Renault Alaskan pick-up truck revealed

The all-new Renault Alaskan pick-up truck has been revealed. Essentially a production version of the well-received Alaskan concept of 2015, the new model is Renault’s first entry into the lightweight pick-up truck sector.

The new Alaskan stays true to the design of the 2015 concept with the familiar family grille design seen on other new Renault models. There are only slight changes to its exterior, including new tail-lights and larger door mirrors.

It benefits from Renault’s alliance with Nissan and shares parts with the NP300 Navara. Like the Nissan, the French pick-up is being marketed as a rugged off-roader and work-utility vehicle, but Renault says it will also appeal to private users with active lifestyles.

The Alaskan has a ground clearance of 230mm and can tow trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes – a figure Renault claims is best in class. The pick-up’s rear bed is available in short and long guises, depending on the market, and features four quick-fit hooks to secure loads and a bed-mounted 12V power supply.

The new pick-up is powered by a choice of two 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engines which produce 160hp and 190hp. Gearbox options include a six-speed manual as standard with a seven-speed automatic available as an option. Rear-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available as an option.

To boost the pick-up’s off-road ability, four-wheel-drive variants feature an electronic limited-slip differential that uses braking sensors to monitor wheel speed before braking wheels that are rotating faster than others to boost traction. There’s also a rear-locking differential with a mechanical lock to further improve drive in the most difficult situations. Additionally, the Alaskan comes with hill descent control to aid progress down steep slopes.

Inside, the Alaskan features a 5.0-inch TFT infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. In some markets, the touchscreen will be 7.0-inch unit and feature satellite navigation as well as a 360deg camera view to help improve external visibility.

The vehicle will initially go on sale in South America later this year before being considered for other markets internationally.  It is also expected to form the basis of Mercedes’ upcoming pick-up truck which will be jointly developed and built by Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The pick-up is expected to make its debut in 2020 and will be underpinned by the same platform as the Alaskan, though design and engineering will be handled by Mercedes.