Isuzu Malaysia Archives

Isuzu D-MAX conquers the Borneo Safari again – this time with the Blue Power 1.9-litre engine!

For the last 13 consecutive years, Isuzu Malaysia has been providing the Borneo Safari (which began in 1991) with vehicles for the media and officials to use. The vehicles have been D-MAX models and not used just to ferry people to the starting and finishing locations but have actually followed the participants deep into the jungle.

And each year, along with those that survived one of the toughest and most extreme events in the region, the D-MAX would also arrive at the finish line. This fact has helped build the solid reputation of the pick-up truck as one of the toughest and most capable off-road vehicles in the annual off-road challenge.

New Blue Power 1.9-litre powerplant
Until this year, the vehicles supplied had big turbodiesel engines, typical for most pick-up trucks. However, with the introduction of the advanced new Blue Power 1.9-litre engine in the latest D-MAX launched this year in Malaysia, the D-MAX entered was something entirely new, powerplant-wise. And, in fact, the vehicle that was sent to Sabah was so new it had only clocked 200 kms after leaving the Isuzu Malaysia assembly plant in Pekan, Pahang.

However, confident in its durability and capabilities, Isuzu Malaysia encouraged the media who used it to drive it as hard as necessary during the gruelling 7-day event. It impressed so much that the organiser gave a Special Award recognizing its remarkable off-roading capabilities.

2019 Borneo Safari — *Two of the other vehicles with more ‘hardcore’ modifications made to tackle the 7-day event.*

Isuzu D-MAX 2019 Borneo Safari — *The D-MAX 1.9 was virtually standard except for necessary protective additions and in fact, it was not even fully run-in at the start of the event.*

Virtually standard with 200 kms on the clock
Nicknamed the ‘Blue Monster’, the vehicle was virtually stock standard except for a few additions to make it more suited to the terrain including a body lift to fit the mud terrain tyres, long travel shock absorbers, snorkel, winch and heavy-duty guards to protect the vehicle from the extreme elements encountered along the way.

The ‘Blue Monster’ joined ‘Red Monster’, ‘White Monster’ and ‘Black Monster’ as part of Isuzu Malaysia’s commitment as the event’s Diamond Sponsor.

“Off-road enthusiasts understand that strong and balanced power delivery is vital when tackling extremes in the jungle. With its impressive power delivery perfectly matched to its new 6-speed gearbox, the new 1.9-litre Blue Power D-MAX simply showed its pedigree and dispelled any notion about the capability of its diminutive engine displacement,” said the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki.

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New Isuzu D-Max 1.9 with Blue Power takes on Borneo Safari for the first time

Only recently launched in Malaysia, the new Isuzu D-Max 1.9 with the BluePower turbodiesel engine is going to face a very tough test – the Borneo Safari, one of Asia’s most extreme off-road events. This is not the first time for the D-MAX as models with the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre engines have been conquering the Borneo Safari for a decade. But this is the first time that the new BluePower engine with a 1.9-litre displacement is being used.

“This year, we bring the challenge to the new 1.9-litre engine to prove just how capable it is over the unforgiving terrain despite its small engine displacement,” said the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki.

Isuzu’s revolutionary new 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (RZ4E-TC) is the smallest engine in its class. With new technology, the amazing thing is that ‘less equals more’ where output is concerned. A comparison between the BluePower engine and the 2.5-litre engine will show that the smaller engine produces 150 ps/350 Nm, whereas the bigger one generates with 136 ps/320 Nm.

With its innovative design and engineering, the new model is expected to perform better in the difficult off-road conditions as it has in on-road situations where it has impressed thus far. Apart from the extreme mud terrain tyres, uprated suspension to accommodate the larger wheels, heavy- duty body protection, a winch and an air snorkel, the ‘Blue Monster’ – as the D-MAX taking part is nicknamed – remains virtually stock standard and resembles models available to customers from Isuzu showrooms.

The Blue Monster was handed over to the organizing team of the Borneo Safari in Kota Kinabalu as part of Isuzu Malaysia’s commitment as the event’s Diamond Sponsor to provide media vehicles for the event.

This year’s Borneo Safari is the 29th edition in its history and the 13th year that it has received support from Isuzu Malaysia. The event is scheduled to begin in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on October 27 and will take a more southerly loop, skirting Beaufort, Tenom, Keningau and Tambunan before heading back to the city on November 3.

Visit www.isuzu.net.my to know more about the latest Isuzu D-MAX.

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Isuzu D-Max “Buy One, Free One” for two lucky customers!

