15 November 2008
D-MAX JUNGLE
KOTA KINABALU : The Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Super Commonrail has once again proven its strong off-road capabilities having conquered the vast wilderness in the jungles of Sabah over eight gruelling days in the recent 18th International Borneo 4X4 Challenge.
It was the D-Max's second appearance in the challenge which ended last November 2, after making its debut last year in the event.
Not too long ago, the same model successfully completed the AAM Rally in Sepang.
The jungle motor expedition comprised mainly journalists led by The Star's senior writer Paul Si.
The D-Max model used for the challenge came without any engine modification except for a body lift and was fitted with a Warn 9000 winch, centipede tyres and a snorkel.
Track conditions were unpredictable at times and worsened after a rainy spell but the D-Max came out of the jungles intact and cruised easily along other bigger and highly modified monsters in the convoy.
Even when heavily loaded with passenger and cargo, the D-Max climbed steadily up steep slopes and steadily negotiated slippery stretches, deep trenches, moving through river crossings efficiently and descended uneven and slippery downhill tracks with great ability.
The D-Max was flown from Kuala Lumpur together with another super Commonrail D-Max that belonged to police officer Affendi and an Isuzu Trooper Bighorn (3.1) owned by Albert Henry, who also took part in the convoy of 15 vehicles.
Lee Han Kee of Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd and newcomer Tan were also in the group.
These Isuzu vehicles were all standard models yet, were superior in off-road conditions according to their respective class aside from occasionally having to use electric winches at times in extreme conditions.
The best quality of the D-Max is its fuel efficiency when compared to its counterparts in the convoy.
After eight punishing days in the rainforest jungles of Sabah, the three Isuzu models earned praise from the other journalists.
