• Mitsubishi Triton Halo AT35:

Mitsubishi used the opportunity to show the Triton Halo AT35, based on the flagship Triton double cab 4x4, which was developed in conjunction with Arctic Trucks, the Icelandic company with a reputation for building bakkies that can conquer the harsh Icelandic conditions, and this makes them perfect for hard-core off-roading in South Africa as well.

The standard Triton is bolstered by a conversion that comprises a suspension lift and 17-inch BF Goodrich off-road tyres fitted to Arctic Truck alloy wheels resulting in a wider track and ride height increase of approximately 35 mm. The suspension comprises of the rugged 4 x 4 Iron Man Suspension.

The bodywork has been comprehensively modified and includes a new front bumper, extended wheel arches and wider fender liners. Inside the infotainment system has been upgraded to a seven-inch Sony Display Audio system while the leather seats feature bespoke stitching.

The Halo AT35 uses the manufacturer’s 2.4 litre turbodiesel with 133 kW and 430 Nm and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

• Isuzu D-MAX Artic AT35:

Another bakkie that’s getting the full artic treatment is the new D-MAX Arctic AT35, the second iteration of Isuzu’s specially developed ultimate double cab bakkie.

Designed in collaboration with Arctic Trucks, the D-MAX Arctic AT35 is locally assembled at Isuzu’s plant in Struandale, Gqeberha. It is available on special order through Isuzu’s local dealer network with limited production numbers.

Numerous other elements signal this model’s exclusive status like wider profile side steps and Arctic Trucks mudflaps. This is matched by brawny 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres mounted on 17x10-inch AT black alloy wheels. A standard 18” spare wheel is fitted beneath the load box, and a ResQ Puncture Repair Kit is provided.

Under the skin, the AT35 is equipped with a specially developed lift kit that increases the ground clearance from 232 mm to 266 mm and vehicle height from 1 810 mm to 1 875 mm. This is complemented by heavy-duty Bilstein dampers and the wading depth of 800 mm climbs to 865 mm.

The D-MAX Arctic AT35 is based on the range-topping V-Cross model with 140 kW and 450 Nm from the 3-litre turbodiesel, connected to a six-speed automatic transmission.

• Ford Ranger Wildtrax X:

Ford is expanding the Ranger line-up with a new model, the Wildtrak X, which was showcased at Nampo.

Based on the Ranger Wildtrak, the new Wildtrak X adds versatility without compromising on other terrains.

Packed with driver assistance systems and bespoke accessories, the Wildtrak X is unique from the standard Wildtrak range. Off-road enthusiasts will benefit from the Wildtrak X’s wider stance and increased ground clearance, along with purposeful all-terrain tyres fitted on newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels. This is combined with specially tuned Bilstein Position-Sensitive Dampers.

It is also the first Ranger model to be equipped with Ford’s Trail Turn Assist. This innovative system, which applies brake pressure to the inside rear wheel, helps reduce the turning radius by up to 25 percent. It’s designed to be used on loose surfaces at speeds of under 19 km/h, and can be engaged when the vehicle is in either 4H or 4L with the rear differential unlocked.

The full specification of the Wildtrak X, along with pricing, will be confirmed closer to the Q3 2023 launch timing.

• GWM P-Series LTD:

GWM expands its P-Series Pickup range with the unveiling of the limited edition 4x4 flagship, the LTD.

Slotting in above the LS and LT models in the P Series Passenger Double Cab range, the LTD is set apart from the rest by 18-inch Gloss Black Sports Alloy rims with all-terrain tyres. Body colour-coded door handles and mirrors are also LTD specific, along with a Black Sport Bar, plastic bedliner, off-road steel front and rear bumpers and more assertive off-road wheel arches.

Other functional and model specific features include black roof rails, a specifically developed snorkel, a front winch that can pull up to 4.2 tonnes and a 12-Volt accessory connector in the engine bay and 120 Watt, 220V located next to the rear USB port. What really differentiates the top-of-the-range LTD from the other models, is GWM’s newly developed four-wheel drive system.

While other variants are equipped with a torque-on-demand (TOD) four-wheel drive system, the fully selectable system for the LTD embraces a variety of driving modes, including 2H, 4H, Snow, Mud, Sand and 4L. The offroad systems include the Cross-Country Expert Mode and Drive Mode Memory, linking to both front and rear differential locks.

The P-Series LTD utilises the same 2-litre turbodiesel engine fitted in its siblings, offering 120 kW with 400 Nm and a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

The GWM P-Series LTD Double Cab 4x4 AT is now available at all GWM dealers countrywide at R694 950.