There is always the Ford Everest which is a 3.0 Turbo Diesel. In Peninsular Malaysia, roadtax is expensive, in East Malaysia, I think only half the price roadtax.

If you got the Hilux which is not the latest VNT badge ones, then the Pajero Sport pulls much more than Hilux. If you have the VNT version, then its almost equal. Family has a GLS version of Pajero Sport, 4WD, before the VGT version came out.

My colleague has the Focus TDCI and I sat in his vehicle several times already. It had been discontinued by Ford just last year I think.

Okay, if you can live with the noise of the Hilux then I think the Pajero Sport VGT shouldn't be an issue as it should be quieter than the Hilux.

Diesel-powered vehicles are usually preferred as the better designs are usually more fuel efficient than the petrol equivalents. The Focus TDCI's fuel economy is very good, compared to petrol vehicles. If I'm not mistaken it registers about 4 or 5 litres/100km.  Pajero Sport VGT fuel economy is fairly good. Only bad thing is most petrol stations may not have diesel sometimes, and the handle of the diesel pump is usually quite oily, and the floor is usually tainted with diesel too. Not very clean conditions at the diesel pump stations when compared to petrol pump stations.

If you have no issues with Hilux then the Fortuner 2.5 VNT will suit you just nice. Both using the same engine and spare parts should be ample in Sabah and Sarawak.

Hmm, miss the Everest pulak. will go and survey
My dad drove the SR Turbo version of Hilux, before the vigo version. get used to the kro..kro... sound, from far can know dad is coming home.    How is the GLS version? mind sharing fuel consumption?

My GLS version is around 10km/l of BHP diesel for city driving. But I not a heavy footer. It has enough power, just abit of turbo lag.