All-New Renault Captur Unveiled

Renault has announced the arrival of an all-new Captur and it's confirmed for a South African market introduction.

With over 1.2 million units sold globally since its launch back in 2013, the Renault Captur has proven immensely popular. The all-new Renault Captur is underpinned by the new CMF-B platform, shared with the all-new Renault Clio, itself due for market introduction in SA in 2020. The main benefit of this CMF-B platform is it makes provision for electrification. 

Speaking of, Renault is ambitious with its electricifcation strategy. There will be 12 electric models in its range and this new Captur will be the first recipient of the all-new E-Tech plug-in hybrid engine. As for this new Captur, it's 110 mm longer and boasts a higher waistline in comparison to the outgoing model. Inside, the legroom has been extended by 17 mm and boot space has grown by 81 litres. It also features front and rear protection skid plates, chunky cladding and wheel arch extensions, giving it some visual SUV credentials.

The cabin focuses on space and connectivity. The Smart Cockpit layout is based on the Clio and there's a choice of infotainment screen sizes. Renault's Easy Link multimedia system adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the mix. Standard levels of tech appear generous with LED headlights across the range, the option of a sunroof, BOSE premium audio system and a whole host of safety features like 360-degree camera, active emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection to name but a few.

Under the bonnet are a selection of petrol and diesel engines, but the motor that has us interested the most is the E-Tech Plug-in. Combining a compact 1.6 petrol motor with an electric assist, the Captur can drive up to 45 km at speeds of up to 135 kph. The vehicle also features Mode 2 and Mode 3 compactible plugs for charging.

As for the rest of the range, the Renault Captur features the new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 73 kW and 160 Nm. There's also the option of a 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor with 95 kW and 240 Nm. This 1.3-litre motor is also available in a higher state of tune and can pack a 114 kW and 270 Nm punch at the top of the petrol range. In terms of gearboxes, the Captur is available with a 6-speed manual and a new 7-speed dual clutch transmission. For those wanting diesel power, the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder motor is available in 2 states of tune. The first version has 70 kW and 240 Nm, and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the second has 115 kW and 260 Nm, with the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

When's it coming? We reached out to Renault South Africa who confirmed that this model is coming to our market in the 2nd half of 2020.

Further Reading

Renault Captur (2017) Launch Review

Renault Captur Sunset (2016) Review

Renault Clio 5 (2019) International Launch Review

New Renault Clio Revealed

9 Tips: Buying a Car on a Budget

South Africa is a wonderful place to live, but given forever increasing living costs, consumers have to budget more carefully than ever before. What should you keep in mind when buying a car in these cash-strapped times?  

What is a vehicle buyer to do in such a tough economic climate? A car is considered to be the 2nd biggest financial commitment (after buying a home), so it is safe to say that you need to put a huge amount of thought into it before taking the plunge. It’s no longer a case of “I just want a new car,” it’s more about what you can afford that meets your requirements.

The first thing a buyer needs to do is understand what exactly is involved in buying a car. Unfortunately, more often than not when it comes to a buying a car, customers are driven by emotions, but in these trying times, you will need to leave vanity and brand loyalty at the door and “put your rational, responsible adult pants on”.

1. What’s your budget?

Budget for more than just a car’s asking price. Don’t try to work it out in your head, use a calculator and write down all the costs so that you’ll know how much you can afford to spend upfront and every month thereafter… keep in mind on-the-road-costs (registration, licencing, ‘plates), how much you’re likely to spend on fuel given the distances you travel (use vehicles’ claimed consumption figures to calculate it), insurance premiums, maintenance costs (such as services (if not included) and tyres) and any unforeseen costs that you might incur.

All these costs will paint a clearer picture of the total cost of ownership which will help you make a more financially sound car buying decision. 

