Renault Pulls The Wraps Off New Alaskan Pickup Truck

The French company’s first global one-tonne pickup truck was finally unveiled today in full production form.

The new Renault Alaskan is based on the same underpinnings used by Nissan’s Navara NP300, while its design is almost identical to that of the very well-received 2015 concept.

The large front grille and the muscular lines of the bonnet create a very appealing face with the C-shaped LED daytime running lights completing the picture while the broad shoulders and its sculpted sides give it the necessary tough look that customers look for in the segment.

Under the bonnet lies a 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel dCi engine which will be available in 160hp and 190hp versions. Renault opted for a sequential turbo setup, meaning a smaller turbo that handles all the work at low engine speeds before the larger one takes over at higher revs.

Depending on markets, Renault will also offer a petrol 160hp 2.5-litre unit and a 2.5-litre diesel in 160hp and 190hp guises. Customers will be able to choose from a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic transmission plus two- and four-wheel drive versions.

All-wheel drive models will come with an electronic limited slip differential that individually uses the brakes to slow the faster wheel on an axle and therefore improve traction. Renault also offers a rear-locking differential with a mechanical lock for when the off-roading gets really serious.

With a ground clearance of 230mm, the new Renault Alaskan promises to suit the needs of a wide range of customers, including professionals and private users. Renault also claims a best-in-class towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes.
Inside there is a five-inch color display sitting between the driver’s gauges while some countries will also get the seven-inch connected infotainment system as well. A four-camera system provides a 360-degree view around the Alaskan, helping the driver in slow-speed maneuvering both on-road and off-road.

The new Renault Alaskan will become available first in Columbia later this year with the rest of the South American markets to follow shortly after. Renault also plans to offer it in African countries as well as Europe, with the Alaskan to be built at three different factories in Mexico, Spain and Argentina.