Born from a partnership between Renault, Nissan and… Mercedes-Benz, Renault Alaskan is a part of the trio of Nissan Navara and Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
Introduced in 2016 and successfully introduced in Latin America, the French pick-up finally arrives in Europe – in Portugal towards the end of the year -, after its presentation at the last Geneva Motor Show.
Renault does not intend to lose a share of the growing European pickup truck market, which grew 25% last year and 19% in the first half of this year. Even Mercedes-Benz came forward with its proposal, the X-Class, directly related to the Alaskan.
However, the French brand as the leader in the sale of commercial vehicles in Europe and having a vast distribution network, can be decisive for the success of this model. Its rivals will be the established Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger or Mitsubishi L200, so the task is not easy.
The specifications of the French pick-up truck
The Renault Alaskan is available with single and double cabs, a short and long load box, and a cab chassis version. Its payload capacity is one ton and 3.5 tons of trailer.
The Alaskan derives from Navara, but the new front integrates visual elements that allow us to clearly identify it as a Renault – visible in the format of the grill optics or in the luminous signature in “C”.
The brand says that the interior is spacious and comfortable, with the possibility of having heated seats or air conditioning by zones. There is also a 7″ touchscreen that integrates the infotainment system which includes, among others, the navigation and connectivity system.
Renault Alaskan's motivation lies in a diesel engine with 2.3 liters that comes with two levels of power – 160 and 190 hp. The transmission is in charge of two gearboxes – six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic -, with the possibility of using two or four wheels (4H and 4LO).
Renault Alaskan, like Nissan Navara and Mercedes-Benz X-Class are produced in multiple locations: Cuernavaca in Mexico, Córdoba in Argentina and Barcelona in Spain.
