Asia’s premier off-road event is back for the 25th time, and this year the Borneo Safari will see a staggering convoy of over 250 vehicles run through the deep jungles of Sabah. For the next eight days, pickup trucks of all models and makes will be put to the ultimate test away from civilisation, including one of our most popular utes to date – the Isuzu D-Max.
For the ninth year in a row, Isuzu Malaysia engaged several members of the media to have them experience jungle trekking like they’ve never before, but within the comforts of the D-Max’s cabin (with air-conditioning, no less) of course. The Isuzu D-Max boasts having two Borneo Safari Vehicle of the Year for its commendable performance in the past years, proof that there’s more to the D-Max than just being the most fuel efficient pickup in its class.
Leading the media convoy are three 4×4 D-Max pickups; one 3.0-litre and two 2.5-litre variants. To recap, the 3.0-litre oil burning lump makes 177 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and a conservative 380 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm, while the smaller 2.5-litre engine produces 136 hp at 3,600 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,800 revolutions. Both engines feature the brand’s Variable Geometry Turbo technology with commonrail injection and are known for its frugality.
At the flag-off ceremony, Isuzu Malaysia’s Executive Director, Hajime Machimura said, “For nearly a decade, members of the media have been able to keep pace with the event’s progress from the cabins of the Isuzu D-Max. These vehicles have long risen beyond trying to prove their abilities in the rough and have instead established themselves as a fixture of the Borneo Safari where they are depended upon to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.”
The event was flagged off by Sabah’s Tourism Cultural and Environment Minister, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. The convoy will take on various obstacles in the highlands near Tenom and Keningau.
