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Big, bold Arctic Trucks D-Max

Isuzu Motors South Africa has announced an exciting and exclusive new limited-edition flagship to its D-Max range: The big and bold Isuzu D-Max AT35 Limited Edition, based on the D-Max 300 4×4 double cab LX auto and developed in close collaboration with Arctic Trucks, the Icelandic company famed for its high-riding, all-conquering bakkies.

However, these monster bakkies, including an Isuzu-based derivative, have been available in the country for a while now – assembled from 2012 in Knysna and then, after the demise of this operation in 2015, by the company 4WD Truckin’ in Pretoria and Strijdom Park, Johannesburg. So, what is the big deal with the latest announcement?

Well, despite the Icelandic company proving utterly durable products overseas, with an enviable reliability record, it is the first time that a local OE manufacturer has officially endorsed a product developed by Arctic Trucks. The vehicle was evaluated locally and accepted as a product fully supported by Isuzu South Africa.

It retains the 3.0-litre four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel (130 kW and 380 Nm) mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic transmission and the conversion also includes 35-inch All-Terrain tyres, 17” × 10” AT rims, a Fox Performance Series suspension, flared wheel arches adding 180 mm to the overall width, and ride height lifted by 48 mm.

The biggest plus factor is the full factory warranty and dealer backup included in the retail price of R785,000. This comprises a five-year/120,000 km warranty, Isuzu Roadside Assistance, a five-year/unlimited kilometre anti-corrosion warranty, and a five-year/90,000 km service plan.