Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35

Arctic Trucks AT35 A/T is the only current South African AT35 derivative, so the buying decision is not a trim walk. It is a decision between this complete factory conversion and a conventional D-Max V-Cross. Isuzu's newer MY26 Double Cab range data identifies the Arctic as model code M260RY7 and lists R1,211,910. Two older Isuzu routes still show an M230 entry at R1,182,100. The MY26 record is used here because its payload was updated on 17 July 2026, but the quotation and service-plan schedule should be confirmed in writing before finance or insurance is finalised. Mechanically, this derivative uses the 2,999 cc 4JJ3 turbodiesel at 140 kW and 450 Nm. Its six-speed automatic has published ratios from 3.600 in first to 0.580 in sixth. Four-wheel drive includes high and low range, shift-on- the-fly operation up to 100 km/h, a 2.482 low-range ratio and a rear differential lock. For MY26, Rough Terrain Mode works with traction control in 2H, 4H and 4L and can operate when the differential lock is engaged. That combination is important because it is functional hardware, not a styling description. The Arctic conversion adds exact 17x10-inch black AT wheels and 35x12.5 R17 BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres, Bilstein off-road dampers, a lift kit, extended arches, dedicated side steps, Arctic mud flaps and a ResQ repair kit. The current MY26 press image shows the new D-Max headlight, grille, bumper and bonnet with those AT35 components. Any gallery image with normal V-Cross wheels, smaller tyres or the earlier front fascia is the wrong vehicle. Published conversion geometry is 5,333 mm long, 2,040 mm wide and 1,875 mm high on a 3,125 mm wheelbase. Track width is 1,695 mm front and rear, ground clearance is 266 mm and the turning circle is 12.5 m. Isuzu lists 33 degrees approach, 23 degrees departure, 34 degrees breakover and 865 mm wading depth. These are useful trail-planning numbers, but water crossings and technical obstacles still require a current assessment rather than blind reliance on brochure maxima. Practical capacity deserves equal attention. Tare is listed at 2,160 kg, GVM at 2,880 kg and payload at 660 kg. The load box measures 1,495 by 1,530 by 490 mm. Braked towing is listed at 3,500 kg, unbraked towing at 750 kg and GCM at 5,780 kg. Passengers, accessories, towball download, recovery gear and luggage all consume payload. A buyer planning a canopy, rooftop tent and a heavy trailer should complete an actual mass budget before ordering. MY26 AT35 specification follows V-Cross at the top of the D-Max range. The cabin has right-hand drive, partial-leather seating, heated front seats, an eight-way powered driver's seat with powered lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, rear ventilation, an auto-dimming mirror, shift paddles and a seven-inch MID. The nine-inch touchscreen includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi and hands-free phone support through eight speakers. The Arctic package adds wireless charging and AT35 identification on the headrests, gearshift area and mats. Driver assistance includes intelligent adaptive cruise, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, lane keeping and departure prevention, emergency lane keeping, forward-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, turn assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic braking and multi-collision braking. Isuzu lists front and rear parking sensors plus front and rear cameras, but does not describe a 360-degree view. Core systems include ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability and traction control, hill-start and hill-descent assistance, trailer-sway control, tyre-pressure monitoring, ISOFIX with top tether and the V-Cross airbag set. The derivative makes its best case for overland travel, remote work, demanding farms or regular sand and rough-track use. On a freeway, its premium cabin and assistance systems reduce the penalty of choosing a highly specialised bakkie. In a city, the wide track, large tyres and turning circle are always present. The correct test route should include narrow access, parking, open-road speed and the broken surfaces the owner actually drives. Ownership cover is another item to put on the signed schedule. Warranty and roadside assistance are stated at five years/120,000 km, corrosion cover at five years/unlimited distance and service intervals at 12 months/15,000 km. The AT35 booklet and June release say five years/90,000 km for the service plan, while the May MY26 V-Cross table says six years/90,000 km. Hagalu does not merge those into a fictional number. Confirm which cover attaches to the VIN being sold. At its current recorded price, the AT35 A/T should be bought for the ability its conversion creates. Its strengths are locally integrated engineering, precise tyre and suspension hardware, useful extreme-terrain geometry and a genuinely premium MY26 cabin. Its compromises are width, payload, specialist consumables and the need to resolve conflicting Isuzu web data. If those trade-offs fit the owner's routes and mass plan, it is a coherent flagship. If the hardware will rarely be used, a standard V-Cross is the more rational comparison.