2. New or used?

Now that you have your budget in mind, you can decide whether a new or used car will be your best option. There are pros and cons to both so you need to do your homework first. The benefit of buying a new car is that you get the maximum extent of warranty and service/maintenance plan cover from a franchised dealer network and that your vehicle is (or should be) unblemished. However, even if you can secure trade-in assistance or a discount on a vehicle, new car prices are prohibitively expensive for some consumers. If you buy a used car, you are likely to make a significant saving because vehicles’ first buyers absorb the biggest knocks in value depreciation… However, a second-hand car purchase requires a prospective buyer to carefully check and consider a vehicle’s condition, including ownership- and after-sales histories, plus you may need to budget to bear maintenance and servicing costs sooner.  

3. Be practical

This is where you will need to keep your emotions in check. Buy with your head and not your heart. You might have your eye on a sexy 2-seater sportscar or an older premium brand product, but does it make practical sense, even if you can afford it? Write down what your requirements are, like notable off-road ability, additional seating capacity or sizeable luggage space, and leave the “nice-to-haves” (such as 4 USB ports and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system) off the list. Planning to buy a car is not all that different to preparing for a shopping trip: make a definitive list of what you need, make sure you get those things before you spend extra money on anything else and shop around to ensure you get the best price.  

4. Keep an open mind

Perhaps you have owned a vehicle/s from Brand X only and, having had good ownership experiences with the car/s, are reluctant to change brands. Maybe you hold a steadfast belief that Brand Y is the most reliable manufacturer and you’re unwilling to consider a car made by any other brand. However, there are many manufacturers that offer great products at great deals with excellent warranties. You don’t have to compromise on safety or looks because if you do your homework, you will most certainly find a car that suits your image as well as your budget. A good barometer is the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, which recognises the best vehicles in 13 respective categories, backed by credible consumer input from the Cars.co.za Consumer Satisfaction Survey, which incorporates brand feedback from thousands of owners of vehicles that are less than 5 years old. Click here to visit the #CarsAwards site. 

5. Research is key

You really cannot afford to make a bad decision when it comes to buying a car, no matter what your budget is. Do your homework… a lot of homework! Don’t just research the car you might want to buy, but also the different offers out there, such as Cars.co.za’s New Car Specials, visit a few dealerships, conduct test drives and ask about deals and upcoming promotions. Also do some research on how much you could possibly get for your current car (if you own one), shop around and negotiate the best deal before making a decision.

6. Insurance hustle

The cost of insurance on specific models can have a dramatic impact on your car-buying decision. There are many factors that influence insurance premiums, including the extent of accident coverage and excess payments, so be sure to inquire from several providers and check the fine print. Don’t take the first deal you’re offered, shop around and only settle on the one that makes the most sense to your budget and your needs. A little bit of hustling goes a long way when it comes to shopping for insurance. Click here to get an insurance quote.

7. Warranty and service planning

Some used cars are still under warranty and might have an active service or maintenance plan as well. If you are opting for a used car, try to purchase one with at least a meaty portion of the warranty and service/maintenance plan still active, every little bit you can save on servicing and maintenance is a bonus. If you are opting for a new car, make sure you have the budget to add a service plan if it does not come standard with the purchase price. Otherwise, if you’d like to purchase a warranty for your car, enquire here.

8. Financing your car

We’d all like to buy our cars with cash, but many of us cannot afford it, so we have to finance our vehicle purchases. Again, make sure that you shop around. Try and choose a short-term repayment plan with the lowest interest rate possible. Be wary of balloon payments, as they can make repayments seem small, but could leave you still owing quite a sizeable amount on your car by the end of your contract. Try to make as big a deposit as you can (ideally anything from 10% to 20% of the purchase price), as this will help lower your instalments.

Car finance – Tips to help you save.

9. Avoid optional extras

If you are buying a new car it might be tempting to add extras such as a sunroof, bigger wheels and a beefed-up audio system. However, you are unlikely to get your money back (even percentage wise) for them when the time comes to sell (or trade-in) your car. If anything, prudently specified extras will make your car more marketable for whichever retailer buys it from you, but that won’t make a much of a difference in terms of what they’ll offer you for your car. Extras push the initial purchase price up; they’re “nice to have”, not necessary, features.

There is a lot to consider when buying a car, but the most important tip of all is to do your research! Like the saying goes, “Knowledge is power” and Cars.co.za is the best to start your car buying journey. You won’t make a bad buying decision if you know what you are looking for and know how to get it. Happy shopping!