It has been a day to remember for two very lucky Isuzu D-Max owners as they were greatly rewarded with a brand-new Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Auto 4×4 earlier today. The Isuzu D-Max Buy and Win Contest was held earlier this year where Isuzu customers stand a chance to win the grand prizes. (more…)

2019 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 officially launched! From RM80,149

It was only less than two weeks back when we went all the way to Thailand to test drive the new 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 and today, the new pickup truck from Isuzu Malaysia has been officially launched for the Malaysian market. (more…)

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 – “Blue Power”

There are many ways on how you can sample the finer things in life, and many would agree that when trying such things, the location or surroundings are also important as well. That is why Isuzu Malaysia took a bunch of Malaysian motoring media members to Thailand to test out the upcoming 2019 Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 Ddi Blue Power. (more…)

Team Isuzu raises funds for charity by participating in Kuching Marathon 2019

Although car companies are in the business of selling motor vehicles and being profitable for their shareholders, there are also time when they take time off from their business to do good deeds for society. Isuzu Malaysia, for example, recently formed a team to participate in the Kuching Marathon 2019 and raised funds for charity while doing so.

Team Isuzu, comprising management and staff of Isuzu Malaysia with members of the media, ran various distances in the event as part of their efforts to raise funds for local charity. “It was a tremendous effort by the team to participate in the marathon and to raise funds for charity. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this, particularly members of the media who have been extremely supportive of the cause,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia.

Pledges by Isuzu dealers
The funds were partly raised through pledges by Isuzu dealers in Sarawak including Dai Max Automobile, KM Mobil and Rhino Motors who were also represented at the ceremony by Terry Tiong Ung Hung, Tan Kim Hoon and Amy Lim, respectively. Mr. Nakamura, accompanied by members of Team Isuzu, handed over mock cheques of the funds raised to Hope Place Kuching and Persatuan OKU Kuching.

International event
The Kuching Marathon is an annual road race competition which was inaugurated in August 2014. It consists of full marathon of 42 kms, half marathon of 21 kms, run of 10 kms and 5 kms, respectively. The route takes in Kuching’s picturesque Waterfront, the Fort, Astana, the cat statues, Tua Pek Kong and of course, Kuching’s most iconic building, the DUN. It is now an international road race recognized by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).

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Isuzu Malaysia offers ‘Adventures of a Lifetime’ to D-MAX customers

Owners of the Isuzu D-MAX generally have an active lifestyle, part of the reason why they bought the popular pick-up model. It’s an ideal vehicle for work and for going on holidays, exploring our beautiful country.

“When you throw versatility and comfort into the mix, what you have is a vehicle that is the perfect holiday or work buddy,” adds Masayuki Suzuki, COO of Isuzu Malaysia. He notes too that, by design and through its shared DNA with Isuzu commercial trucks, ‘the D-Max performs with tenacious dependability and amazing fuel efficiency’.

Now, for those who want to even more exciting adventures and in distant lands with totally different environments, Isuzu Malaysia is offering the chance to experience a dream holiday in the ‘Isuzu Win an Adventure of a Lifetime’ contest. Open to customers who purchase and register a new D-MAX from authorised Isuzu dealerships between now and September 30, 2019, the contest offers holiday packages for 10 lucky customers.

Iceland (left) is the destination for the Grand Prize winner, while destinations for 9 other winners include Turkey (right), Greece and Korea. While each winner can bring a partner along, Isuzu Malaysia doesn’t mention that they can also bring their new D-MAX with them for the adventure.

Holiday packages overseas for 10 lucky customers
Besides the Grand Prize of a 10-day holiday for two to Iceland, there are also prizes to destinations such as Greece, Turkey and Korea. All winners will enjoy accommodation in 4-star hotels with tours and meals included during the stay.

After the vehicle purchase and registration have been finalised, each customer can enter the contest by submitting a 100-word slogan which starts with ‘I Chose Isuzu D-Max because……..’. The winners will be randomly selected through computerized system by a third party, with the slogans also being considered as judging criteria.

Isuzu D-MAX — *To be eligible to enter the contest, customers need to purchase and register any of the latest D-MAX RT85 models by September 30, 2019.*

Enjoy what the world has to offer
“The ‘Isuzu Win an Adventure of a Lifetime’ contest is our way of encouraging Malaysians to take that step back to enjoy what the world has to offer. Through vehicles that have the range and versatility such as the Isuzu D-Max, we are encouraged to explore and experience the myriad of attractions that Malaysia and the world have to offer,” said Mr. Suzuki.

Information about the contest and Isuzu vehicles can be obtained at authorised Isuzu dealerships nationwide. To locate a dealer, visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup. Contest terms and conditions can also be found at the Isuzu D-MAX Malaysia Facebook page.

