Renault Steering Alaskan Pickup Toward Latin America

PARIS – Renault launches its first 1-ton pickup truck, which despite being named the Alaskan is aimed squarely at the growing Latin American market.

Unveiled in Medellin, Colombia, the vehicle nonetheless is a global product and will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico; Barcelona, Spain; and Cordoba, Argentina.

It follows closely the design cues first revealed by the Alaskan Concept displayed in Paris in September 2015, boasting a muscular front end but with an emphasis on lifestyle and comfort for both work and play.

Front styling features a large chrome grill, a gloss-black trim and a chrome riser bar between the grill and bumper, plus Renault’s oversize logo that now is a common feature among its new products. Lighting includes full-LED daytime running lights with a C-shape design.  Emphasizing the muscular looks, prominent wheel arches house 16- or 18-in. diamond-effect alloy wheels.

The automaker says use of durable materials backs up the Alaskan’s tough character using a fully-boxed frame from the Renault-Nissan Alliance similar to that used on the Nissan Titan. With ground clearance of 9 ins. (230 mm), the Alaskan claims a class-leading towing capacity of 3.5 tons.

Cabin space inside sees a second row for passengers with 23 ins. (589 mm) of knee room and a recline of up to 23 degrees. Up front,  4-, 6- or 8-way powered or manual adjustable seats with optional lumbar support and heated base cushions.

Automatic air conditioning provides dual-zone climate control with adjustable vents for rear passengers while storage facilities include a central console tray, door bins, cupholders and under-seat storage.

The base powertrain is Renault’s 2.3L 4-cyl. twin turbodiesel dCi engine lifted from the Renault Master LCV range in 160-hp and 190-hp versions,

Depending on markets, two other powertrains are available: a 2.5L gasoline engine making 160 hp and a 2.5L diesel in 160-hp and 190-hp variants. There’s also a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed automatic, plus 2- or all-wheel drive with mechanical rear differential lock.

Driver aids feature hill-start assist, hill-descent control, antilock braking system, electronic brake distribution, brake assist and electronic stability program.

High-tech features of the working truck include keyless entry with push-start button, a

5-in. (12.7-cm) 3-D color display, smartphone connectivity with Bluetooth and voice recognition, CD player, AM/FM radio, four or six loudspeakers and steering-wheel-mounted fingertip remote controls.

Market-specific options include a connected 7-in. (17.8-cm) touchscreen navigation, 360-degree visibility with four cameras mounted on the front bumper, door mirrors and tailgate for slow-speed maneuvering.

Sales in Colombia are expected to begin soon and other global markets will be announced later in the year.