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.
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.
