Following its release in South America, Renault has launched its Alaskan double-cab bakkie in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It is expected to reach our shores in the second quarter of 2018.
The new Renault Alaskan is essentially the same as the Nissan Navara on which it is based but it has the French automaker’s badge upfront and unique headlamps, foglamps and grille.
At the rear the metalwork of the tailgate is different to that of the Navara and although the rear lights have the same shape different lenses have been used.
Renault claim that fuel consumption on a combined cycles is as low as 6.3 litres/100km and that this is ‘the most fuel efficient pick up thanks to the 2.3-litre d Ci engine.’ This engine comes in two states of tune, namely 120kW with 403Nm or 142kW with 450Nm, mated to a selection of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes.
The Alaskan has three driving modes: two-wheel drive, high-ratio four-wheel drive and low-ratio four-wheel drive and comes with an electronic limited-slip differential and a manually engaged self-locking rear diff. Hill start assist and hill descent control are also standard.
The Alaskan rides on a ladder frame chassis and the five-link rear suspension ensures ‘an excellent ride and handling, along with premium comfort for all passengers.’
The cargo bed is 2.46m2 and the bakkie has a one ton payload capacity and can tow up to 3.5 tons.
Tech
TheRenault Alaskan is equipped with a five-inch TFT 3D colour display in the centre of the dash to display information such as, fuel economy, compass, driver-aid setting, navigational instruction and USB device controls. There is also a seven-inch colour touchscreen that has a CD player, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, sat-nav and images from the vehicles’s 360-degree camera.
The 360-degree camera is actually made up of images supplied from four cameras (fitted to the front bumper, tailgate and both door mirrors) to give all-round visibility.
Safety
Safety features include ABS, seven airbags, stability and traction control and Isofix child-seat anchors.