The past year has been a big one for the double-cab bakkie breed in Mzansi. It was the first time a vehicle of this format won top honours in the South African Car of the Year competition, when the Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.0 4WD took the 2023 trophy.

There were also a host of new model launches, including the latest Volkswagen Amarok (based on the Ranger) and a brand-new JAC T9, which elevates the stock of the Chinese firm. If you have a penchant for limited-edition versions bearing the letter “X” you would have been well-catered for this year too.

There was the Ranger Wildtrak X bridging the gap between the standard Wildtrak and Raptor. Then came the Toyota Hilux Raider X. And most recently, Isuzu released the newest iteration of its D-Max X-Rider. But Isuzu fans will know that if they want the ultimate expression of the D-Max, they need to go the AT35 route.

The last AT35 was a veritable monster. Now, the new version, based on the latest chassis of the top-selling pick-up, retains that hard-core image. To remind you, the AT acronym stands for Arctic Trucks, the specialist Icelandic firm that develops outlandish kits for extreme overlanding adventures.

The “35” part of the moniker refers to the diameter of the wheels fitted to the monstrous Isuzu: cartoonish 35-inch wheels, with tread so chunky, a Renault Kwid could get stuck between the grooves like a small stone. Part of the suspension repertoire of the AT35 includes heavy-duty Bilstein shock absorbers, affording confident suitability to harsh terrain.

This is a vehicle you can go expert-level bundu-bashing in, without a second of hesitation. We tested the model over rough corrugated tracks in the countryside of George, Western Cape, earlier this year. And while myself and my driving partner were good and properly rattled, the D-Max showed no signs of taking strain.

This is the thing with the AT35: its occupants are likely to throw in the towel well before it does. If you are expecting a double-cab that turns surfaces into marshmallows - like the Ranger Raptor - the hard-riding Isuzu might not be for you. This is not for customers who enjoy “self-care” pampering and “soft-life” trappings.

Power comes from the familiar 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged-diesel unit well-proven in the range. At the launch we asked why there is no six-cylinder power. Firstly, Isuzu representatives told us that they did not envisage the Raptor as a direct rival – hence the retention of the four-pot.

Secondly, it said the balance of grunt and economy, blended with the reputation for durability of the motor, culminates in a package that its customers would be pleased with.

The output of 140kW and 450Nm is respectable, with ample pull for obstacle-climbing and comfortably maintaining the national limit. Bear in mind, the AT35 was not designed to be a brisk sprinter. Best consumption was 9.6l/100km.

No criticisms to be leveled at the six-speed automatic. Switching between two- and four-wheel drive is an easy, electronic affair, as is the case with its peers. On the freeway, there is expected sound intrusion from the off-road tyres. And since the rubber and suspension setup are optimised in favour of supremacy on the rough stuff, its road manners are somewhat compromised. The steering requires frequent adjustments to maintain a steady course.

That said, the steering is much lighter than one might have expected. Among the conspicuous enhancements made to the AT35 is the fitment of a bespoke styling kit, with protruding fenders, large mud-flaps and sturdy metal side-steps. The additional visual muscle it brings, makes for a truly eye-catching bakkie.

But the realities of manoeuvring and parking such a wide-bodied brute also takes some getting used to. It is a huge confidence-booster on the wild streets of Johannesburg. Motorists choose not to try their luck tailgating or cutting in front of the mighty Isuzu. You might even find e-hailing and minibus taxi operators graciously giving you the gap.

It is a machine that seems to be respected, possibly feared. In terms of creature comforts, it is fully-loaded. The AT35 is based on the specification of the D-Max V-Cross, which was the top of the range until this came along.

That means it has leatherette upholstery, eight airbags, driver assistance functions such as lane-keep assistance and adaptive cruise control, as well as an infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It costs R1,159,900 which includes a five-year/120,000km warranty and five-year/90,000km service plan.

While Isuzu says the Raptor is not a direct rival, customers are going to draw the comparison, since the Ford comes close in price at R1,184,100. The Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI Aventura costs exactly R100 more than the Ranger. These are both easier to live with, boasting plusher cabins and more sophisticated road manners.

But for that niche of buyers who want a bakkie with an indestructible, hard-core feel, that is overlanding-ready straight from the factory, the AT35 is the one.