The Beefy Renault Alaskan
When the Renault Alaskan concept was first unveiled in September of 2015, hopes stood as high as its 21” wheels and shone as bright as its full LED lighting signature. Sadly, as with most concept cars, many of the more eye-catching concepts did not survive the transition to the assembly line. The notable absence not only of the monster-wheels and flashbulb-lamps but also of the blue and yellow detailing on mirrors, brake callipers and rim centres seemed to suggest that the bloom was off this particular rose.
However, closer inspection shows a bouquet of features that hints at the Alaskan being exactly what Renault intended: its first promising bud on a field ruled by pick-ups.
The Alaskan borrows its sturdy platform and powertrain from the Nissan NP300 Navara, a proven piece of high-endurance engineering that needs no introduction in the South African market. The all-Renault four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine is the pride of the Renault Master range and is available in 2.5 litre petrol- and diesel versions and sports both two- and four-wheel drive modes. The Alaskan offers a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite all of which, the Alaskan still manages retain the best-in-class recognition for excellent fuel economy, which is especially impressive when one takes into account the best-in-class towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes.
While the novice glance may at first mistake the rugged robustness of the Alaskan for the powerful Nissan Navara, the Renault badge emblazoned on its chiselled grill is reminiscent of a large “S” peeking through Clark Kent’s shirt. The sleek muscularity evident in the Alaskan’s curves and contours speak a clear challenge to any speeding locomotive.
The Alaskan is a one tonne bakkie worthy of the name, built into a fully boxed frame with a superior five-link rear suspension system. Single- as well as double cab variants are paired with short- or long load beds. The bed itself is high grade steel and is resistant to corrosion, UV, kryptonite and whatever else you’d care to name. A bed-mounted 12V power supply promises maximum utility and a host of off-roading differentials complete the package.
The roomy interior is made practical and comfortable by heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. Bluetooth interconnectivity and steering-mounted controls leave your hands free to operate the 7” integrated touch screen, which grants 360 degree visibility through four exterior cameras (in some models).
The Alaskan is currently being assembled in Mexico, Spain and Argentina and will, for now, be confined to the South American market. There is no indication yet as to whether this one-of-a-kind Renault will blow over to South African shores or what assemblage of features and options it will sport if it does. For the moment, South Africans will have to nurture the hope that the Alaskan will put down roots in South African soil.
