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2017 Renault Alaskan
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Laurens van den Acker, Renault’s senior vice president for corporate design, says that designing the upcoming Alaskan bakkie was “easy, to a certain degree”.
The Alaskan, which was unveiled earlier this year before making its European debut at the Paris Motor Show, will share its underpinnings with the Navara, thanks to Renault’s alliance with Nissan. The upcoming Mercedes-Benz bakkie, too, will be closely related to the Navara.
“The Alaskan was fun. The Alaskan was easy, to a certain degree, because … well, it’s a French pickup truck – let’s be honest, that’s kind of a contradiction,” Van den Acker, who joined the French automaker in 2009, told South African and Israeli journalists during a briefing in Paris.
“And I was lucky to have spent ten years in the US with Ford, so I know a little bit about trucks,” the Dutchman added, in reference to his time with the Blue Oval.
“There are not many people in Paris who know about pickup trucks, so nobody had an opinion and [they] just let us do our thing. And I think the truck came out quite all right. You judge for yourself.”
The Alaskan is expected to arrive in South Africa in 2018. Although it is not yet confirmed whether SA double-cab models will feature the multi-link rear suspension debuted by the Navara, it seems likely, with a Renault SA official telling us its inclusion will probably be dependent on price positioning.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/alaskan-bakkie-easy-to-style-renault-design-boss/
The Alaskan, which was unveiled earlier this year before making its European debut at the Paris Motor Show, will share its underpinnings with the Navara, thanks to Renault’s alliance with Nissan. The upcoming Mercedes-Benz bakkie, too, will be closely related to the Navara.
“The Alaskan was fun. The Alaskan was easy, to a certain degree, because … well, it’s a French pickup truck – let’s be honest, that’s kind of a contradiction,” Van den Acker, who joined the French automaker in 2009, told South African and Israeli journalists during a briefing in Paris.
“And I was lucky to have spent ten years in the US with Ford, so I know a little bit about trucks,” the Dutchman added, in reference to his time with the Blue Oval.
“There are not many people in Paris who know about pickup trucks, so nobody had an opinion and [they] just let us do our thing. And I think the truck came out quite all right. You judge for yourself.”
The Alaskan is expected to arrive in South Africa in 2018. Although it is not yet confirmed whether SA double-cab models will feature the multi-link rear suspension debuted by the Navara, it seems likely, with a Renault SA official telling us its inclusion will probably be dependent on price positioning.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/alaskan-bakkie-easy-to-style-renault-design-boss/
Drifter
Honorary Master
Only in 2018??? The base model price will be R750K the way car prices are going in SA.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault Alaskan Double Cab coming to SA in 2018
Renault plans to introduce the Alaskan double cab bakkie to South Africa in 2018.
A raft of double cab bakkies seem to be arriving or will be arriving soon. Adding its name to that ever expanding list is the Renault Alaskan. It was officially revealed back in July 2016, but Renault South Africa has just confirmed that it is planning to introduce the bakkie in 2018.
The Alaskan uses the same platform as the Navara and upcoming Merc X-Class, so Renault has a good foundation to work from. How it plans to position the Alaskan among the above competitors will be of paramount importance. The 5-link rear suspension setup lends itself towards comfort, so we expect it to be more of a leisure or lifestyle bakkie than a workhorse.
Renault South Africa has not confirmed where the Alaskan will be sourced from, but it has said that it would be preferable to produce the bakkie at its alliance partner's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria. The Nissan plant has undergone upgrades in order to build the new Navara, so hopefully there will be the capacity to produce the Alaskan there too. Nissan and Renault have worked together before at the Rosslyn plant, where it produced the first generation Renault Sandero...
Engine wise, the 2.3-litre turbodiesel will almost certainly be installed in the local Alaskan. Beyond that, internationally it also uses a petrol and turbodiesel 2.5-litre engine.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news...-cab-coming-to-sa-in-2018/43098/#.WLbAglV95hE
Renault plans to introduce the Alaskan double cab bakkie to South Africa in 2018.
A raft of double cab bakkies seem to be arriving or will be arriving soon. Adding its name to that ever expanding list is the Renault Alaskan. It was officially revealed back in July 2016, but Renault South Africa has just confirmed that it is planning to introduce the bakkie in 2018.
The Alaskan uses the same platform as the Navara and upcoming Merc X-Class, so Renault has a good foundation to work from. How it plans to position the Alaskan among the above competitors will be of paramount importance. The 5-link rear suspension setup lends itself towards comfort, so we expect it to be more of a leisure or lifestyle bakkie than a workhorse.
Renault South Africa has not confirmed where the Alaskan will be sourced from, but it has said that it would be preferable to produce the bakkie at its alliance partner's Rosslyn plant in Pretoria. The Nissan plant has undergone upgrades in order to build the new Navara, so hopefully there will be the capacity to produce the Alaskan there too. Nissan and Renault have worked together before at the Rosslyn plant, where it produced the first generation Renault Sandero...
