range celebrating 50 years of Hilux sales.

In the background, meanwhile, Isuzu have been in the process of quietly getting on, doing their own thing, and after much research and development with the guys at Arctic Trucks, last week launched the Isuzu Arctic AT35, based on the standard 3.0 litre D-MAX double cab. AT35 incidentally stands for All Terrain 35-inch tyres.

Arctic Trucks are the guys who build expedition-ready vehicles with big tyres, flared wheel arches and offroad suspensions. Because this was a collaboration with the factory in Struandale, Port Elizabeth, the conversion is factory fitted and not an after market bolt-on option, so prospective owners have full peace of mind when it comes to warranties and quality control.

At this stage, Isuzu envisage 50 units to be built annually - which doesn’t sound like a lot but does make it fairly exclusive and the dealer network already have a waiting list of people who either want to use it for its intended purpose or just want to look like a “Camel-man” poser. Either way it’s an imposing piece of metal to look at.

Coming in at R785 000, it sneaks in just under the Raptor’s price of R786 400 and, while the market is abuzz with Ford’s offering, there’s a very loyal Isuzu following in South Africa and the AT35 will be a popular addition to the range.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...road-and-dunes-in-isuzus-arctic-at35-28715057
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X