The Isuzu D-Max 2.2L turbodiesel completes its long-distance drive from dealer to dealer on just one tank of fuel.
The all-new Isuzu D-MAX, powered by the next-generation 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, has successfully completed a full counter-clockwise circumnavigation of Peninsular Malaysia on a single tank of diesel.
Conducted under the D-MAX One Tank. One Nation Challenge, the cross-country endurance drive covered 1,756 kilometers across diverse terrain without a single refueling stop, reinforcing the D-MAX’s reputation as one of the most fuel-efficient pick-up platforms in the country.
Both participating units—a 2.2L 4×4 Auto Premium and a 2.2L 4×2 Auto Plus—arrived at the final destination with over 4% fuel capacity remaining in their tanks, enough reserve to continue driving back to Melaka.
The Route: Tackling Real-World Malaysian Driving Conditions
The 6-day expedition commenced on Monday, 17 August in Balakong, Selangor, charting an extensive route through Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak, and Selangor.
The convoy made ten scheduled pit stops across authorized Isuzu dealerships before reaching the finish line at the Isuzu 3S Centre in Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 22 August.
Along the journey, the trucks faced authentic Malaysian road environments, including:
- Variable Terrain: High-speed highway cruising, start-stop urban bottlenecks, and narrow rural trunk roads.
- Mountainous Elevation: Traversing the demanding East-West Highway across the Titiwangsa Range between Jeli and Gerik.
- Weather & Real-Time Scrutiny: Driving through sudden tropical downpours and adverse conditions, with live telemetry updates broadcast continuously across Isuzu Malaysia’s social media channels.
New 2.2L RZ4F-TC Engine and 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
At the heart of the feat is Isuzu’s newly engineered 2.2-litre RZ4F-TC turbocharged diesel engine. Engineered to deliver a superior balance of low-end torque, operational refinement, emissions reduction, and long-term durability, the powerplant operates in synergy with an advanced 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Malaysian Book of Records holder Sing Yuin Christy, who piloted the 2.2L TD 4×2 Auto Plus variant, noted that the revised powertrain characteristics made long-distance endurance driving significantly smoother:
- Optimized Gearing: The wide-ratio 8-speed automatic ensures the engine remains within its ideal torque band across various road conditions.
- Overdrive Efficiency: Cruising in 7th and 8th overdrive gears along highways and trunk roads allowed the vehicle to coast with minimal throttle input, substantially reducing fuel burn.
- Weight Reduction on 4×2 Auto Plus: Built upon the Standard variant platform without 4WD transfer hardware, the 4×2 configuration sheds approximately 80 kg in kerb weight while reducing driveline parasitic drag, offering an economical solution for urban and sealed-road use.
Interactive Community Engagement
Kenichi Kudo, Chief Operating Officer for Light Commercial Vehicles at Isuzu Malaysia, highlighted that the drive aimed to reflect real-world motoring realities while demonstrating genuine diesel efficiency to local buyers.
In tandem with the drive, Isuzu engaged enthusiasts through a nationwide ‘Guess the Final Mileage’ contest featuring over RM10,000 in total prizes. The grand prize was awarded to an entrant from Kluang, Johor, who accurately predicted the exact final distance of 1,756 km, taking home RM5,000 worth of grocery vouchers.
