KUALA LUMPUR: The Isuzu D-Max, powered by the new generation 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine recently completed its one loop journey of the country using just a tankful of diesel.
The feat was accomplished in the "D-Max One Tank. One Nation Challenge".
Isuzu Malaysia pointed out that the D-Max remains one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the nation.
The quest to circumnavigate the country began on Aug 17 in Balakong, Selangor when two units of the D-Max embarked on a counter-clockwise loop of the country, travelling through various states including Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor.
There were 10 pit stops at Isuzu dealerships around the country before finishing the quest at the Isuzu 3S Centre in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 22.
Isuzu Malaysia noted that both the trucks arrived at the finish line with ample fuel remaining in their tanks to easily continue on to Melaka again.
Isuzu Malaysia chief operating officer (light commercial vehicles) Kenichi Kudo remarked that the feat not only highlighted the new Isuzu D-Max 2.2-litre engine’s fuel efficiency, it reinforced the capability of the D-Max as a truly versatile vehicle that is ideal for every kind of road in Malaysia.
“Our confidence in its ability was great enough for us to publicise the entire drive with live updates on our social media pages so everyone could witness and openly follow its progress,” said Kudo.
The two units of the new Isuzu D-Max used in the challenge – a 4x4 Auto Premium and 4x2 Auto Plus - returned with over four percent remaining in their fuel tanks, even after concluding the journey that clocked 1,756km through highways, trunk roads and the mountainous East-West Link from Jeli to Gerik.
Driving the 2.2L TD 4x2 Auto Plus variant was Sing Yuin Christy who previously earned a place in the Malaysian Book of Records, clocking the longest distance ever driven in a pick-up truck using just one tank of fuel.
Switching from her 3.0-litre D-Max X-Terrain, Christy remarked how much easier it was to drive the 2.2-litre 4x2 Auto Plus this time due to the characteristics of the new engine and transmission combination.
“The throttle response of the new engine and the way its power delivery have been matched brilliantly to the ratios of the new eight-speed gearbox meant that we were usually in the correct gear for any given road condition. Cruising along trunk roads and highways in seventh and eighth gears also allowed us to coast along rather efficiently without needing too much throttle input thereby saving lots of fuel,” said Christy.
The new 2.2L TD 4x2 Auto Plus model is based on the highly-popular Standard variant sans the four-wheel drive system, thus reducing the kerb weight by some 80kg and drag from its reduced ancillary drivetrain components.
As the only manufacturer to offer a 4x2 variant in Malaysia, Isuzu makes long-distance travel and intra-urban commutes on sealed or semi-sealed surfaces exceptionally economical and dependable.
As part of the engagement on Isuzu’s social media pages, a ‘Guess the Final Mileage’ contest was held with prizes worth over RM10,000 to be won.
The winning entry was submitted from a participant from Kluang, Johor who accurately guessed the final mileage of 1,756km, winning himself RM5,000 worth of grocery shopping vouchers.
