Isuzu D Max AT35 2017 Review

By: Zaran Tarapore

July 10,2017

5 min read

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Isuzu D MAX AT35 2017 Review

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Introduction

On the rare occasion that the Isuzu D MAX crosses your mind, it is a pudgy commercial workhorse that is comically unpopular compared to the mighty Ford Ranger and the indestructible Toyota Hilux. The D MAX was unsuccessfully positioned as a lifestyle pick-up truck upon its launch, and it is now a dwindling sight on the roads of the UAE. However, engineering company Arctic Trucks aims to change this trend with the introduction of the burly D MAX AT35.

Key Features

Key Features:
Engine	3.0L / 4-cylinder
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Power	160 Hp / 400 Nm
Top Speed	180 km/h
Price	AED 135,000

Exterior

Auto buffs familiar with a British television show are likely to know Arctic Trucks and its reputation for tuning trucks and SUVs for the harshest terrains. The company's Middle Eastern arm has modified the Isuzu D MAX to navigate the deepest deserts, as evident in the truck’s audacious styling.

Protruding fender flares, a functional hood scoop, rally-inspired mud flaps, along with a custom bull bar and roll bar, combine with stunning 17-inch alloys and chunky 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires that fill the wheel wells. Aggressively styled, the D MAX AT35 prioritizes function over form.

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Interior

The cabin of the Isuzu D MAX is rudimentary, lacking many creature comforts like automatic windows. The interior features dull, grainy plastics, two-tone red and black fabric seats, gloss black and silver trims, and red stitching on the steering wheel, indicating its performance dedication.

With a width of 1.86 meters and a wheelbase of 3.1 meters, the Isuzu D MAX accommodates five occupants comfortably, offering more room than the Toyota Hilux but less than its American rival. Visibility is exceptional through the sizable windows and side mirrors.

Safety & Tech

The Isuzu D MAX boasts a 4-star Euro NCAP crash rating, making it safer than the 3-star Toyota Hilux. This is partly due to its high tensile steel cabin and standard driving aids like Electronic Stability Control, alongside dual front, side, and curtain airbags. Advanced seatbelt reminders and dual seat belt pre-tensioners further justify its safety ratings.

However, the D MAX is fitted with a subpar aftermarket infotainment screen resembling a 1998 CRT monitor, offering limited features like Bluetooth connectivity, a CD player, USB and AUX inputs, and a questionable rear LCD option.

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Drive

Under the sculpted hood of the D MAX AT35 lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbo common-rail diesel engine that produces 160 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The power is accessible from as low as 1,400 RPM, allowing the D MAX to tackle steep inclines effortlessly via a long-ratio 5-speed automatic transmission.

The 30mm body lift and 20mm suspension lift enhance its off-road capability, complemented by a robust Fox suspension setup. While a bit harsh on tarmac, it excels off-road, enduring rough terrains and dunes with concealed bumps.

Weighing over 3,000 kilograms, the D MAX AT35's heft is felt through its weighty steering wheel. This traditional system provides good feedback, ensuring the driver knows the exact positioning of the wheels, crucial for navigating the picturesque dunes of the UAE.

Verdict

The Isuzu D MAX AT35 is poorly assembled and not particularly enjoyable for long drives. However, dedicated to the off-road community, the D MAX AT35 may not match the versatility of its American competitors, but it outperforms them off-road. Arctic Trucks has successfully turned the D MAX into a lifestyle brand, a feat the Japanese manufacturer struggled to achieve for years.