Related content

4 Simple Ways to Cut the Cost of Motoring

5 Ways to Ensure Car Loan Approval

Petrol Price: How SA compares with rest of world

How to Protect Your Credit Profile

Mercedes-AMG A45 and CLA45 Teased Ahead of Imminent Reveal


Mercedes-AMG will be officially revealing its new A45 S and CLA 45 S at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed. 

The brace of high-performance compact AMGs will be put through their paces at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and it'll be a chance for guests to see the vehicles up close. The announcement came from 2 teasers on social media where you get to see some details as well as listen to the all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

This new motor produces 310 kW and 500 Nm in both the S versions of the A45 and CLA45. There will be a non-S version which pumps out 285 kW and 480 Nm too. Mercedes-AMG has teased us with the all-wheel-setup that makes provision for a drift mode and both models will feature an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 

Set your alarms for Thursday the 4th of July 2019 at 1pm Central European Time (2pm South African time). Stay tuned.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S Teaser

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mercedes-AMG (@mercedesamg) on

 

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Teaser

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mercedes-AMG (@mercedesamg) on

 

Volkswagen Previews New California 6.1


Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released 2 teaser sketches of the latest iteration of the California. 

Volkswagen says its new California T6.1 will have its world premiere at the end of August 2019 at the Caravan-Salon in Germany. In the meantime, what we know so far is Volkswagen claiming an enhanced interior, new generation of infotainment, and additional assistance systems to increase safety and comfort. 

With over 18 000 units sold in 2018, the California became the number 1 campervan. For the updated version, we can also expect enhanced living and sleeping quarters as well as a redesigned dashboard incorporating the option of the VW Active Info Display, which is an all-digital setup.

In terms of mechanics, the updated California T6.1 will feature electromechanical power steering which was first seen on the Multivan 6.1. Safety systems such as Lane Assist, Side Protection, Trailer Assist and Side Wind Compensation will be available for the California T6.1. Under the redesigned front end will be the highly-efficient 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor with outputs of "up to 146 kW".

We'll have more details when the vehicle is revealed at the end of August 2019.


The new living quarters in the Volkswagen California T6.1

Further Reading

5 Reasons Why We Love the Volkswagen Kombi

Beam me 'til I buzz, Scotty

Volkswagen Kombi Range Bolstered  

Kia Grand Sedona 2.2 CRDi SXL (2019) Review

2020 BMW X6 Leaks Early


Pictures of the all-new BMW X6 have emerged on the Internet. Here's what we know so far.

Codenamed G06, this new BMW X6 is due for an imminent reveal. From what these leaked photos suggest, we're looking at a bolder and more aggressive-looking BMW X6 and we think it looks particularly attractive from the rear. 

Under the bonnet, you can expect the usual array of petrol and diesel engines based on the current powertrains found in the X5 and X7. There'll likely be flagship M and M Competition derivatives too. All models will likely feature xDrive all-wheel drive too.

We'll have more information after the official reveal which we believe to be in the first week of July 2019.

Further Reading

BMW X6 (2015) First Drive

Drag Race: BMW X6 M vs Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe

BMW X5 M & X6 M (2015) First Drive

BMW X3 M/X4 M (2019) International Launch Review

Preview: BMW M2 CS Coming in 2020


BMW will be introducing a very special version of its critically acclaimed M2 in the near future. We reported on this back in 2017, but there have been some developments.

The BMW M2 CS will follow a similar strategy to the M4 CS – it will be a hardened, more powerful and lighter track-focused machine. It is said to be revealed later this year with the production run beginning in 2020.

This artist's impression of the M2, supplied exclusively to Cars.co.za, shows an M2 with the same treatment as an M4 CS. Bits to be added to the M2 CS are a lightweight carbon-fibre reinforced plastic bonnet and rear diffuser. It’s also likely to get a fixed rear spoiler and a new front splitter. Brakes and suspension will no doubt get an upgrade and the wheels will be especially lightweight. From what we’ve seen with the M4 CS, it will also get a set of super-sticky Michelin tyres to help improve traction.

