The pick-up truck that towers above the rest

THE new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 has 35in tyres and a 3.5-tonne towing ability teamed with serious off-road capabilities.

It is a monster truck in all but name and yet expresses its gentler side with its cosy interior of leather seats, spot-on infotainment and wireless charging.

Really, when driving it you could be sailing along in a luxury SUV, and yet its monster tyres propel you higher and therefore mightier.

At an on-the-road price of £57,005, you might wonder why — if you are looking to buy a giant SUV — you would look any further than this big beast of a pick-up.

Well, in this case, size is everything with the AT35. And if you are prepared to cope with that fact, then it might be the dream vehicle for you.

True, it has 4WD with Rough Terrain Mode and giant tyres. So, you might feel a tad apprehensive rolling up at one of those mean, little indoor car parks that blight some shopping centres.

However, the charm of the AT35 — like all cars in my experience — is your personal take on it, that is, how you drive it. For some reason, a vehicle like this could make you feel a bit macho.

But as Hollywood star Zsa Zsa Gabor once said, reflecting her strong personality and independence: “Macho does not prove mucho”.

And yet you are obviously in a position not to be too intimidated by other road users, let’s say those of the annoying kind.

I found that driving the AT35 you tend to feel above all that niggling aggravation — which seems to be on the increase on British roads.

For some reason — and I hesitate to echo Mr Trump’s odd world view — being bigger and more powerful than most things around you allows you elbow room to do exactly what you like.

However, it is obvious to me that the AT35 should not be seen to be a bully on the road.

If one of your favourite things is ultra-tough, off-road driving and you have a place to do it (without disturbing ramblers, wildlife etc), then the AT35 might be the vehicle for you.

Isuzu has proved in recent years that a large pick-up truck can be a viable alternative to a large SUV at a much more reasonable price.

The AT35 is no exception to this. It is available exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission and in double cab configuration.

The AT35’s DNA now shows more than 60 hours of expert re-engineering by Arctic Trucks’ off-road specialists.

This includes extensive strengthening of the chassis, and bodywork, and full payload and towing capacity.

This capability is matched by a low centre of gravity, aided by a wider track and increased tyre width.

It has matte black 17x10in Arctic Trucks alloy wheels, a 2in rear multifunction receiver hitch (compatible with steps, winches and gear carriers).

There is the best Arctic Trucks and AT35 badging and detailing on the flares, side steps, mud guards, and interior headrests.

Inside, the AT35 occupants are treated to leather upholstery, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.

As part of the build process, each vehicle also receives things including Arctic Trucks premium floor mats, locking wheel nuts, a torque wrench, and a dedicated D-Max AT35 user manual.

Technology features an updated 9in touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an 8-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, USB C ports, and a 7in digital driver information display.

Peter Smith, managing director at Arctic Trucks UK, said: “The new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 represents the evolution of everything we’ve learned over more than three decades of engineering world-class off-road vehicles.”

Widened, body-colour Arctic Trucks fender flares with recessed AT tyre pressure details increase clearance and visual impact while helping protect the vehicle’s bodywork from debris and harsh environments.

These are matched by strengthened, oversized Arctic Trucks mud guards and robust extended-profile side steps.

The new Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is available priced at £57,005 on the road, exclusively as a double cab automatic model.