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enault has finally shown its hand with its forthcoming
all-new 1T utility based on the new NP300 Nissan
Navara, uncovering a boldly styled concept vehicle –
dubbed the Alaskan – ahead of the production model next year.
Bound for Australia before too long, the new ute will be
revealed in final form in the first quarter of 2016 before it
begins rolling down the line at the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s
factory in Spain, from where it will be exported to global
markets – including ours.
A Mercedes-Benz utility is also in the works as part of the
three-way partnership with Nissan, and will come to Australia
at a date likewise still to be confirmed.
The Renault ute will be sold through the brand’s national
dealer network, including its new Pro+ outlets that specialise
in light commercial vehicles, including the Kangoo, Trafic and
Master model lines.
The French brand has confirmed the production version will
be “similar in spirit” to that of the Alaskan concept and have
the same dimensions (for the dual cab), a broad range of body
types and powertrains available and that it will be positioned as
a “high-end pick-up for business and leisure”.
Full specifications are still to be revealed, but Renault has
made it clear that the key powerplant behind the new ute is the
2.3L four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel already seen in the Navara
and the Master van – and which the company claims will offer
“class-topping fuel economy”.
In the Navara, this YS23-series bi-turbo diesel produces
140kW of power at 3,750rpm and 450Nm of torque from 1,500-
2,500rpm and combines with a six-speed manual or seven-
speed automatic transmission.
Renault’s designers describe the Alaskan concept as “a
striking vehicle
that paves the
way for a pick-up
that will have a
global calling”,
bursting on to
the scene with a
1T payload and
“cutting-edge,
athletic styling to meet the exacting needs of business users
and individuals alike”.
It certainly has plenty of road presence, with big wheel
arches (housing 21" wheels), a heavily sculptured bonnet,
prominent diamond logo set within a suitably bold grille, a
combination of satin-effect, brushed and polished metal
finishes, central aluminium tailpipe and C-shaped headlights
with full-LED lighting front and rear.
The load bed incorporates three longitudinal recesses
suitable for fixing equipment, while storage bins are positioned
either side of the tub.
Renault also promises the highest quality in terms of
equipment and connectivity, and the show car comes with a
camera located inside the door mirror housings “to permit the
filming of passing landscapes”.
The latter may not make it to production, but the basic
vehicle shown here is a strong indication of what will eventually
line up alongside the big-selling utes from other brands on a
worksite near you.
Renault Australia
www.renault.com.auRENAULT ALASKAN