- The long-awaited Renault Niagara uses the company’s RGMP pickup platform.
- Power comes from a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 160 hp.
- Renault will build the Niagara at its Santa Isabel plant in Argentina.
Latin America has long been a key region for Renault, and after months of teasing and almost three years since it was previewed as a concept, it has officially unveiled the long-awaited Niagara pickup. If only it were going to be sold elsewhere.
Targeting the Brazilian, Argentinian, and Colombian markets, Renault will build the Niagara at its Santa Isabel plant in Argentina. The pickup truck market can be pretty bland, but the Niagara seems to have a lot going for it, including shockingly similar styling to the concept that inspired it.
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Created to combine the comfort of an SUV with the robustness of a pickup, the Niagara comes exclusively with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 156 hp in the 4×2 version and 160 hp in the 4×4, with 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque in both cases. This engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a wet dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.
What Else Does The Niagara Have Going For It?
To help ensure the Niagara performs like a pickup, Renault fitted a bespoke rear axle with unique springs and shocks. The bed can carry up to 33.1 cubic feet (938 liters), has a load rating of 1,441 lbs (654 kg), and includes a roll-up cover. The bed also has eight lashing rings on the sides and a 12-volt socket. Towing capacity sits at 1,565 lbs (710 kg), barely more than a Renault Clio, so the Niagara definitely isn’t designed for big loads anyway.
Ground clearance of 9.1 inches (233 mm) in the four-wheel drive model, or 8.7 inches (223 mm) in the two-wheel drive, plus 22.1° and 22.3° approach and departure angles for the 4×4 and 4×2, respectively, should give the Niagara adequate off-road ability. Shoppers eager to make the most of their Niagara would be wise to get the 4×4, as it includes several driving modes that tweak power distribution between the axles to maximize grip.
A Familiar Renault Cabin
As you’d imagine, the Niagara’s cabin isn’t a radical departure from other Renault models, even though the exterior design is. Key features include a 10.2-inch digital cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment display, and a small gear selector. Upholstery varies by trim level, with base models in fabric and higher trims getting TEP upholstery and ambient lighting.
Renault’s OpenR infotainment system comes equipped with Google built-in, meaning native access to Google Maps and Gemini, as well as the Google Play Store. The Niagara also ticks plenty of safety boxes, too, including adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a blind spot warning system.
Pricing and availability details for Latin America’s Renault Niagara have yet to be announced.
