The seven-seater Isuzu mu-X SUV marked a memorable debut in the 2016 Borneo Safari International Off-road Challenge when it won the ‘Vehicle of the Year’ Award.
According to Borneo Safari Organising Committee Chairman Faez A Nordin, this year’s event was the toughest in 12 years. Daily rains caused a two-day delay as the nearly 430-strong convoy struggled with slippery and muddy conditions and numerous steep uphill and downhill slopes that tested driving skills to the limit.
“Yet the Isuzu mu-X performed flawlessly, even in the ultra-tough hard core section of the trail that stretched some 30km from the entrance arch near Kampung Garung to Timberwell Camp that took three days to complete. It did not require any change of spare parts or any repairs, which speaks volumes of its quality and reliability,” he said.
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd Executive Director Hajime Machimura expressed delight that the Isuzu mu-X Monster made a successful debut and emerged with its reputation enhanced. The 3 ‘battle-hardened’ Isuzu D-Max Monsters that accompanied the mu-X Monster also successfully completed the challenge.
“This ‘proven-at-Borneo-Safari’ badge is one that every Isuzu can wear with pride. It is also timely as we have just launched our refreshed range of D-Max and mu-X last week,” he said.
Launched last month, modifications to the Isuzu mu-X were limited to the exterior as the 2.5-litre VGS turbo Intercooler diesel engine matched to a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift remained the same.
This year’s Borneo Safari is the 10th consecutive year of sponsorship by Isuzu Malaysia and the company has pledged to continue supporting the international off-road challenge in the region for years to come.
