The all-new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L turbo diesel has taken its fuel-saving credentials to new heights, completing a challenging 1,605km journey from Sandakan in Sabah to Kuching in Sarawak on a single tank of diesel. Following its successful run around Peninsular Malaysia, the latest pick-up truck has now demonstrated that its impressive efficiency extends beyond highways to the demanding roads of East Malaysia.

The achievement was part of Isuzu Malaysia’s D-MAX One Tank. One Nation Challenge, which saw two units of the new D-MAX 2.2L TD tackle the cross-state journey without refuelling. The participating trucks were the 4×2 AutoPlus and the 4×4 Automatic Premium, both of which reached the finish line with diesel still in reserve. However, it was the 4×2 AutoPlus that delivered the most remarkable result, completing the entire journey without even activating its low-fuel warning light.

While covering long distances on open highways can be relatively straightforward, East Malaysia presented a much tougher test. The route included winding mountain roads, steep gradients, narrow trunk roads shared with heavy vehicles and ongoing construction along sections of the Pan Borneo Highway.

After departing from the Universal Motor Isuzu showroom in Sandakan, the convoy travelled towards Telupid before tackling the mountainous roads leading to Kundasang and Kota Kinabalu. From there, the trucks continued into Sarawak via Brunei, passing through Miri, Bintulu, Sarikei and Sibu before completing the journey at the Jimisar Auto Niaga Isuzu 3S Centre in Kuching.

One of the biggest challenges was crossing the Crocker Range, where steep climbs and significant elevation changes can put considerable demands on a vehicle’s engine and fuel consumption. Rather than taking an easier route, Isuzu deliberately chose these challenging roads to demonstrate how the D-MAX performs in conditions that Malaysian motorists and commercial vehicle operators encounter in everyday driving.

According to Kenichi Kudo, Chief Operating Officer for Light Commercial Vehicles at Isuzu Malaysia, the challenge provided an opportunity to demonstrate the truck’s capabilities under genuine driving conditions. He explained that fuel efficiency should not be judged solely by driving on smooth, quiet highways. Instead, the D-MAX was put through its paces on congested trunk roads, construction zones and demanding mountain passes, including the challenging terrain around Mount Kinabalu.

At the heart of the D-MAX’s achievement is its all-new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, which Isuzu has described as its ‘Best Engine Ever’. The engine has been developed to deliver improvements in power, torque, refinement, durability, reliability and fuel efficiency. Its generous low-revolution torque is particularly useful when tackling steep inclines, allowing the truck to maintain its momentum in higher gears without constantly working the engine harder.

This combination of pulling power and efficiency is especially important for a pick-up truck expected to handle everything from daily commuting and long-distance travel to demanding work duties. The engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which is designed to deliver smoother operation and a more relaxed driving experience. Together, the powertrain helps the D-MAX balance the performance needed for challenging terrain with the fuel economy required for long-distance journeys.

For owners who depend on their pick-ups for business, the benefits extend beyond fewer visits to the fuel station. Isuzu also highlighted the potential for lower operating costs through improved durability, greater productivity and lower road tax. Kudo noted that these advantages make the new D-MAX 2.2L an attractive option for customers looking to manage expenses while retaining the versatility expected of a modern pick-up truck.

Beyond testing the vehicles, the East Malaysian leg also gave Isuzu an opportunity to connect with customers and fans along the route. Selected Isuzu dealer outlets hosted engagement sessions featuring D-MAX brand ambassador Baki Zainal, who met members of the public and handed out exclusive Isuzu merchandise while the convoy made its way across the region.

The campaign also invited Malaysians to participate through an online mileage-guessing contest, challenging them to predict the exact total distance covered by the trucks. The winner stood a chance to receive RM5,000 worth of grocery shopping vouchers, with RM10,000 worth of prizes available in total. These activities helped turn the long-distance drive into a nationwide showcase of the D-MAX’s capabilities, bringing the challenge directly to communities along the route.

Completing the 1,605km journey on one tank of diesel is an impressive demonstration of the all-new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L TD’s efficiency, particularly given the demanding conditions encountered across Sabah and Sarawak. More importantly, the challenge highlighted how its new engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are designed to deliver a combination of usable power, fuel economy and durability in real-world driving.

For motorists and businesses weighing up the cost of running a pick-up truck, these qualities could make a meaningful difference over years of ownership. And with both the 4×2 AutoPlus and 4×4 Automatic Premium finishing the journey with fuel to spare, Isuzu has made a compelling case for its latest D-MAX. After conquering the roads of Peninsular Malaysia and completing the demanding cross-Borneo route, the message behind the D-MAX One Tank. One Nation Challenge is clear: the new D-MAX is built not just to cover the distance, but to do so efficiently even when the road ahead gets tough.