Isuzu Malaysia is showing off the new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2’s capabilities with a fuel-efficiency challenge, attempting to complete a loop around Peninsular Malaysia using just one tank of diesel.
The D-MAX One-Tank. One Nation challenge began yesterday from the Isuzu 3S Centre in Balakong, Selangor, with the D-MAX set to travel through Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, Kedah and Perak before returning to Kuala Lumpur six days later.
The journey will see the D-MAX visit Isuzu dealerships along the route, with brand ambassador Baki Zainal joining the crew at key stops.
New D-MAX 2.2 Takes On Challenge
Isuzu says the new D-MAX 2.2 has the characteristics needed for the long-distance challenge, particularly its low-rpm torque delivery and new eight-speed automatic transmission.
“We believe that the new Isuzu D-MAX featuring the ‘best engine ever’ 2.2-litre powerplant possesses the ideal qualities to engage in such a daunting challenge. Its amazing power delivery where 56% of the vehicle’s maximum torque is already available from as low as 1,000rpm, coupled to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox will allow the vehicle to efficiently accelerate to speed yet cruise comfortably along the highways,” said Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia Kenichi Kudo.
The 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is paired with the new eight-speed automatic gearbox, with Isuzu highlighting the combination’s ability to deliver useful torque from low engine speeds while maintaining relaxed highway cruising.
For this challenge, however, the key measure will ultimately be the distance covered before the D-MAX needs to refuel.
Six Days Around Peninsular Malaysia
The D-MAX will make its way around the peninsula over six days, stopping at Isuzu dealerships in six states.
The dealership visits will also give customers and D-MAX fans an opportunity to meet Baki Zainal and the crew, with special giveaways and refreshments planned during selected pit stops.
The journey will be documented through updates from Baki and the team, allowing fans to follow the D-MAX’s progress as it works its way around the country.
Guess The Final Mileage And Win RM5,000
Isuzu is also turning the challenge into a contest by asking fans to predict the total mileage the D-MAX will have covered when it returns to Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
The participant who comes closest to the final mileage will win a RM5,000 grocery shopping voucher. Secondary prizes are also available.
The final mileage will provide the headline result of the challenge and offer a real-world indication of how far the new D-MAX 2.2 can travel on a single tank during a long-distance journey across Peninsular Malaysia.
Fans can follow the journey and participate in the contest through Isuzu Malaysia’s dedicated campaign page.
D-MAX One-Tank. One Nation 2026 campaign page
CarTok Editor’s Note
Isuzu is turning one of the D-MAX’s traditional selling points — fuel efficiency — into a challenge that is easy for Malaysian drivers to understand.
Rather than simply quoting a fuel-consumption figure, the D-MAX 2.2 has to physically loop Peninsular Malaysia and return to Kuala Lumpur on the same tank of diesel. The final mileage will inevitably be influenced by traffic, weather, road conditions and driving style, but those variables are also part of real-world driving.
The challenge should therefore provide an interesting indication of what the new 2.2-litre engine and eight-speed automatic transmission can deliver when the objective is to maximise distance from every litre of diesel.
