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Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Blue Power Takes The High Road In 1K Dura Challenge

by Zachary Ho - Mar 11, 2020

The Isuzu D-Max had already demonstrated its frugal fuel-sipping prowess in recent events like the Dura Miles Challenge where it was hypermiled from Bangkok to Singapore on a tank of diesel fuel. But Isuzu Malaysia decided to take the challenge further by putting its new 1.9L Blue Power engine in the D-Max through an extreme challenge that clearly underlines its capable performance and engineering supremacy.

“The prowess of the Isuzu D-Max continues to astound with its remarkable capabilities. Despite being the pick-up truck with smallest displacement on the market, the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max completed the challenge with absolute ease and confidence. It truly suggests that the Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre Blue Power has what it takes to get any job done,” said Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia Masayuki Suzuki.

The D-Max 1.9L Single Cab was chosen to be loaded to its maximum permissible capacity of one ton and driven through some of the highest accessible mountain roads along the Titiwangsa mountain range. At the end of the challenge, the D-Max 1.9 Blue Power Dura Challenge clocked over 1,000 km and managed to reach its destination with two bars of fuel remaining in the tank.

But before starting its journey from the Isuzu-Hicom Malaysia factory in Pekan, Pahang, the D-Max 1.9L Single Cab used for the challenge was put through a thorough inspection by PUSPAKOM to verify its conformity as a showroom-standard unit.

With its crates, bonnet and fuel tank sealed, the D-Max headed north of Pekan for its first challenge i.e. the East-West highway linking Jeli in Kelantan and Gerik in Perak with a climb to the peak of 1,052 meters before ending the run to spend a night in Ipoh.

The next day, the challenge was saw the white Single Cab embark on the arduous climb up 1,112 meters to Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands before heading on to Fraser’s Hill (1,222 m) via Raub. From there, the journey took on an even bigger challenge – the climb up to Genting Highlands (1,604 m) before ending the journey at the Isuzu Service Centre in Shah Alam. Total distance covered on the trip was 1,145 km.

Based on the on-board trip computer, the D-Max 1.9L Single Cab consuming an average of just 7.2L/100km (13.7km/L), and still had ample fuel in its 76L tank to spare when it reached the finish point.

“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,” added CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Koji Nakamura.

Powered by the latest 1.9L Blue Power diesel engine that produces more power and torque than the 2.5L model it replaces, the Isuzu D-Max Single Cab model maximizes its performance through innovative technologies including a novel combustion chamber and intake manifold design, a new fuel injection system that provides more accurate fuel atomization and a newly-developed Variable Geometry (VGS) Turbocharger that delivers better engine response over a wider rev range.

Combined with low-friction parts that have been coated with Molybdenum and Graphite, the engine is able to provide enhanced reliability while reducing stress on individual components. These combine to reduce the engine weight by 56 kg making new Isuzu D-Max 1.9L Blue Power models one of the most dependable and affordable pick-up trucks on the market due to its lower maintenance costs and reduced road tax.

All Isuzu D-Max models including the 1.9L Single Cab come with a 5-year / 150,000 km warranty, ensuring that owners enjoy an ownership experience that enable them to enjoy the most of their dependable and efficient Isuzu pick-up trucks.