According to various reports, BMW has dispensed with the upgraded 235i/240i engine that resides in the current M2, and will transplant the M engine from the M3/M4 into the M2 CS. It could be slightly detuned so as not to step on the toes of the bigger brother, but for those who know their engine codes, this is the S55 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder motor which will be producing around 330 kW and 550 Nm. 

The most interesting rumour around the running gear surrounds the gearbox. Rumours of the manual gearbox's demise have been greatly exaggerated as it appears the M2 CS will be offered with a 6-speed manual. There should also be the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. A manual-equipped M2 CS makes perfect sense as a pure driver’s car and, in the opinion of various aficionados, will cement the M2 as the best current M car in the BMW lineup. Being a CS model, there will be a limited production run. 

As for the expected time of arrival, BMWBlog suggests that production begins in March 2020, but it wouldn't surprise us to see a reveal at either the Frankfurt Motor Show or the Los Angeles Motor Show before the end of 2019.

BMW M2 CS Testing at the Nurburgring

Related content

BMW M4 CS (2017) International Launch Review

Facelifted BMW 2 Series and M2 Revealed

Track Race: Audi RS3 vs Merc-AMG A45 vs Honda Civic Type R vs BMW M2 [Video]

Drag Race: BMW M2 vs Mercedes A45 AMG [Video]

Check out our other M2-related content

Interested in buying an M2?

Search for a new/used example on Cars.co.za

New Car Sales in SA: June 2019


New car sales continue to strain in tough market conditions with June 2019 numbers yet again reflecting a decline but improvements in exports and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales offer marginal respite. 

The first half of 2019 is gone and it wasn’t a good half for the local automotive industry which has been in a seemingly constant state of decline. The new car sales market declined by 1.6% in June 2019. Some improvements are expected in the second half of the year though… 

“Being optimistic, overall market performance is improving over the first half, but its performance doesn’t follow any kind of trend,” says Ghana Msibi, WesBank Executive Head of Motor. “The market started the year 7.4% down in January, making June look relatively rosy – but it’s been a matter of how big the rest of the thorns were in-between.”


New car sales summary: June 2019

  • Aggregate new car sales of 45 939 units down by 1.6% (-724 units) compared with June 2018

  • Passenger car sales of 28 885 units down by 3.2% (-942 units) compared with June 2018

  • LCV sales of 14 495 units up by 1.2% (+173 units) compared with June 2018 

  • Export sales of 30 604 up by 14.3% (+3 819 units) compared to June 2018

Best-Selling Car Brands in South Africa 


  1. Toyota – 12 208 units

  2. Volkswagen – 7 235 units 

  3. Nissan – 4 503 units 

  4. Ford – 3 843 units 

  5. Hyundai – 2 560 units

Best-Selling Cars in South Africa 


  1. Toyota Hilux – 4 770 units

  2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 571 units 

  3. Ford Ranger – 2 029 units

  4. Volkswagen Polo – 1 887 units

  5. Nissan NP200 – 1 709 units

  6. Isuzu D-Max – 1 525 units

  7. Toyota Fortuner – 1 410 units

  8. Toyota Quantum –  1 345 units 

  9. Renault Kwid – 1 056 units

  10. Ford Ecosport – 819 units

Sales Outlook 


Consumers remain under considerable financial pressure while low business and consumer confidence continue to limit growth. Demand for new vehicles remains low.   

“The only trend that does continue is the financial pressure that consumers remain under,” says Msibi. “While motorists should expect some relief in petrol prices during July, households will bear increases in rates and electricity prices from this month. The South African Reserve Bank will be considering interest rates carefully, but any relief will be small if at all.”

Marginal improvements are expected in the second half of 2019 with exports expected to register large gains for the remainder of the year.

Related Content

Toyota Hilux Legend 50 (2019) Specs & Price

Toyota SA Confirms Hilux GR Sport (Price Update)

Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger (2019) Comparative Test

Audi S8 Brings Big V8 Power 


Audi has revealed its V8-powered S8 which sits at the pinnacle of the A8 range. Details below…

The S8 has been revealed and it’s Audi’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz S 63 L and BMW 760Li.