Isuzu D-Max owners, here’s your chance to win RM15,000!

Here’s a very important and interesting note to all Isuzu D-Max owners here in Malaysia. Isuzu Malaysia wants to give away cash to those who have ‘proven beyond doubt’ how good their pick-up trucks truly are in terms of durability, reliability, fuel efficiency, and many more. (more…)

Isuzu Delivers 141 Units Of LCV to City-Link Express Sdn. Bhd.

Isuzu Malaysia recently delivered a total of 141 units of their commercial trucks to City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd, during an official handover ceremony held at City-Link Express’ ‘Super Hub’ facility in Bandar Saujana Putra, Selangor. The handover comprised of 128 units of the ELF 4-wheeler (NLR77UEE) model, eight units of the ELF 6-wheeler (NPR81UKH) model and five units of the GIGA (GXR) model.

The recent handover is in continuity of the mutual trust and longstanding relationship between both companies, since its first fleet deal made back in 2011. The latest purchase has further strengthen City-Link Express’ existing fleet of vehicles, in line with plans of branch expansions throughout the country, while providing fast delivery and customer satisfaction.

The handover also saw City-Link Express’ first purchase of the Isuzu GIGA Prime Mover Trucks as part of their expansion growth. These container trucks are targeted for long distance deliveries and long haul usages, in addition to its high rigidity chassis design and aerodynamic cabin design. The GIGA truck offers outstanding engine output and torque, ensuring high fuel efficiency, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking cost-effective transportation.

Due to both companies’ established partnership, Isuzu Malaysia will carry out training sessions for the drivers on product knowledge and basic maintenance of the GIGA GXR model. These sessions are expected to provide attendees with vital knowledge and understanding of the key features of the GXR model, while achieving economic and safety driving. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my.

4×4: 28th Annual Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge Comes To A Close [+Videos]

In the 4×4 world, there are a few events that garner anyone who’s ever participated instant respect from off-road enthusiasts; The Dakar Rally and The Camel Trophy are two of the most infamous overseas events, while here at home, the Rainforest Challenge and the Borneo Safari are two local 4×4 events that aren’t to be taken lightly. Only the skilled need apply, and oft-times, experience alone doesn’t guarantee success. It’s very much man & machine versus the elements, and here’s the official (un-edited) news from Isuzu Malaysia, reproduced as received, who were once again sponsors of the event…

KOTA KINABALU, 16 NOVEMBER 2018 – The 28^th annual Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge organized by Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) has just completed with Isuzu as the Diamond Sponsor for 12^th consecutive years. This year Isuzu sent in three units of off-road capable Isuzu D-Max to meet the challenge.

In this installment of Borneo Safari, the organizer has prepared two routes namely Super Hardcore and Hardcore over the 8 days challenge. All three units of Isuzu D-Max Monster stormed into super hardcore section without a second thought and emerge from this extreme terrain track after 5 days.

The terrain conditions inside super hardcore track consists of numerous obstacles including “bungee jump”, uphill driving, V-Gulley as well as rough rocky terrain, condition worsens with the constant rain. Certain terrain consists of few obstacles with steep descend and hill climb that required winching for safety reason.

All three unit of modified Isuzu D-Max has conquered Super Hardcore section of Borneo Safari, Malaysia largest and most renowned extreme off-road 4×4 challenges. The challenges were completed without any modification to the standard 2.5L and 3.0L engines.

Out of the 3 units of D-Max, two of them was built in 2013 and has completed Borneo Safari challenges for six straight years. It is a testament indeed for Isuzu’s core values for outstanding durability and reliability. In a speech during the closing dinner, Isuzu Malaysia Light Commercial Vehicle Chief Operating Officer Mr Masayuki Suzuki expresses his gratitude for the strong relationship has been built between Isuzu and SFWDA:

“Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge is the best platform to showcase the toughness and durability of off-road vehicles. Our Isuzu D-Max has proven to withstand extreme terrains in the past Borneo Safari Challenge.”

A total of 399 vehicles have participated in 28^th Borneo Safari International Off Road Challenge 2018, which consist of 1030 of participants and 27 competitors. This is also first time in Borneo Safari has a participating team from Russia. Other competing teams came from Japan, Indonesia, Ireland, Philippine, Vietnam and Brunei as well as local teams in Malaysia.

This 8 days 4×4 off road expedition covered 400KM distance between Kota Kinabalu, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud area, both sealed and gravel road, giving participants a very memorable and unforgettable experience. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup/. – ENDS –