Engine wise, the 2.3-litre turbodiesel will almost certainly be installed in the local Alaskan. Beyond that, internationally it also uses a petrol and turbodiesel 2.5-litre engine.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news...-cab-coming-to-sa-in-2018/43098/#.WLbAglV95hE
Gtx Gaming
Gtx Gaming
Renault seems to pushing hard to get market share in SA. Would nice if they build this locally and some more cars.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
I think these crossover pickups from latin america have potential here uf correctly priced, but if u price oroch at 350k and navara ranger and isuzu full bakkies are there then u will choose the latter, if they bring the oroch or fiat toro or saviero then price them at 250k basic model then they can make good money
Binary_Bark
Forging
That looks really nice. Almost want me to get one like the Thar.
But how is the safety rating? Seems Renault is stuck on 0 star rating of late
But how is the safety rating? Seems Renault is stuck on 0 star rating of late
cr@zydude
Honorary Master
Mostly agree. The oroch and toro would have been better for SA than the alaskan and fullback.
The saviero is much smaller than those 2, but the VW badge could help make that price work.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Hitting Europe now
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault releases fresh images of Alaskan bakkie…
The production version of the Renault Alaskan may have been unveiled back in July 2016, but the bakkie has only just launched in Europe. So, the French brand has released a fresh batch of images.
Sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Navara (like the Mercedes-Benz X-Class), the double-cab version of the Alaskan likewise borrows the Japanese bakkie’s five-link rear suspension setup.
In Europe, the Alaskan is offered with the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s 2,3-litre dCi unit, a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine set to be available in two states of tune (118 kW and 140 kW).
So, will it come to South Africa? Well, back when we saw the bakkie in the metal in Paris, Renault SA tentatively told us that the plan was for the Alaskan to hit local shores in 2018. But the latest news in that while Renault SA is “actively pursuing” this model, it does not have “any confirmed production timelines” from its French headquarters.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/renault-releases-fresh-images-of-alaskan-bakkie/
The production version of the Renault Alaskan may have been unveiled back in July 2016, but the bakkie has only just launched in Europe. So, the French brand has released a fresh batch of images.
Sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Navara (like the Mercedes-Benz X-Class), the double-cab version of the Alaskan likewise borrows the Japanese bakkie’s five-link rear suspension setup.
In Europe, the Alaskan is offered with the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s 2,3-litre dCi unit, a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine set to be available in two states of tune (118 kW and 140 kW).
So, will it come to South Africa? Well, back when we saw the bakkie in the metal in Paris, Renault SA tentatively told us that the plan was for the Alaskan to hit local shores in 2018. But the latest news in that while Renault SA is “actively pursuing” this model, it does not have “any confirmed production timelines” from its French headquarters.
http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/renault-releases-fresh-images-of-alaskan-bakkie/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault Alaskan Launches in Europe, Coming to SA in 2018
After launching the Alaskan double-cab bakkie in Latin America, Renault has now set its sights on the European market where it hopes to capitalise on growing demand. Renault plans to introduce the Alaskan double cab bakkie to South Africa in 2018.
Renault is launching its Navara-based bakkie in Europe and the model is expected for South African introduction next year. When it arrives, the Alaskan will take on a host of leisure double cab products such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok and forthcoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class, to name a few.
The Alaskan will have much to prove in a segment filled with established products.
The Alaskan uses the same platform as the Navara and Merc X-Class, so Renault has a good foundation to work from. How it plans to position the Alaskan among the above competitors will be of paramount importance. The 5-link rear suspension setup lends itself towards comfort, so we expect it to be more of a leisure or lifestyle bakkie than a workhorse.
The Alaskan is powered by a 2.3-litre diesel engine offering either a single turbocharger with 120 kW or a twin-turbo with 140 kW. A small turbo will provide strong torque at low revs and a larger turbo provides more power at higher revs. Renault claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.3 L/100 km. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission will be offered.
A choice of 3 driving modes will be at the driver's disposal including 2WD, 4H and 4LO, depending on the terrain. The Alaskan is equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential, self-locking rear differential (manually engaged), hill start assist and hill descent control.
Based on the Nissan Navara, the Renault Alaskan inherits some strong offroad genes.
Key safety features include ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability program, traction control and a total of 7 airbags as standard.
Interior features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, 360-degree camera and Bluetooth functionality. A 5-inch TFT 3D colour display is also fitted, giving the driver vital information such as fuel economy, navigation instructions, driver aid settings, compass, USB device controls and so forth. The Alaskan is fitted with NASA-inspired zero gravity seats with heating function while the driver's seat is 8-way electrically operated. Leather upholstery will be offered on specific derivatives along with automatic dual-zone climate control with independent air conditioning for front and rear passengers.
