“Unogwaja wangempela ke lo”(This is the real Nogwaja) is something we heard almost daily during our time with the DMax AT35 during the past festive season. The “Predator” eyes look the front of the AT35 has when the LED Daytime lights are on, make this DMax the one to get if you want to intimidate not just Double Cabs but anything on Mzansi roads.
The one dominant design part of the AT35 is its flared wheel arches which are seamlessly designed into the V-Cross model spec used as the base of the AT35. When I saw a standard V-Cross with its blacked wheel arches, the AT35 looked more original. The massive tyres were ok on road but proved brilliant off road. The AT35 springs and the tyres make the height of the DMax perfect for extreme off road driving.
The side steps are quite high and made entry and exit not as easy but then again off road, they were brilliant in allowing enhanced breakover angle (meaning they don’t touch the ground easily).
The rear deck didn’t come with a tonneau cover as standard or even the optional roller shutter, something which made loading valuable items impossible in our beautiful country where “most” people feel they should own your hard earned items.
Inside, the AT35 retains the DMax interior layout meaning quality fit and finish. The large infotainment system still leaves a lot to be desired in terms of ease of use especially when driving but one gets used to it. The wireless smartphone charger worked a charm as one easily forgets the phone charging cables in daily driving. The ability to switch off the driving aids at the touch of a button on the steering wheel is perfect but then again, the auto driving aids are there to assist with safe driving, its just they can be intrusive at times.
The 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel that is used in the range-topping D-MAX models is retained as is on the AT35 meaning 140 kW and 450 Nm which is ok but one feels a bit more power could have been drawn from this engine. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission can inhibit fuel economy by retaining lower gears even when the torque of the engine can easily cope with inclines.
On the road, the AT35 does have a hard ride especially over bumpy surfaces but it’s never unbearable. It counters with stunning ability off road which makes one forget the on road character. Its on road presence though is one to savour as no-one messes with the AT35 on road, even the taxis give way easily.
Priced at R 1 120 620, the AT35 offers value for those seeking a Double Cab that can literally go anywhere.
The D-MAX Arctic AT35 is sold with ISUZU’s standard five-year/90 000 km service plan, 5-year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assistance, and 5 year/unlimited distance anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months.
