Isuzu Malaysia introduced the updated D-Max fitted with a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine last year, promising more power at 150 hp and 350 Nm, more refinement, and better fuel efficiency – at a claimed 8 l/100km.
How well do these claims hold up? Isuzu Malaysia put it to the test with the Isuzu Dura Challenge – a 1.9-litre single cab model was loaded to its maximum permissible capacity of one tonne, and driven over 1,000 challenging kilometres along the Titiwangsa mountain range.
With the Isuzu D-Max thoroughly checked by PUSPAKOM and its fuel tank, bonnet, and crates sealed, the challenge kicked-off from the Isuzu plant in Pekan, Pahang onward to its first challenge – the East-West Highway with a climb to its peak of 1,052 m, before heading to Ipoh for the night.
The route became increasingly challenging the next day, starting with a 1,112 m climb towards Tanah Rata, in Cameron Highlands, before heading on to Fraser’s hill (1,222 m) via Raub.
Lastly, the single cab D-Max took on a 1,604 m climb up to Genting Highlands, before ending its trip at the Isuzu Service Centre in Shah Alam. The D-Max clocked a total of 1,145 km throughout the entire journey.
So how did the 1.9-litre D-Max perform? Based on the on-board computer, the D-Max consumed an average of 7.2 l/100km, an even better result than the claimed fuel economy figure.
The single-cab D-Max arrived at the service centre with two bars of fuel left in its 76-litre fuel tank, indicated on the instrument cluster.
Isuzu Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Koji Nakamura said, “Through advanced technology, the new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC engine is by far the most fuel efficient engine ever produced by Isuzu Motors and this was clearly demonstrated in this exercise.
“Perhaps some vehicles can travel long distances on a tank of fuel, some can probably manage to carry a ton of weight or climb mountains. But to achieve all three criteria with one vehicle is a true feat of a competent vehicle,” he added.
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