Renault Alaskan updated, yet to be confirmed for Australia

Renault has unveiled the updated Alaskan ute in Europe for 2019 with upgraded powertrains, new tech and revised suspension for increased payload. 

Central to the changes is that upgraded rear suspension setup, which has increased the Alaskan’s carrying capability by 120kg to 1100kg. The Alaskan can still tow up to 3500kg. 

Despite upgraded carrying capacity, Renault says that the Alaskan's ride quality is more comfortable than before and features less vibrations because of the revamped suspension. It's a similar story to what's happened with the Nissan Navara, which the Renault ute is based upon - that ute is now three-revisions deep in its lifecycle.

Other upgrades include the powertrain, which is a 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine in either 120kW/425Nm single-turbo or 140kW/450Nm twin-turbo forms. As before, a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic is available. 

The Alaskan has also earned new equipment such as auto emergency braking (AEB), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a 360-degree parking camera and a high-end sound system.

Despite the Alaskan’s upgrades, it is still yet to be confirmed for local sales. Renault Australia marketing director Emma Pinwill said that the company “desperately wants a pick-up.”

“Renault understands there is demand to introduce a pick-up to Australian shores to compete in an important segment in the local market, and Renault Australia is working with the global team on the business case to support the introduction of a vehicle here,” said Ms Pinwill.

“It takes a lot of regional and global support to get any product introduced to a new market and the case for a pickup in Australia is still under study. The most important thing for Renault to consider is the need to have the right vehicle for the Australian market and its consumers.”

Renault Australia sales are due to be boosted by the arrival of the Kadjar small SUV in the second quarter of 2019, new Trafic and Master vans in the fourth quarter of 2019, as well as the new Clio hatchback in 2020. 

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