New Renault Duster-based pickup in the works

Renault has shifted its focus on an all-new Duster-based pickup truck after unveiling the Duster SUV internationally earlier last month. This new pickup truck will be a more practical and slightly larger replacement to the Duster Oroch, which was based on the outgoing Duster.

1. Will be based on the recently updated CMF-B platform
2. Will get off-road modes, no proper 4WD gear

Renault Duster pickup will be a global product  

Renault previewed the Duster-based pickup as the Renault Niagara concept a few months ago. This new truck will share its underpinnings with the Duster and upcoming Bigster SUVs, and will first go on sale in South America. A long wheelbase version to accommodate more cabin and cargo room is also expected, and this would bring it in-line with rivals in the Brazilian market like the Fiat Toro and Chevrolet Montana.

The Duster-based pickup will borrow some of its styling cues from the Niagara, but a closer look reveals that there will be parts sharing with the regular Duster, like the front doors. The ground clearance will be higher and the overall look will be more rugged and butch, a complete departure from the much simpler looking Duster Oroch that it will replace. It will also have a Nissan derivative like the Duster SUV.

Duster pickup truck powertrain options 

There isn’t much known about the powertrain options, but we expect the pickup to be powered by petrol and petrol-hybrid powertrains, depending on the market. There will be no proper 4WD hardware on offer, but the model will come with multiple drive and off-road modes, similar to the new Duster. Some variants will also have mild-hybrid petrol powertrains with FWD setup coupled with an e-axle at the back.

The Duster Oroch was a left-hand drive-only model, but sources tell us that Renault has plans to build right-hand drive versions of the new model as well. This will help Renault (and Nissan) position this entry-level pickup in markets like South Africa where smaller pickups like the ones based on the Mahindra Scorpio are quite popular. This means the new-gen Renault and Nissan entry-level pickups could be potential rivals of the upcoming Mahindra Scorpio X pickup truck that will first see a market launch in South Africa. 

For India, Renault will bring the new Duster and also the seven-seat Bigster. The Nissan versions are expected to be launched as well, however, it remains to be seen if the alliance decides to introduce the pickups in India at some point.