Renault is finally putting its desire to enter the pickup truck market in South America into action. Although the coronavirus pandemic delayed the French automaker's plans, there are already sightings of the Renault Alaskan on Brazilian streets. 

If you are reading this article and wondering: A pickup truck From Renault? Is this for real? We at Senhor Carros say yes! It's the launch of the year for the automaker in South America, and it has a name and surname: Renault Alaskan.

In today's article, we'll break down everything about Renault's new pickup truck, which is about to be launched here. Want to know more? Then be sure to check out today's article. It's unmissable. 

The Renault Alaskan originated as a concept model that focuses on a more premium profile, resembling a passenger car more than the robustness and ruggedness of a classic pickup truck. 

The automaker's strategy is to deliver to customers a product with a good finish and that is functional, both for urban and highway journeys. 

Although there are some sightings of the pickup truck undergoing testing in Brazil, the exact launch date of the model is still unknown. 

The Renault Alaskan was launched in 2018 with production in Mexico and Spain. The model was even shown at the São Paulo Motor Show in 2018, however, it didn't make much of an impact, which left the French automaker somewhat hesitant about launching it here. 

The pickup truck, however, is not entirely unknown in South America, as it has been produced and sold in Colombia since 2016. But that story is about to change soon, with the Alaskan arriving to fill the gap in the South American pickup truck market.

The Renault Alaskan was scheduled for release in 2019. However, as it will be produced at the Córdoba factory in Argentina, several factors delayed its debut. The severe economic crisis that the neighboring country went through, with high inflation, currency fluctuations, price freezes, and currently the coronavirus pandemic, delayed the pickup truck's launch. 

As is well known, Renault has a strong technical partnership with the Japanese automaker Nissan. An example of this can be seen in Formula E, the electric single-seater category, where the Renault team changed its name to Nissan after the first season. 

The Renault Alaskan project is based on Nissan's new chassis, which features a unique rear suspension system, considered an innovation in pickup trucks of this size. 

The Alaskan will initially be offered only with a double cab configuration, although Renault has stated that there are plans to offer single cab, extended cab, and chassis cab versions in the future. The manufacturer intends to expand the model range with work versions that already exist in the European market. 

It's easy to see that the Alaskan's exterior design follows Renault's DNA. The model features dual LED headlights with wraparound daytime running lights. The taillights are large and have clear lenses. The overall lighting design is attractive and comprehensive. 

The front grille follows the same current design pattern of the automaker, with chrome trim and some stylized elements. 

The bumper draws attention due to its size and features a lowered center section due to the grille, with side moldings and integrated fog lights, all with a beautiful chrome finish. 

When viewed from the front, the lower central protector makes the Renault Alaskan... mistaken for an SUVThis impression is due to the way the automaker incorporates its style into its cars. 

The body is the same as that used by the Nissan Frontier, with a high waistline and slight elevations on the rear windows. The mirrors are large and chromed, as are all the door handles. Because it is a tall pickup truck, it has side steps that facilitate access to the cabin. 

The Alaskan features eye-catching longitudinal roof rails in a bright gray tone. Speaking of the roof, the model also has a small electric sunroof. 

At the rear, the cargo bed stands out for its capacity: 1170 liters. There is also a structure that detaches from the cab, with protectors and movable hooks that can be used to secure cargo. The tailgate has a reversing camera and a chrome logo. 

Due to its size, the pickup truck also features parking sensors on both bumpers. There are two wheel options, where the owner can choose between 16 or 17 inches. The second option has a sportier look. 

The interior of the Renault Alaskan is very similar to that of its "sister," the Nissan Frontier. The model features a multifunction steering wheel, but with a different design. The air vents are well distributed. On the dashboard, the instrument clusters are analog, with large gauges for the speedometer and tachometer.

There is also a central display for the on-board computer and other cruise functions. The set has a black finish with gray details, and the 7-inch multimedia screen is quite eye-catching. The navigation system is from TomTom and can be used in conjunction with Google Android Auto or other devices. Apple system CarPlay.

The display shows the rear-view camera and also includes Renault's concierge and assistance services. The air conditioning is another highlight, as it's dual-zone in the higher-end versions and also features a traction selector button with different modes. 

The steering column can be adjusted for height and reach. The front seats have manual adjustments, and the driver's seat can have electric control for setting specific positions. The seats also have a zero-gravity effect and can be upholstered in fabric or leather.

The Alaskan also features a keyless entry system and push-button start, using an electronic key. The parking brake is operated by a lever, and the interior rearview mirror is manual.

Another highlight is the electric power steering, which makes any type of maneuver easier. The exterior mirrors can be folded electrically and have a defrosting system. The electric windows have a one-touch function only on the driver's door, and the electric locking system does not include the tailgate. 