In terms of styling, the S8 features a sportier face and is easily recognised with its unique badging and quad tailpipes. 

Power comes courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with 420 kW and 800 Nm of torque transferred to a quatrro all-wheel-drive system and sport differential. A 48V mild hybrid system with a stop-start function will also ensure better efficiency and overall performance. 

The S8 also features all-wheel steering which improves manoeuvrability at slower speeds while enhancing stability when you are enjoying a cruise at high speed. Predictive active suspension is also standard which can limit body roll during cornering and can also raise or lower each individual wheel to improve ride comfort. With the use of camera technology, the S8’s suspension adjusts automatically in anticipation of upcoming conditions, such as potholes, for example. Carbon ceramic brakes will be offered as an option.   


The S8 features a thoroughly modern and high-tech cabin.   

The interior is as classy as an Audi can come with a 3D-effect Carbon Vector inlay and matte aluminium trim which looks very snazzy. The leather seats are diamond stitched and embroidered with S badging. There’s no shortage of tech inside the S8 either with dual screens for the infotainment and climate control systems as well as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit giving the interior a suitably modern look. 

An Audi South Africa representative has informed us that the A8 range and the S8 are still under consideration for South Africa. If the A8 and S8 are to be approved for market introduction, arrival can then be expected in 2020. We will keep you updated as soon as more definitive information becomes available. 

Buy a new or used Audi on Cars.co.za

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Mercedes-Benz GLC (2019) Specs and Price


Pricing for the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC has turned up on the website of Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Here's how much the newcomer will cost.

The C-Class based SUV from Mercedes-Benz has proven quite popular amongst the fans of the 3-pointed star. With an array of petrol and diesel engines, as well as AMG and coupe versions, there really was a GLC for everyone. For 2019, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has received a facelift and we can share pricing and some engine details. While there's no mention of the AMG version, Mercedes-Benz SA has updated its website and we can confirm the updated lineup.

In terms of engine, the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC will be available with petrol and diesel options. Kicking off the range is the 220 d which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. It produces a reasonable 143 kW and 400 Nm. The 300 d promises 180 kW and 500 Nm from the same engine but tuned to deliver higher outputs. All derivatives feature 4Matic all-wheel drive as well as the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. For those wanting petrol, there will be a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 190 kW and 370 kW.

Naturally, you can go to town when it comes to options. There's a strong lineup of packages such as Lane Tracking (R13 900), Driving Assistance (R36 900), Stowage Space (R3 800), AMG Line (R40 000) and Offroad Package (R17 800) to name but a few. Final specifications and features will be announced closer to the vehicle's launch.


The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC features MBUX in the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Price in South Africa (July 2019)

Note these prices exclude VAT, but are inclusive of the CO2 tax.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 d                  R788 630

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 d                 R829 401

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300                    R848 619

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43                     R1 078 921

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S                  R1 668 420

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 d Coupe    R931 750

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 d Coupe    R968 248

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe       R990 486

Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe        R1 265 968

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe    R1 868 040

Further Reading

Revealed: Mercedes' Revised GLC Coupe

Mercedes-AMG Brings GLC Firepower to NY

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe (2019) International Launch Review

 

Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT 35 (2019) Launch Review


Isuzu has launched its most hardcore D-Max to date in the South African market and we had an opportunity to experience exactly what the newcomer's all about. Is the Isuzu Arctic AT 35 worthy of your attention? 

What a time to be alive if you're a double-cab convert. Since 4-door bakkies have added lifestyle appeal to their repertoire, the market has shifted dramatically. Buyers are convinced there's more to a double-cab bakkie than lugging building materials and other commercial applications; at the weekend, it can whisk your family to places where the tarmac has long since ended. Now it has a chance to appeal to the performance petrolheads. 