A number of storage solutions will be available to passengers, including storage bins underneath the rear seats. Local specification, however, may differ from what is offered in Europe and specification will be confirmed closer to the Alaskan's arrival in 2018.
The Alaskan will be offered with a range of comfort and convenience features including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
We will be driving the new Renault Alaskan in Europe in the near future, so stay tuned to our social channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for more details.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/renault-alaskan-launches-in-europe-coming-to-sa-in-2018/43098/
After launching the Alaskan double-cab bakkie in Latin America, Renault has now set its sights on the European market where it hopes to capitalise on growing demand. Renault plans to introduce the Alaskan double cab bakkie to South Africa in 2018.
Renault is launching its Navara-based bakkie in Europe and the model is expected for South African introduction next year. When it arrives, the Alaskan will take on a host of leisure double cab products such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok and forthcoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class, to name a few.
The Alaskan will have much to prove in a segment filled with established products.
The Alaskan uses the same platform as the Navara and Merc X-Class, so Renault has a good foundation to work from. How it plans to position the Alaskan among the above competitors will be of paramount importance. The 5-link rear suspension setup lends itself towards comfort, so we expect it to be more of a leisure or lifestyle bakkie than a workhorse.
The Alaskan is powered by a 2.3-litre diesel engine offering either a single turbocharger with 120 kW or a twin-turbo with 140 kW. A small turbo will provide strong torque at low revs and a larger turbo provides more power at higher revs. Renault claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.3 L/100 km. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission will be offered.
A choice of 3 driving modes will be at the driver's disposal including 2WD, 4H and 4LO, depending on the terrain. The Alaskan is equipped with an electronic limited-slip differential, self-locking rear differential (manually engaged), hill start assist and hill descent control.
Based on the Nissan Navara, the Renault Alaskan inherits some strong offroad genes.
Key safety features include ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability program, traction control and a total of 7 airbags as standard.
Interior features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, 360-degree camera and Bluetooth functionality. A 5-inch TFT 3D colour display is also fitted, giving the driver vital information such as fuel economy, navigation instructions, driver aid settings, compass, USB device controls and so forth. The Alaskan is fitted with NASA-inspired zero gravity seats with heating function while the driver's seat is 8-way electrically operated. Leather upholstery will be offered on specific derivatives along with automatic dual-zone climate control with independent air conditioning for front and rear passengers.
A number of storage solutions will be available to passengers, including storage bins underneath the rear seats. Local specification, however, may differ from what is offered in Europe and specification will be confirmed closer to the Alaskan's arrival in 2018.
The Alaskan will be offered with a range of comfort and convenience features including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
We will be driving the new Renault Alaskan in Europe in the near future, so stay tuned to our social channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for more details.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/renault-alaskan-launches-in-europe-coming-to-sa-in-2018/43098/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault Alaskan (2017) International First Drive
Renault Alaskan - Availability and Pricing
If the South African economy plays ball, the arrival of the Alaskan has the potential to upset the bakkie apple-cart in the South African market.
A spokesperson from Renault South Africa has confirmed that the Alaskan will be introduced locally in the second half of 2018. At this stage, local Alaskan specification is yet to be confirmed and it's not yet clear if both engine options will be offered in South Africa.
However, we can speculate with reasonable certainty that the range-topping 140 kW version will be offered in 7-speed automatic guise. High-spec automatic double cab bakkies constitute the majority of sales in the leisure double cab segment in South Africa and a flagship Alaskan automatic would, theoretically, make strong business sense. In addition to this, Renault will in all likelihood offer a mid-spec Alaskan which may very well be powered by the 120 kW Renault-tuned 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine with both a 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission on offer.
Like many manufacturers in South Africa, Renault is at the mercy of the exchange rate and the potential success of the Alaskan will depend on its price point in relation to its rivals. Renault SA has indicated that pricing will likely be similar to that of the Nissan Navara which means that pricing may start from about R520 000 for the entry-level Alaskan and going up to approximately R600 000 for the top-spec automatic version.
Buyers currently have lots of choice in the leisure double-cab segment and based on our recent experience with the Alaskan in Slovenia we can confidently report that the Alaskan is a strong product that is superior to many double-cab products currently on sale in South Africa, including quite possibly the Navara upon which it is based. We think the Alaskan has its Navara rival licked in terms of overall design and road presence, engine refinement and power delivery, standard specification and even ride quality. Also, the Alaskan's infotainment system is far better and it appears to be a robust offroad offering. If Renault SA can introduce the Alaskan with comprehensive specification and attractive pricing, it should, in theory, be well-received locally
Perhaps the Alaskan's greatest challenge is to overcome the way in which it is perceived in the minds of typically stubborn brand-loyal consumers who may find it difficult to justify spending their money on the Alaskan. The Alaskan's performance speaks for itself and we cant wait for it to arrive on local soil so that we can put it to the test against all of its rivals. We believe the Alaskan has the ability to shatter and redefine public perception. Furthermore, we wouldn't be at all surprised if the Renault Alaskan becomes a finalist in the Leisure Double Cab category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards - Powered by WesBank in 2018/2019.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/renault-alaskan-2017-international-first-drive/43982/
Renault Alaskan - Availability and Pricing
If the South African economy plays ball, the arrival of the Alaskan has the potential to upset the bakkie apple-cart in the South African market.
