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LOCAL NEWS Isuzu event proves D-MAX fuel efficiencyMay 18, 2006. 5:30 PM Author: Chips Yap |
After traversing some 1,300 kms through some of the most diverse terrain in the region, crossing dozens of rivers via bridges and ferries and 4 days ‘on the road’, two Isuzu D-Max vehicles once again proved a point about the fuel-efficiency of the pick-up. The event held recently in Sabah and Sarawak, ‘truly underlined the tagline that the Isuzu D-Max offered the best of both worlds’, in the words of Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd CEO K. Kondo. "When we decided to put the D-Max to the test, we were quietly confident of the 2.5-litre model completing the journey as it had proven itself in Peninsular Malaysia last year. However, we were not totally certain that the 3.0-litre model with its powerful intercooled turbo engine, one of the most powerful pick-ups on the market, would be able to show its ‘gentler side’ during the journey," said Mr. Kondo, adding that the vehicles were not modified in any way and were identical to those which customers buy. In the Max Fuel Efficiency Run, as the event was known, two versions of the D-Max - a 2.5-litre 4x2 and a 3.0-litre 4x4 - were driven from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, a distance of 1,292 kms using just one full tank of standard diesel fuel pumped in at a public station before the start. The crews began the journey from Isuzu Malaysia’s newly-appointed dealer Rhino Motors’ showroom in Kuching and made two overnight stops in Sarawak (at Sibu and Miri) before passing through Brunei and heading into Sabah for the final overnight halt in Papar. Along the journey, the vehicles were driven at speeds of approximately 80 km/h as road conditions allowed. Each vehicle had an official from the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) who verified that the vehicles were driven normally without towing or slipstreaming. The only time the vehicles were not driven on their own power was during rivers crossings on ferries. Of course, if the rivers were not deep, the D-MAX would have been able to drive through the water as it has generous ground clearance. At the overnight halts, the Isuzu D-Max were kept in the compound of the nearest police station to ensure that no unauthorized or unrecorded refuelling was carried out. The Max Fuel Efficiency Run across almost the entire northern length of Borneo Island is the second such long distance fuel efficiency project undertaken by Isuzu Malaysia. The first was in November last year in conjunction with the launch of the D-Max 2.5L. In that test, the vehicle was driven from Kuala Lumpur to Johor, up to Kedah and then back to KL, a distance of over 1,400 kms using one tank of diesel (a full tank is 76 litres). The D-Max’s fuel efficiency prowess stems design that is able to optimally balance power, flexibility, durability and economy. Coming from the leader in diesel engine technology and one of the largest producers of diesel engines in the world with a cumulative production of over 17 million units, the D-Max model boasts of an excellent balance of performance, driveability, and economy from its highly-developed direct injection engine plus a stylish design. Mr Kondo believes that the fuel efficiency of Isuzu vehicles like the D-MAX can make an important contribution to preserving the environment for future generations. "Apart from the obvious savings one enjoys by driving vehicles that are fuel efficient, the less fossil fuel that is burnt, the better it is for the environment on the whole as there will be a much lower production of greenhouse gases," he said.
DETAILS OF THE EVENT
Related articles Visit the Isuzu Malaysia website for more information about the Isuzu D-MAX or to locate a dealer Talk about the D-MAX in the MTM Forum Want to sell off your vehicle quickly to buy a D-MAX? Advertise in Malaysian Motor Trader 
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