Of course, Americans have been doing this (customising and beefing-up pick-ups) for years; there have been numerous iterations of big-engined unsophisticated pickups Stateside. However, the SA double-cab bakkie market has been turned on its head with the recent arrival of the Ford Ranger Raptor. The Blue Oval's headlining double cab puts aside its Builders Warehouse aspirations and prioritises performance, specifically off-road performance. With a dedicated motorsport-inspired suspension, a dramatic kerb appearance and sporty interior, the Ranger Raptor is the first of its kind in Mzansi: a standard bakkie replete with the modifications and accoutrements usually offered only by tuning and customisation firms.  

The competition has been a little sluggish to answer, however. Toyota is on the cusp of launching its Dakar Rally-inspired Hilux GR Sport, which looks very eye-catching, but its on-paper specifications are a little underwhelming. You'd think Ford has cornered this market then, but you're wrong – Isuzu has come almost out of the blue with its Arctic AT 35, which effectively gives the Isuzu D-Max range a considerable image boost.

Own an Isuzu? Tell us about your experience here. 

Isuzu Arctic AT 35 production


Like watching a child being born… The Arctic AT 35 under assembly at the Isuzu facility in Port Elizabeth.

Remember those crazy Icelandic truck builders who assembled extremely modified Hiluxes for the popular British TV show Top Gear so that they could travel to the North Pole? Arctic Trucks was founded in 1990 and the firm specialises in re-engineering off-road vehicles to perform in the toughest environments. The Arctic AT 35 is not just an imported kit that has been stuck onto a standard D-Max, though. Incredibly, the Isuzu factory in Port Elizabeth is the only Isuzu facility to receive Arctic Trucks' approval to build this model, which is now classified as a production Arctic Truck.

The Arctic AT 35 begins life as a standard D-Max, but once its cabin and load bed are assembled, the bakkie gets pulled off the main production line to undergo its transformation. Isuzu has selected some of its most skilled and experienced technicians to produce the vehicle, and we got a chance to visit the factory to catch a glimpse of an example of the newcomer being built. First up are the wheel-wells and -arches, which must be adapted to accommodate the massive tyres. Once the additional welding and cutting have been completed, the shell is returned to the main production line for painting and rust proofing. In total, the Arctic AT 35 spends 2 days in the body shop, as opposed to only a few hours for standard D-Max…


The Fox shocks lurking under the massive wheel arches of the AT 35.

The Arctic AT 35 is then pulled off the line again for the fitment of its flared arches, gargantuan wheels (shod with 35-profile BF Goodrich tyres) and bespoke Fox Performance suspension, before it undergoes a final quality check. After this last stage, which takes 3 days, the vehicle is ready to be shipped to a dealership, after which it will be delivered. Isuzu says it'll make just 50 of these bakkies every year, they should be quite collectable!

What's new?


How impressive are these BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres? 

Of course, those bold and outlandish looks need to be backed up by some credible mechanical changes and, truth be told, the AT 35 represents considerably more than just an image upgrade for the D-Max. The addition of Fox Performance suspension and dampers are a big step up from the off-the-shelf items and the off-road specifications have also changed dramatically. How does a ground clearance of 268 mm with a wading depth of 718 mm grab you? In comparison, the standard D-Max 3.0 4×4 LX Auto (upon which the AT 35 is based) can only muster 220 mm and 600 mm respectively. Meanwhile, the breakover angle of the AT 35 has increased to 31.4 degrees (22.4 degrees standard), while the approach and departure angles are rated at 36 degrees and 28 degrees respectively. Heavy duty Arctic Trucks-branded mudflaps have been added on too.

As is the case with the 2.0-litre biturbo Ford Ranger and its Raptor brother, the AT 35 utilises the same 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor (130 kW/380 Nm) and 6-speed automatic transmission as the D-Max 3.0 4×4 LX Auto. Isuzu claims an odometer recalibration was the only thing it needed to do to compensate for the larger tyres. Speaking of tyres, these monsters are 35 x 12.50R17 BF Goodrich units. Not only are they claimed to be resistant to punctures – they're engineered for hardcore off-road use. Think of situations like deep sand or snow, where you want the tyres to dig in and grip.

Inside, the cabin is, again, similar to that of the flagship D-Max 3.0 TD double cab 4×4 LX auto. There's also a new infotainment system, which was recently introduced across the Isuzu range, and features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and satellite navigation.