A spokesperson from Renault South Africa has confirmed that the Alaskan will be introduced locally in the second half of 2018. At this stage, local Alaskan specification is yet to be confirmed and it's not yet clear if both engine options will be offered in South Africa.
However, we can speculate with reasonable certainty that the range-topping 140 kW version will be offered in 7-speed automatic guise. High-spec automatic double cab bakkies constitute the majority of sales in the leisure double cab segment in South Africa and a flagship Alaskan automatic would, theoretically, make strong business sense. In addition to this, Renault will in all likelihood offer a mid-spec Alaskan which may very well be powered by the 120 kW Renault-tuned 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine with both a 7-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission on offer.
Like many manufacturers in South Africa, Renault is at the mercy of the exchange rate and the potential success of the Alaskan will depend on its price point in relation to its rivals. Renault SA has indicated that pricing will likely be similar to that of the Nissan Navara which means that pricing may start from about R520 000 for the entry-level Alaskan and going up to approximately R600 000 for the top-spec automatic version.
Buyers currently have lots of choice in the leisure double-cab segment and based on our recent experience with the Alaskan in Slovenia we can confidently report that the Alaskan is a strong product that is superior to many double-cab products currently on sale in South Africa, including quite possibly the Navara upon which it is based. We think the Alaskan has its Navara rival licked in terms of overall design and road presence, engine refinement and power delivery, standard specification and even ride quality. Also, the Alaskan's infotainment system is far better and it appears to be a robust offroad offering. If Renault SA can introduce the Alaskan with comprehensive specification and attractive pricing, it should, in theory, be well-received locally
Perhaps the Alaskan's greatest challenge is to overcome the way in which it is perceived in the minds of typically stubborn brand-loyal consumers who may find it difficult to justify spending their money on the Alaskan. The Alaskan's performance speaks for itself and we cant wait for it to arrive on local soil so that we can put it to the test against all of its rivals. We believe the Alaskan has the ability to shatter and redefine public perception. Furthermore, we wouldn't be at all surprised if the Renault Alaskan becomes a finalist in the Leisure Double Cab category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards - Powered by WesBank in 2018/2019.
http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/renault-alaskan-2017-international-first-drive/43982/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault’s new Ranger-fighter: Alaskan bakkie headed for SA
It’s named after a North American state. Its family name is French yet it’s manufactured in Mexico, Argentina and Spain.
Renault’s first stab at a four-wheel drive, one-ton bakkie – the Alaskan – could not be more cosmopolitan.
Earlier in September, it was unveiled to the international motoring press in Slovenia and it’s set to arrive locally next year.
According to Renault SA: "The Renault Alaskan is set for introduction in South Africa in the second half of 2018 though local prices and specifications will only be finalised closer to the launch date."
Sharing traits with the Navara
Its DNA is twistier than a bowl of spaghetti, that’s because globally, Renault owns Nissan, which means the Alaskan is mechanically identical to the Navara, which has been on sale overseas for over two years – but only locally since March 2017. As if that’s not a mouthful already, Mercedes-Benz has decided to base their upcoming X-Class bakkie – which launches next month – also on the Renault-Nissan platform.
(Nearly) Ford-besting power
Only one diesel engine – a 2.3-litre four cylinder offering two outputs – powers the Alaskan. The entry 160 dCi engine is a single-turbo unit and develops 120kW and 403Nm. The higher-spec 190 dCi has two asymmetrically-sized turbos – a smaller one for chasing ponies at low-engine speeds while a larger turbo kicks in later. The more powerful diesel develops 140kW/450Nm. The claimed average fuel consumption figure is 6.3 litres/100km and both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic transmission is available.
Apart from the 3.2-litre Ford Ranger (147kW/470Nm), the Alaskan’s stats makes it the most powerful as well as the most frugal in its class. An equivalent VW Amarok has 132kW/400Nm and consumes 7.9litres/100km and a Toyota Hilux 2.8 130kW/420Nm/7.6l/100km.
The Alaskan’s load box stretches over 2.46m2, the tailgate platform can endure up to 500kg and the ground clearance is 230mm.
