The all-new Isuzu D-Max 2.2-litre turbo diesel has completed a 1,605km journey across Sabah and Sarawak using just one tank of diesel.
The drive formed part of Isuzu Malaysia’s D-Max One Tank. One Nation Challenge. Two vehicles took part, including the 4×2 AutoPlus and 4×4 Automatic Premium variants. Both reached Kuching with fuel remaining.
The 4×2 AutoPlus completed the journey without triggering its low-fuel warning light. The challenge aimed to demonstrate the pickup’s fuel efficiency under real-world driving conditions.
From Sandakan to Kuching
The East Malaysian leg began at the Universal Motor Isuzu showroom in Sandakan, Sabah. The convoy travelled through Telupid, where construction of the Pan Borneo Highway is ongoing, before climbing the mountainous roads towards Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu.
The route then crossed Brunei before continuing through Miri, Bintulu, Sarikei and Sibu. The journey ended at the Jimisar Auto Niaga Isuzu 3S Centre in Kuching, Sarawak.
The route included challenging terrain and steep elevation changes, particularly across the Crocker Range. Isuzu used these conditions to demonstrate the D-Max’s ability to maintain fuel efficiency across different driving environments.
Selected Isuzu dealerships along the route hosted engagement sessions featuring brand ambassador Baki Zainal, who met fans and distributed merchandise. The company also invited the public to predict the total distance covered during the challenge, with RM10,000 worth of prizes available, including RM5,000 in grocery shopping vouchers for the winning entry.
New 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine
The D-Max’s performance during the challenge was attributed to its new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, which Isuzu describes as its best engine yet.
The engine delivers improved power, torque, refinement, durability, reliability and fuel efficiency compared with its predecessor, according to the company.
Its low-rev torque allows the pickup to climb steep roads in higher gears, helping reduce fuel consumption while maintaining a relaxed driving experience. The engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The East Malaysian challenge follows an earlier drive in which the D-Max 2.2 completed a loop of Peninsular Malaysia on one tank of fuel.
Through both challenges, Isuzu Malaysia aims to demonstrate the pickup’s fuel efficiency across Malaysia’s varied road and terrain conditions.
