(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – Renault is building a pick-up again. The 4.94-meter-long model is called Niagara, featuring a double cab, up to 160 hp, and optional all-wheel drive. However, anyone wanting to inquire at a Renault dealer now can save the trip. The Niagara was specially developed for Latin America and is not intended for the German market.
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The main markets are Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, with more Latin American countries to follow later. The Niagara is built in Santa Isabel, Argentina. It is part of a product offensive with which Renault plans to introduce a total of 14 new models outside Europe by 2030.
Almost five meters pick-up
At 4.94 meters in length in the all-wheel-drive version, the Niagara remains just under the five-meter mark. The 4×2 measures 4.91 meters. Renault combines a classic double cab with a loading area that has a volume of 938 liters. The maximum payload is 654 kilograms. Eight lashing eyes and a 12-volt socket are intended to facilitate the use of the loading area.
The Niagara should also manage off paved roads. The all-wheel-drive version offers 233 mm ground clearance, while the 4×2 has 223 mm. The all-wheel drive distributes power variably between the front and rear axles as needed. Under normal conditions, the Niagara drives with front-wheel drive; on suitable surfaces, the torque can be evenly distributed to both axles.
Gasoline engine with up to 160 hp
Renault remains comparatively down-to-earth with the engine. The 1.3-liter turbo gasoline engine with direct injection can also run on flex fuel depending on the market. It produces 156 hp in the 4×2, and the all-wheel-drive version delivers 160 hp. Both reach a maximum of 270 Nm. A six-speed manual transmission and a wet six-speed dual-clutch transmission are available.
Photo gallery: Renault Niagara: New pick-up with up to 160 hp
For the chassis, Renault relies on a multi-link rear axle and promises driving behavior more akin to a car or SUV. Four ventilated disc brakes are also part of the technical package. There is no hybrid version at launch. According to Renault, however, the pick-up platform is already designed for a later hybrid drive.
Interior clearly more SUV than commercial vehicle
Inside the cockpit, the Niagara moves quite far away from the spartan workhorse. In front of the driver is a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, next to it a 10.1-inch touchscreen. OpenR link brings Google Maps, the Google Play Store, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into the car. Additionally, the Niagara receives the AI voice assistant Google Gemini.
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Depending on the equipment, there is also 48-color ambient lighting, electrically adjustable front seats, and a reclining rear bench. Behind the second row of seats, Renault also hides an additional storage compartment with 36 liters of volume. For the rear, the manufacturer specifies 200 mm of knee room.
Lots of technology, manageable towing capacity
Renault also orients its assistance systems more towards SUVs than simple commercial vehicles. Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking are available. A 360-degree camera is intended to make maneuvering the almost five-meter-long pick-up easier.
One figure is surprising, however. Despite its size and all-wheel drive, the Niagara is allowed to tow a maximum of 710 kilograms according to Renault. For a pick-up, that is not very generous, although the press release does not distinguish between braked or unbraked trailers. The Niagara’s strengths are therefore less in heavy trailer operation and more in the combination of loading area, off-road capability, and SUV comfort.
The Niagara was designed in Brazil, with development teams in Brazil and Argentina. Before market launch, the pick-up completed almost 800,000 test kilometers in Latin America and Europe according to Renault. Renault does not announce a sale in Germany.
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Source: Renault
