Isuzu Malaysia: our models can use B10 biodiesel

Along with the announcement that the 1.9 litre Ddi BluePower turbodiesel engine will be launched locally, Isuzu Malaysia also assured customers that its existing models are compatible for use with B10 biodiesel.

As stipulated by the government, mandatory use of B10 biodiesel in Malaysia has already started as of February 1, 2019, but only for the transportation sector for now. The implementation of the B10 programme for the transportation sector started on December 1 last year.

Primary industries minister Teresa Kok had previously said Malaysia aims to increase its biodiesel mandate in the transport sector to B20 by 2020, and to B10 from B7 in the industrial sector.

Isuzu Malaysia plans to introduce 1.9L Ddi BluePower turbodiesel engine in the country within this year

Isuzu Malaysia has revealed that it will introduce the 1.9 litre Ddi BluePower turbodiesel (codename RZ4E-TC) engine in the country, which was put on display at last year’s Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).

The RZ4E-TC has been on sale in other markets since 2015, including Thailand, and is used in the D-Max pick-up truck and MU-X SUV. Despite being smaller in displacement compared to the seasoned 4JK1-TCX 2.5 litre unit, the BluePower engine offers 150 hp at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque (16 hp and 30 Nm gain), while being 19% more efficient and 20% lighter.

“All in, the RZ4E-TC 1.9 litre Ddi BluePower has an increase of 10% in power, 9.4% more torque, 8.2% faster acceleration and 19% better fuel economy,” said Masayuki Suzuki, chief operating officer of light commercial vehicle at Isuzu Malaysia.

For now, the company says the engine is in its final phase of testing for the local market, and will be launched here by the end of this year. However, no details about which model will be the first recipient of the engine. Nonetheless, this is good news for consumers as they’ll be getting a lower-capacity turbodiesel engine with better performance. Interested?