What do you think of Renault's Alaskan bakkie? What will it take for Renault to go up against SA bakkie rivals such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Range? Email us
Retained in translation
While (keylessly) opening the Renault’s door for the first time, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve got into the wrong car. Everything is unmistakably Nissan; from the type face on the dials to the pushbutton controls (yes, even the key). Only the silver diamond on the steering wheel boss reminds one that you’re now in Toulouse instead of Tokyo.
Stylish bakkie
While inside only the Alaskan’s steering wheel and radio is different from the Navara’s, for the exterior Renault went out of their way to distinguish their double-cab from its Japanese blood brother. Neither iteration has been shy with the chrome treatment, although the Frenchman’s corporate face appears more modern (and its toothed grille more muscular). By contrast, after just a few months the Navara is in a need of Oil of Olay.
Lifestyle bakkie
As has become de rigeur with the lifestyle bakkies of today, the Alaskan’s cabin is more reminiscent of a passenger car than that of a workhorse. There’s a variety of hard and soft surfacing and the seats and steering wheel are leather-clad. A whopping 20 storage spaces, a trio of 12V sockets, hill start and hill descent control and seven airbags are all standard, while the flagship model further features dual-zone climate control whose temperature can be individually controlled between front and rear.
The front seats (of which the driver’s is heated and eight-way electrically adjustable) are claimed to be inspired by NASA’s “zero gravity” design that sees the occupants’ body mass being evenly distributed over the entire surface of the seat to prevent fatigue and discomfort during long-distance driving.
A centrally-mounted seven-inch touchscreen displays navigational information – along with providing real-time traffic updates for more efficient route-planning – as well as a 360 degree top-down view when parking or needling the Alaskan through tight spaces. In addition, each wing mirror houses a built-in camera whose image can be displayed on the screen; useful during off-road manoeuvres for the driver who sits on one side but requires another pair of eyes on the passenger side.
A secondary five-inch screen is sandwiched between the speedo and the rev clock and displays amongst others information about the fuel consumption and four wheel-drive settings.
So is the Renault Alaskan’s footwork as fancy as its brain?
At its launch the new Nissan Navara’s rear suspension was announced to great fanfare. That’s because it’s configured as a multilink layout instead of the traditional leaf springs (stronger, but provide a less comforting ride). Neither the Navara’s respective one-ton loading and 3.5 ton towing abilities – and by extension those of the Alaskan – are affected by this deviation; in fact the ride quality is greatly improved on all surfaces, even with 18” tyres fitted. Lesser models will get 16” tyres.
Highway driving showed the Alaskan to be an exceptionally comfortable cruiser. Wind, road and mechanical noise are nearly imperceptible and it feels more stable than is expected from a vehicle sporting a tall centre of gravity. The engine – while capable on paper – seems a little sluggish at first and gets a bit thrashy at speeds above 3000rpm, but it behaves no worse than any of its competitors.
If the Alaskan achieves just one goal, then it’s that despite their agricultural background, the double-cab driving experience increasingly mimics that of road cars with stunning authenticity. And that’s quite an accolade.
The incessant rain in the preceding weeks of the launch turned the off-roading exercise to a mud bath, while also limiting the number of activities on offer. But even on the wrong type of tyres (all-purpose rather than dedicated off-road) the Renault conquered its conditions and there’s no reason to expect it to underperform against its more established competitors.
Would you buy one?
That’s the crux of the matter; what blue-blooded bakkie disciple would turn his back on the segment stalwarts in favour of a relatively unproven brand in the pick-up market?
Renault South Africa are admitting that they’ll have to price the Alaskan competitively if they are to make a dent in the seemingly impenetrable lifestyle bakkie segment, where which most of the Alaskan’s rivals are priced at around R500k – 600k each. That’s point number one. But don’t forget, this is a Nissan. So you’re getting a Frenchier, prettier and equally reliable Navara… for cheaper than a Navara.
Yes, the Alaskan is bizarrely named after a region where it’s not even sold. And it’s a pain to have to explain its origins but a braai with cognac and Coke, at least in SA, will forever be more appealing than a meditation session with rice wine and Sushi.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/OffRoad_a...fighter-alaskan-bakkie-headed-for-sa-20170919
It’s named after a North American state. Its family name is French yet it’s manufactured in Mexico, Argentina and Spain.
Renault’s first stab at a four-wheel drive, one-ton bakkie – the Alaskan – could not be more cosmopolitan.
Earlier in September, it was unveiled to the international motoring press in Slovenia and it’s set to arrive locally next year.
According to Renault SA: "The Renault Alaskan is set for introduction in South Africa in the second half of 2018 though local prices and specifications will only be finalised closer to the launch date."
Sharing traits with the Navara
Its DNA is twistier than a bowl of spaghetti, that’s because globally, Renault owns Nissan, which means the Alaskan is mechanically identical to the Navara, which has been on sale overseas for over two years – but only locally since March 2017. As if that’s not a mouthful already, Mercedes-Benz has decided to base their upcoming X-Class bakkie – which launches next month – also on the Renault-Nissan platform.
