Renault is the latest manufacturer that looks set to tap into Europe’s mid-size pickup market. It’s likely that the main focus, however, for the new product will be South America, where demand for pickups has grown significantly in recent years.
Above is a picture of the Renault Duster concept, which was unveiled two months ago and could possibly share similar styling as the new pickup. Launch dates have yet to be released by Renault but it’s expected the new vehicle will arrive in 2016. The new vehicle will be based on the 2016 Nissan Navara.
All new pickups
In the next two years, Fiat Professional are also expected to launch a new, full-size pickup for the first time, while there are all new versions of the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara, and updates of the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.
Engine and driveline
Renault have confirmed that their new pickup will be based “on the Alliance product”, but say they are taking their time to alter it to Renault’s style. It will feature the 2.3-litre Renault-Nissan engine, which currently features in the Renault Master, Nissan NV400 and Vauxhall Movano.
It’s thought the Renault will feature the same six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions as the Nissan Navara.
Productivity
It will feature multilink suspension, similar to the Nissan Navara and Ssangyong Korando Sports, but operators worrying that productivity will be compromised are to be assured that payloads will remain in and around one tonne.
Availability
The new vehicle is expected to arrive after the next generation Nissan Navara, which itself is earmarked for early 2016. Keep checking back on Parkers Vans for more updates. The good news for current pickup buyers is that there may be some bargains to ‘pick up’, as dealers attempt to clear their books of old stock. Click here to check all the latest deals.
