The Arctic Truck AT35 is designed for those who intend to boldly go where no pickup has any right to go, whether that’s wandering through the frozen wastelands of Scandinavia and Iceland or wading through deep rainforest in warmer climes.

I currently have a prime example in Biarritz Blue sat on my driveway, the rain lashing down, but I remain every hopeful of one final trip out before it returns to its maker tomorrow.

So, what do Arctic Trucks do to make their models so unstoppable? A press release proclaims that their trucks ‘have been developed and engineered to handle the most challenging landscapes with ease, whilst offering a distinctive presence and authentic performance that is noticed everywhere, whether on-road or off-road.’

The AT35 sits some 50mm higher than the regular Isuzu offering thanks to the specially made Bilstein suspension system, and bulging wheel arches are fitted, necessary to accommodate the massive black alloy wheels fitted with bespoke 315/70 R17 All-Terrain tyres.

With the snazzy paint finish, I did indeed attract plenty of attention wherever I journeyed, and 4x4 enthusiasts I encountered were keen to know more.

The interior boasts lovely leather upholstery with Arctic Truck embroidered on the headrests of the electrically adjustable front seats. A commanding driving position ensures the pickup is easy to place accurately on the road or when manoeuvring in tight off-road conditions.

A 9-inch colour touchscreen is fitted, and the system has recently been updated. Climate-controlled air conditioning will ensure you keep a cool head at all times, and a raft of safety equipment should help keep you out of trouble. A five-star Euro NCAP rating is confirmation.

A 250-mile round trip to Newcastle included a fine mix of A and B roads, as well as 100 miles or thereabouts of motorway. The truck coped well with it all, cruising comfortably at 70mph when permitted to do so. There is some wind and road noise at higher speeds, but nothing to put you off a long journey.

The low-speed ride is certainly on the firm side. It may bother some drivers, but the payoff comes when you take the truck off-road. And when you do so, the AT35 is simply unstoppable, even without resorting to its arsenal of lockers, etc. The excellent ground clearance is a boon, and the bespoke tyres provide superb traction. Perhaps the only limitation is the truck’s width, which means you need to take extra care on some of the UK’s narrow tracks.

I should mention the familiar Isuzu 1.9-litre diesel engine. It has a modest 164PS and 360Nm of torque. It hauls well and ensures the AT35 can tow 3,500 kg of braked trailer, while the load bed can carry up to a tonne. It is not the quietest of engines, though I think there may have been some extra sound deadening added since I last tested it.

The automatic gearbox is reasonably smooth, and although there are no paddles, it is easy to hold the gears using the well-placed lever.
I should mention that an Isuzu D-Max, on which the AT35 is based, will cost £40,295 + VAT in top-spec V-Cross trim, so many will baulk at the extra £18,000 for the upgrade. Is it worth the extra outlay? For most users, probably not, but there are those who want the very best and want everyone to know it.

However, the AT35 is not just built for show. It has been subject to a programme of careful development, thus ensuring it is one of the most capable off-road vehicles on sale in the UK today. And even if you never use its considerable off-road prowess, sometimes just knowing you can is all that is required.

Sadly, I have no use for a pickup truck in my everyday life, but the desire is strong. A V-Cross would suit very nicely, but my heart’s desire would steer me towards an Arctic Truck AT35.

Fast Facts
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Truck AT35
Price – from £58,095 + VAT
164PS 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine
0-62mph in 13 seconds
Top speed 112mph
Combined economy 30.7mpg
Emissions 241g/km CO2
Over 1.0 tonne payload
3.5 tonne towing capacity
5 year/125,000 mile warranty
Ground clearance 266mm (fr), 290mm (rear)
Approach angle 35 degrees
Departure angle 29 degrees