(Nearly) Ford-besting power
Only one diesel engine – a 2.3-litre four cylinder offering two outputs – powers the Alaskan. The entry 160 dCi engine is a single-turbo unit and develops 120kW and 403Nm. The higher-spec 190 dCi has two asymmetrically-sized turbos – a smaller one for chasing ponies at low-engine speeds while a larger turbo kicks in later. The more powerful diesel develops 140kW/450Nm. The claimed average fuel consumption figure is 6.3 litres/100km and both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic transmission is available.
Apart from the 3.2-litre Ford Ranger (147kW/470Nm), the Alaskan’s stats makes it the most powerful as well as the most frugal in its class. An equivalent VW Amarok has 132kW/400Nm and consumes 7.9litres/100km and a Toyota Hilux 2.8 130kW/420Nm/7.6l/100km.
The Alaskan’s load box stretches over 2.46m2, the tailgate platform can endure up to 500kg and the ground clearance is 230mm.
What do you think of Renault's Alaskan bakkie? What will it take for Renault to go up against SA bakkie rivals such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Range? Email us
Retained in translation
While (keylessly) opening the Renault’s door for the first time, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’ve got into the wrong car. Everything is unmistakably Nissan; from the type face on the dials to the pushbutton controls (yes, even the key). Only the silver diamond on the steering wheel boss reminds one that you’re now in Toulouse instead of Tokyo.
Stylish bakkie
While inside only the Alaskan’s steering wheel and radio is different from the Navara’s, for the exterior Renault went out of their way to distinguish their double-cab from its Japanese blood brother. Neither iteration has been shy with the chrome treatment, although the Frenchman’s corporate face appears more modern (and its toothed grille more muscular). By contrast, after just a few months the Navara is in a need of Oil of Olay.
Lifestyle bakkie
As has become de rigeur with the lifestyle bakkies of today, the Alaskan’s cabin is more reminiscent of a passenger car than that of a workhorse. There’s a variety of hard and soft surfacing and the seats and steering wheel are leather-clad. A whopping 20 storage spaces, a trio of 12V sockets, hill start and hill descent control and seven airbags are all standard, while the flagship model further features dual-zone climate control whose temperature can be individually controlled between front and rear.
The front seats (of which the driver’s is heated and eight-way electrically adjustable) are claimed to be inspired by NASA’s “zero gravity” design that sees the occupants’ body mass being evenly distributed over the entire surface of the seat to prevent fatigue and discomfort during long-distance driving.
A centrally-mounted seven-inch touchscreen displays navigational information – along with providing real-time traffic updates for more efficient route-planning – as well as a 360 degree top-down view when parking or needling the Alaskan through tight spaces. In addition, each wing mirror houses a built-in camera whose image can be displayed on the screen; useful during off-road manoeuvres for the driver who sits on one side but requires another pair of eyes on the passenger side.
A secondary five-inch screen is sandwiched between the speedo and the rev clock and displays amongst others information about the fuel consumption and four wheel-drive settings.
So is the Renault Alaskan’s footwork as fancy as its brain?
At its launch the new Nissan Navara’s rear suspension was announced to great fanfare. That’s because it’s configured as a multilink layout instead of the traditional leaf springs (stronger, but provide a less comforting ride). Neither the Navara’s respective one-ton loading and 3.5 ton towing abilities – and by extension those of the Alaskan – are affected by this deviation; in fact the ride quality is greatly improved on all surfaces, even with 18” tyres fitted. Lesser models will get 16” tyres.
Highway driving showed the Alaskan to be an exceptionally comfortable cruiser. Wind, road and mechanical noise are nearly imperceptible and it feels more stable than is expected from a vehicle sporting a tall centre of gravity. The engine – while capable on paper – seems a little sluggish at first and gets a bit thrashy at speeds above 3000rpm, but it behaves no worse than any of its competitors.
If the Alaskan achieves just one goal, then it’s that despite their agricultural background, the double-cab driving experience increasingly mimics that of road cars with stunning authenticity. And that’s quite an accolade.
The incessant rain in the preceding weeks of the launch turned the off-roading exercise to a mud bath, while also limiting the number of activities on offer. But even on the wrong type of tyres (all-purpose rather than dedicated off-road) the Renault conquered its conditions and there’s no reason to expect it to underperform against its more established competitors.
Would you buy one?
That’s the crux of the matter; what blue-blooded bakkie disciple would turn his back on the segment stalwarts in favour of a relatively unproven brand in the pick-up market?
Renault South Africa are admitting that they’ll have to price the Alaskan competitively if they are to make a dent in the seemingly impenetrable lifestyle bakkie segment, where which most of the Alaskan’s rivals are priced at around R500k – 600k each. That’s point number one. But don’t forget, this is a Nissan. So you’re getting a Frenchier, prettier and equally reliable Navara… for cheaper than a Navara.