The sunroof is another distinguishing feature of the model, considered a comfort item as it improves interior lighting. The pickup truck also comes equipped with cruise control and a rain sensor to activate the headlights. 

The windows are green, and the rear window has a defroster with a metal guard. Another positive point regarding cargo capacity is that the rear seat folds down, but the backrest is not adjustable. Reading lights are only present in the front of the pickup truck. 

The gearshift lever features a ladder-style selector and the option to manually shift through its seven gears. There are also a number of storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin. 

Other noteworthy features of the Renault Alaskan include: Bluetooth system, USB port, electronically limited-slip differential, full LED headlights, and 360-degree monitoring during any type of maneuver. 

For those who enjoy extreme adventures, the Renault Alaskan offers some accessories that can be very helpful, such as a watertight trunk on a roof rack, which increases its cargo capacity without compromising safety. 

In addition, the pickup truck also features a bicycle rack that can be integrated into the rear bumper with its own protector, as well as lighting and a third license plate. 

Finally, there is also the option of a mobile hitch with a power source to connect trailers for carrying a wide variety of loads. 

The Renault Alaskan also features trailer assist with stability control, which ensures greater safety when towing trailers, especially those without their own brakes.

The towing capacity for trailers without their own brakes is up to 750 kg. However, in the case of trailers with their own brakes, the capacity increases to 2,885 kg. 

The model also features an electronic rear differential lock, as well as hill descent control and trailer sway control. In addition, the Alaskan also has stability and traction control, and hill start assist. 

The hill start assist and hill descent control features greatly aid in towing, as they ensure greater driving safety. 

To transport luggage safely, the Renault Alaskan has a waterproof compartment that fits perfectly in the cargo bed, and also features a key lock for added security. 

There is also the option of a canvas tonneau cover, but it can also be fitted with a fiberglass tonneau cover, with hinged panels or a full cover over the cargo compartment.

The pickup truck features a double wishbone front suspension with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, while the rear axle is rigid, with five arms on each wheel, equipped with coil springs and pressurized bump stops. 

The rear suspension also offers impressive stability. Test drivers claim that the Renault Alaskan handles like an SUV, not a pickup truck, as the suspension prevents jolts and jumps on uneven terrain.

Furthermore, the traditional tendency for pickup trucks to slide out is virtually nonexistent in the Alaskan, which ensures directional stability and greater safety when cornering and changing course.

The body is made of high-strength steel with a double C-frame chassis, which gives the Alaskan great torsional rigidity. In addition, the pickup also features pneumatic and hydraulic bump stops that support the suspension, axles, body, and powertrain. 

According to information from the manufacturer, the Renault Alaskan will be available in Lif, Zen, and Intens versions, with the same offerings as other products, such as the Kwid, for example. 

The Renault Alaskan comes equipped with a 2.3-liter twin-turbo engine producing 190 horsepower, allowing the pickup truck to reach 100 km/h in approximately 11 seconds in the automatic version. 

The top speed is limited to 180 km/h for safety reasons. There are also two transmission options, a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic. 

However, just like its "sister" Frontier, the Alaskan has a simpler engine version with reduced power. 

In this case, the engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged unit producing 160 horsepower. This simpler version is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. 

The fuel tank has a capacity of 80 liters, and the average fuel consumption is around 16 km/l in the manual version and 14 km/l in the automatic version, for both engine types. 

Both versions are powered exclusively by diesel. For now, there are no plans to release versions of the Renault Alaskan that run on gasoline, ethanol, or compressed natural gas (CNG). 

Weighing 2,086 kg, the Renault Alaskan has the following dimensions:

The pickup truck's payload capacity, with both engine options, is an impressive 1,025 kg. 

The Renault Alaskan does not yet have a set price.

However, as mentioned in the article, being a sister model to the Nissan Frontier, the French automaker's model should be in a similar price range to its Japanese relative, where prices vary between R$140,000 for the entry-level version and can reach R$190,000 for the top-of-the-line version. 

Due to the pandemic and the economic problems faced by Argentina, the country where the pickup truck will be produced, the Alaskan is expected to be launched only in 2021.

The Renault Alaskan arrives to fill a gap that the automaker has largely ignored: the pickup truck market.

However, the model will face a tough challenge, as it is a segment full of competitors and with new models arriving to seek a share of customers. 

Did you like the Renault Alaskan? If you could, would you buy one? Leave a comment telling us what you liked most about it. 

Since we're talking about pickup trucks, how about learning all about this year's biggest launch in this segment? It's the Hilux GR Sport. To read the article, just click the button below!