Over 30 pickup trucks brandishing the glistening emblems of Chevrolet, Isuzu and Mitsubishi converged recently in preparation for the third edition of the Petron Fuel Happy Road Trip. Their shine would soon be tainted, however, as this year’s journey introduced an element of adventure in the form of a muddy off-road expedition to the famed Jerangkang waterfalls of Pahang.
As with previous Fuel Happy Road Trips, the 2017 edition was fuelled by the latest product in Petron’s line-up. This time, the spotlight was on the company’s Turbo Diesel Euro 5, a thoroughly cleaner blend of diesel made available at 73 Petron nationwide as of the time of writing. All the pickups were filled to the brim with the Euro 5 fuel at the start of a 500km drive headed to the breezy shores of Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu.
The benefits of Turbo Diesel Euro 5 were evident even before the convoy exited Klang Valley. Because of the ultra-low sulphur requirements set by Euro 5 standards, emissions were clearly reduced in terms of smoke and odour – a plus point not just for the driver, but for surrounding road users and pedestrians as well. Other advantages include complete combustion for optimum output, cleaner injectors, reduced ignition delay, improved cold start performance and better protection against engine corrosion.
Because of the latter set of benefits, Euro 5 diesels tend to be more popular amongst owners of diesel-powered luxury cars than the average truck driver who is often just interested in the cheapest fuel. However, Petron has had reason to hail the support of customers from all walks of life for the runaway success of its new fuel, which was first introduced late last year.
“Since the rollout in September 2016, we have received excellent feedback from customers who regularly use Turbo Diesel Euro 5. This product signifies our passion in delivering innovative products to our customers,” said Faridah Ali, Petron Malaysia’s Head of Retail Business.
Therefore, with the evident blessings of its regular users, it was time for Petron to showcase the benefits of Turbo Diesel Euro 5 to a wider audience: members of the media, personalities and petrol customers alike. And what better way to do so than to put its latest fuel to the ultimate test a diesel-powered car can possibly face – conquering the great outdoors.
This was the motivation that led 30 vehicles, sponsored by partners of the Petron Fuel Happy Road Trip – Avis, Chevrolet, Eon Automart, Isuzu and Mitsubishi – to fuel up for an off-road trek from Sri Jaya, Pahang, leading to the tranquil Jerangkang waterfalls, rocky terrain, mud ruts and the works. The excitement was real, so real that a customer invited to be part of the convoy filled his Perodua Myvi with Turbo Diesel Euro 5 by accident in the midst of the hype surrounding the new fuel. Fortunately, the skilful folks from Workshop On Wheels (WOW) were on hand to empty the fuel tank and get things fixed in time for the poor Perodua to regroup with the rest.
As the tarred roads began to fade away, concerns began to form about earlier showers that filled every crack in the soil ahead with tyre-swallowing mud. However, none of the pickup trucks and SUVs was really troubled. All vehicles ambled across the treacherous surface despite several struggles with grip and water depth. Even a Land Rover Defender, specially modified to ferry seven lucky customers, made it through without a hitch, ensuring no guest or participant missed the beautiful waterfalls and the specially prepared local feast that lay there, sumptuous durians included.
The mini expedition left most engine bays soiled by the free-flowing mud. But none of the vehicles showed any sign of reduced performance, with Petron’s Turbo Diesel Euro 5 keeping all engines protected and running smoothly as promised. However, the bigger difference would only be felt after refuelling at Gambang, where Euro 5 diesel wasn’t offered yet at the time of writing.
After using their Petron Miles Privilege Cards to purchase snacks for the road and refuel with Petron DieselMax, participants still had over 200km to cover on the smooth-flowing East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) before arriving at Duyong Marina Resort, Kuala Terengganu, where a well-deserved night of rest awaited.
On some of the older pickup trucks, the switch to the more affordable Euro 2M diesel saw slight dips in performance and refinement. On the flipside, this justified the added cost and exclusivity of Turbo Diesel Euro 5 which only contains 10ppm of sulphur compared to 500ppm in Euro 2M. Differences aside, everyone arrived safely at the destination and in time for a fun-filled dinner.
Throughout the trip, participants were also vying for attractive prizes sponsored by Petron, Ancasa Hotels & Resorts, Cars International, Elite Looks, Osafe Fire Inspection and Red Army Watches in a series of contests and challenges which tested their wits and creativity. Those who came out tops got their rewards as did the lucky draw winners during the dinner at a site which overlooked the serene shores of Pulau Duyong – a perfect ending to an event that stayed true to its promise of happiness, be it in in the form of the thrilling journey or the fuel that made it all possible in the first place.