Yes, the Alaskan is bizarrely named after a region where it’s not even sold. And it’s a pain to have to explain its origins but a braai with cognac and Coke, at least in SA, will forever be more appealing than a meditation session with rice wine and Sushi.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/OffRoad_a...fighter-alaskan-bakkie-headed-for-sa-20170919
FiestaST
Honorary Master
DRIVEN: Renault Alaskan 2,3 dCi 4×4 double-cab
It’s not surprising that manufacturers are now jumping onto the double-cab bandwagon. Or should that be load-bay?
Even though South Africa has been there for ages, this market is now growing rapidly around the world. Renault has launched its Alaskan, not in Alaska, but in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This turned out to be the perfect location as it provided a variety of freeway cruising opportunities, country lanes with mountain passes and persistent rain to test traction.
While essentially the same as the Nissan Navara on which it is based, the front-end treatment of the French bakkie has been personalised with new headlamps, foglamps and grille. The Renault signature C- shaped styling elements have been assigned to both the foglamp surrounds and to the LED daytime lights.
In typical bold pick-up tradition, a fair amount of chrome is added to brighten up the visual appeal. While this isn’t overdone, it does make the Alaskan stand out and be noticed. While the basic shape of the rear lights has been maintained, the lenses are different to those used by the Navara, as is the metalwork design of the tailgate.
And under the bonnet?
Powertrains are as for its Nissan-badged cousin, with 120 kW single-turbo or 140 kW biturbo 2,3-litre diesel engines mated to a selection of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes. Torque outputs are 403 N.m and 450 N.m for the two engines, respectively. The spread is between 1 500 r/min and 2 500 r/min.
Drive settings are rear-wheel-drive high, four-wheel-drive high, four-wheel-drive low with separate activation for the (optional) rear differential lock. This will no doubt be standard equipment on models destined for South Africa.
Both front and rear accommodation is spacious, with leather upholstery in the top-spec model we tested. We do not, as yet, know what level of trim will be imported to South Africa from the factory in Barcelona, Spain.
Plenty of accessories…
What we did see was a variety of accessories that could turn a workhorse double-cab into a luxury vehicle almost immediately, from dual-zone climate control, sat nav with a touchscreen, heated front seats and air vents for the rear passenger to external side rails that came in handy in the thick mud.
Another feature was a small gas strut to allow the tailgate to be lowered slowly instead of needing to be physically supported. To top it off, even a sunroof was fitted to the model we drove. A 360-degree camera system provided views front, rear and side to help obstacle avoidance, while a very useful lock-up load-bin was bolted to the load-bay – ideal for stowing tools.
In our case, 125 kg of sand bags were placed in the bin to simulate a more realistic, loaded driving scenario. This had no discernible effect on the general agility of the Alaskan. A load-bay liner was also fitted, complete with side rails with three moveable tie-down eyes on either side. Alaskan safety is supported by seven airbags, stability and traction control and Isofix child-seat anchors.
Heading off the beaten track
We were concerned that we would be subjected to only mild off-roading conditions as most other countries do not go exploring with quite as much vigour as South Africans do. We need not have worried as the Renault team had chosen a former ski-slope that was initially grass and gravel with mud splashes and obstacles.
By the time we were finished, most of the ground had been converted into a series of slushy mud pools. We suspected that the bakkie would be capable enough, but were unsure of tyre suitability for these conditions. The tyres fitted were Continental CrossContact LX with a definite on-road bias tread design. To our surprise, they performed really well, despite making do with normal tyre pressures.
We completed a substantial amount of driving both on- and off-road and the more we drove the more we realised that the refinement of modern bakkies such as the Alaskan make long-distance journeys on pretty much any road surface comfortable and enjoyable. The five-link with coil spring setup at the rear smoothed out bumps well, too.
On the tarmac, we noticed some typical turbo-lag (likely not helped by the automatic transmission) on a quick pull-off. This means that you have to be careful when judging gaps in the traffic.
Otherwise, the auto gearbox is great with little hunting through its seven ratios. If you try to shift manually, the transmission will override your shifts if not in a specific rev-range. Steering is hydraulically assisted and couldn’t be easier to use, with near-perfect feel and weighting. Towing capacity is a heavy-duty 3,5 tonnes and the payload comes in at one tonne.
Local introduction
So, when will we see this new bakkie on local roads? Well, the Alaskan is scheduled to be rolled out in right-hand-drive guise relatively soon, set to reach our shores in the second half of 2018.
