After successfully completing a loop of Peninsular Malaysia using just one tank of fuel, the all-new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L TD raised the ante by completing its journey from Sandakan in Sabah all the way across to Kuching in Sarawak using just one tank of diesel.
Tasked under the D-MAX One Tank. One Nation Challenge, Isuzu Malaysia put two units of the new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2-litre turbo diesel through its paces to showcase its superior capabilities including its amazing fuel efficiency by driving across Sabah and Sarawak without needing to stop at any point to re-fuel.
The drive in East Malaysia is particularly challenging considering the rugged terrain and extreme elevations here including the severe climb over the Crocker Range where most vehicles would struggle to return a good fuel consumption figure.
With a new and improved engine that boasts greater power, torque, refinement, durability, reliability and fuel efficiency, the new 2.2-litre Isuzu D-MAX proved to be uniquely capable over such conditions.
Both the 4×2 AutoPlus and the 4×4 Automatic Premium trucks made it to the finish line with ample fuel in reserve.
Amazingly, the exceptionally efficient 4×2 Auto Plus variant made the entire journey from the Universal Motor Isuzu showroom in Sandakan to the Jimisar Auto Niaga Isuzu 3S Centre in Kuching without even triggering the low fuel level warning light.
According to Kenichi Kudo, Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer for Light Commercial Vehicles, the D-MAX One Tank. One Nation challenge was an ideal platform to showcase the true capabilities of the new Isuzu D-MAX in real-world conditions across every corner of Malaysia.
“It is easy to claim that a vehicle is fuel efficient by driving it along a smooth and quiet highway. But for us, the Isuzu D-MAX’s superiority is best showcased by keeping it real on roads our customers drive on daily. This means traversing narrow trunk roads choked with lorries, roads under construction, and even crossing the Crocker Range at Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest mountain rather than avoiding it,” said Kudo.
The East Malaysian leg of the D-MAX One Tank. One Nation challenge kicked off from the Isuzu showroom in Sandakan on the eastern coast of Sabah before the drivers made their way to Telupid where construction of the Pan Borneo Highway remains on-going. They then made the ascent up the mountainous roads towards Kundasang en route to Kota Kinabalu.
From there, the convoy headed towards Sarawak via the Kingdom of Brunei before heading to Miri, Bintulu, Sarikei and Sibu with scheduled stops at Isuzu dealer outlets along the route before finally ending the journey in Kuching after clocking some 1,605km.
Selected outlets along the route hosted engagement sessions where Isuzu D-MAX Brand ambassador Baki Zainal met fans and handed out excusive Isuzu goodies while awaiting the convoy’s arrival.
To further build the excitement and anticipation, members of the public were invited to guess online the exact total mileage the D-MAX would travel during the challenge. The winning entry would stand to win RM5,000.00 worth of grocery shopping vouchers as part of the RM10,000.00 worth of prizes at stake.
Key to the success of the Isuzu D-MAX lies in the all-new 2.2-litre TD engine that has been dubbed ‘Best Engine Ever’. Its exceptional capabilities deliver not only impressive power for safe and effortless acceleration, the generous torque at low engine revolutions mean that the trucks can cruise up steep hills using higher gears, allowing them to save fuel and offer a more relaxed drive. Paired to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, the new Isuzu D-MAX delivers an enhanced level of driving pleasure to owners.
“Besides the obvious savings customers gain through the vehicle’s amazing fuel efficiency, the new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L offers lower operating costs through greater durability, higher productivity and lower road tax making it the compelling pick-up truck choice of in today’s economic climate,” added Kudo.