What's it like to drive?


Effortless performance from the AT 35 when it comes to the sand. Those tyres offer tremendously high levels of grip.

After a quick tour around the facilities and seeing how much effort goes into ensuring the AT 35 is assembled to the same levels as its D-Max siblings, it was time to drive the newcomer. We headed to nearby Cape St Francis and Brakkeduine, one of the few inland dune fields. This 4×4 track, surrounded by farmland, presented a real chance to learn the intricacies of the AT 35. First impressions? In red, the bakkie looks suitably imposing. Not only does it stand taller than a standard D-Max – its wider too. With the gearbox sending power to all 4 wheels, which had also been deflated, it was time to hit the dunes. Given the sheer size of those tyres and the additional ground clearance, you'd be forgiven for feeling invincible.


There's no need to engage low-range as 4 High gives you plenty of grip through the rough stuff

You can take liberties in the Arctic AT 35. The big wheels offer so much grip, the feeling of sheer sure-footedness a dune has to be experienced to be believed. When you move off soft sand and onto some rutted gravel, the Fox Performance shocks come into play and work hard, absorbing most of the sharp jarring encountered when driving over rocks at pace. Given the size of the off-road tyres, there was no need to engage low range… 

The Arctic AT 35 may be tremendously capable when you put it through its paces on a tough sandy 4×4 course, but we think its real strength lies in traversing gravel farm roads. Not only do those tyres offer tremendous grip, the suspension simply subdues the effect of scrambling over rocks and ruts. We will confess that we pushed the AT 35 beyond its normal operating envelope and traversed some uneven and coarse farm roads at a pace that some would describe as "carelessly hurried." Even in 2-wheel drive, it required some foolhardy coaxing to get the Arctic AT 35 to break traction, a testament to its high-quality tyres. In 4-wheel drive, it exhibited impressive levels of grip. The best part? The mild tyre noise (rumble) on national road tarmac. We found that at 100 kph there's a solid thrum from all 4 wheels, but that was solidly drowned out with a well-curated Spotify playlist.


This is where the Arctic AT 35 is at its most impressive. With such high levels of grip, it can maintain lofty speeds on dirt roads.

Verdict

It's great to see Isuzu "the workhorse bakkie brand" stepping into this rarefied lifestyle performance segment of the double-cab market. Given the Arctic AT 35's admirable extreme off-road ability, we're glad it's here and, as a brand-builder, it elevates the recently rebranded D-Max bakkie's brand appeal. We do have 2 criticisms, though. Firstly, that engine, while tried-and-tested, doesn't quite deliver enough punch to match the bakkie's image. Granted, a new or extensively tuned engine would have greatly increased the price tag so we are prepared to cut it some slack. On the bright side, we should be thankful that we have the 3.0-litre motor, as the AT 35 is also available with a 1.9-litre turbodiesel motor in foreign markets.

Secondly, we wish the interior was a bit more special. The exterior of the Arctic AT 35 is majestic and it comes as a bit of a disappointment that when you step inside the cabin, the seats and trim are same as the bog standard, even if top-of-the-range, D-Max derivative. Surely there could have been sportier seats, red seat belts, or similar, just to let proud new owners of the bakkie know that they're sitting in a one-of-a-kind vehicle?

A few manufacturers are now offering bakkies with a distinct offroad performance bias. Our first taste of the Arctic AT 35 was largely positive and expect that demand will outstrip supply. Isuzu is likely to sell every unit that rolls off the Port Elizabeth production line and it wouldn't surprise us one bit if dealers start selling build slots. All we can say is we're eager to pit the newcomer against the Raptor and upcoming Toyota Hilux GR Sport… 


Those tyres are a touch noisy at the national speed limit on tarmac, but you can dial it out with the audio system

Isuzu Arctic AT 35 Price in South Africa (July 2019)

Isuzu is offering its new Arctic AT 35 with the same warranty as its standard D-Max derivatives. This means you get a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Get a quote / Request a test drive.

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 TD 4×4 LX Arctic Trucks AT 35     R785 000  (including VAT)

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