Fast facts
Model: Renault Alaskan 2,3 dCi 4x4 double-cab
Price: TBC
Engine: 2,3-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel
Power: 140 kW
Torque: 450 N.m
0-100 km/h: 11,6
Top Speed: n/a
Fuel Consumption: 7,0 L/100 km
CO2: 186
Transmission: 7-speed auto
Maintenance Plan: n/a
http://www.carmag.co.za/driving_impression/driven-renault-alaskan-23-dci-4x4-double-cab/
It’s not surprising that manufacturers are now jumping onto the double-cab bandwagon. Or should that be load-bay?
Even though South Africa has been there for ages, this market is now growing rapidly around the world. Renault has launched its Alaskan, not in Alaska, but in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This turned out to be the perfect location as it provided a variety of freeway cruising opportunities, country lanes with mountain passes and persistent rain to test traction.
While essentially the same as the Nissan Navara on which it is based, the front-end treatment of the French bakkie has been personalised with new headlamps, foglamps and grille. The Renault signature C- shaped styling elements have been assigned to both the foglamp surrounds and to the LED daytime lights.
In typical bold pick-up tradition, a fair amount of chrome is added to brighten up the visual appeal. While this isn’t overdone, it does make the Alaskan stand out and be noticed. While the basic shape of the rear lights has been maintained, the lenses are different to those used by the Navara, as is the metalwork design of the tailgate.
And under the bonnet?
Powertrains are as for its Nissan-badged cousin, with 120 kW single-turbo or 140 kW biturbo 2,3-litre diesel engines mated to a selection of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes. Torque outputs are 403 N.m and 450 N.m for the two engines, respectively. The spread is between 1 500 r/min and 2 500 r/min.
Drive settings are rear-wheel-drive high, four-wheel-drive high, four-wheel-drive low with separate activation for the (optional) rear differential lock. This will no doubt be standard equipment on models destined for South Africa.
Both front and rear accommodation is spacious, with leather upholstery in the top-spec model we tested. We do not, as yet, know what level of trim will be imported to South Africa from the factory in Barcelona, Spain.
Plenty of accessories…
What we did see was a variety of accessories that could turn a workhorse double-cab into a luxury vehicle almost immediately, from dual-zone climate control, sat nav with a touchscreen, heated front seats and air vents for the rear passenger to external side rails that came in handy in the thick mud.
Another feature was a small gas strut to allow the tailgate to be lowered slowly instead of needing to be physically supported. To top it off, even a sunroof was fitted to the model we drove. A 360-degree camera system provided views front, rear and side to help obstacle avoidance, while a very useful lock-up load-bin was bolted to the load-bay – ideal for stowing tools.
In our case, 125 kg of sand bags were placed in the bin to simulate a more realistic, loaded driving scenario. This had no discernible effect on the general agility of the Alaskan. A load-bay liner was also fitted, complete with side rails with three moveable tie-down eyes on either side. Alaskan safety is supported by seven airbags, stability and traction control and Isofix child-seat anchors.
Heading off the beaten track
We were concerned that we would be subjected to only mild off-roading conditions as most other countries do not go exploring with quite as much vigour as South Africans do. We need not have worried as the Renault team had chosen a former ski-slope that was initially grass and gravel with mud splashes and obstacles.
By the time we were finished, most of the ground had been converted into a series of slushy mud pools. We suspected that the bakkie would be capable enough, but were unsure of tyre suitability for these conditions. The tyres fitted were Continental CrossContact LX with a definite on-road bias tread design. To our surprise, they performed really well, despite making do with normal tyre pressures.
We completed a substantial amount of driving both on- and off-road and the more we drove the more we realised that the refinement of modern bakkies such as the Alaskan make long-distance journeys on pretty much any road surface comfortable and enjoyable. The five-link with coil spring setup at the rear smoothed out bumps well, too.
On the tarmac, we noticed some typical turbo-lag (likely not helped by the automatic transmission) on a quick pull-off. This means that you have to be careful when judging gaps in the traffic.
Otherwise, the auto gearbox is great with little hunting through its seven ratios. If you try to shift manually, the transmission will override your shifts if not in a specific rev-range. Steering is hydraulically assisted and couldn’t be easier to use, with near-perfect feel and weighting. Towing capacity is a heavy-duty 3,5 tonnes and the payload comes in at one tonne.
Local introduction
So, when will we see this new bakkie on local roads? Well, the Alaskan is scheduled to be rolled out in right-hand-drive guise relatively soon, set to reach our shores in the second half of 2018.
Fast facts
Model: Renault Alaskan 2,3 dCi 4x4 double-cab
Price: TBC
Engine: 2,3-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel
Power: 140 kW
Torque: 450 N.m
0-100 km/h: 11,6
Top Speed: n/a
Fuel Consumption: 7,0 L/100 km
CO2: 186
Transmission: 7-speed auto
Maintenance Plan: n/a
http://www.carmag.co.za/driving_impression/driven-renault-alaskan-23-dci-4x4-double-cab/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
[video=youtube_share;XuMFPuHi9Ag]https://youtu.be/XuMFPuHi9Ag[/video]