Aside from its well-earned reputation for reliability and robustness, Isuzu diesel engines are also known for efficiency. It’s not just anecdotal evidence, either, as it’s something we’ve also observed over the years.
But to further drive that point home, the company decided to put its product’s efficiency to the ultimate test. There, they filled up several Isuzu D-Max models to the brim and drove them from Thailand to Malaysia.
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Three D-Max models took on the long trip with one equipped with a 1.9-liter turbodiesel and two-wheel drive, another with a 1.9-liter but with four-wheel drive, and a 3.0-liter 4x4. The convoy started in Phitsanulok, Thailand with the finish set in Klang, Malaysia. That’s a distance of over 1,800 kilometers.
It wasn’t all smooth highway driving all the way. The route took the trio of D-Max pickups through traffic, winding roads, and a couple of uphill climbs. Also, the units used were off the shelf, and fuel doors were sealed off to make sure the 76-liter tank isn’t tampered.
The result? All three D-Max units made it to Klang. Not only that, it exceeded 1,800 kilometers by going 2,004 kilometers on a single fill up. If we do that math, that meant these pickups averaged at least 26.36 km/L. That’s quite the achievement, especially given that the 3.0-liter was able to go that far, too.
Of course, there was hypermiling involved here, but it doesn’t take away anything from the impressive feat. Squeezing every drop out of a fuel tank is a tough job, especially on public roads.
So, for those in the market for a D-Max, perhaps this extreme fuel economy run might sway you to buy one. You might not get 2,004 kilometers on a single tank, but at least you know you have an efficient pickup.
