There’s another Renault ute that’s caught Mr Sealey’s attention in the shape of the smaller front- and all-wheel drive Oroch.
Also a dual-cab unit, the Oroch is produced in Renault’s Ayrton Senna complex in Curitiba, Brazil.
Launched in 2015, the Oroch is based on the Dacia Duster SUV and powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
Renault Australia is hoping to add the next-generation version of the Alaskan dual-cab ute, and the smaller Oroch ute to its local line-up in the coming years.
Launched in 2019, built in Argentina and sold throughout Latin America and Europe, the current generation Alaskan is based on the D23 Nissan Navara, with a one-tonne capacity, body-on-frame construction and full four-wheel drive capability.
Having launched in 2014, the current third-gen Navara is overdue for replacement and the recently enhanced Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance ensures a new Renault Alaskan remains a priority alongside the Navara and Mitsubishi Triton.
In fact, CEO of Renault Group, Luca de Meo says, “This (the Alaskan) is more than just about Latin America.”
And when asked if he’d like to see the next Alaskan in the local market, Renault Australia general manager, Glen Sealey says, “Under the right circumstances, yes.”
“First of all it’s got to be available in right-hand drive. It’s got to be reasonably competitive. If it’s just a reskin of the existing Nissan (Navara), if it’s the same face, the same car, with a Renault badge it’ll never survive in Australia. It will never happen.
“There would have to be a point of difference. Like there was with Koleos and the old X-Trail. The car looked better. It was quieter to drive. A different infotainment system. There were significant differences between the cars,” he told CarsGuide.
But despite his enthusiasm Mr Sealey is pragmatic about the Alaskan’s chances for Australia, summing up current status as, “So, RHD, differentiation, and someone’s gotta say here’s the money. I’m not being pessimistic, but…”
However there’s another Renault ute that’s caught Mr Sealey’s attention in the shape of the smaller front- and all-wheel drive Oroch.
Following the success of the similarly configured unibody Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick in the United States, Mr Sealey says, “The Oroch is a vehicle I’m very interested in.”
Also a dual-cab unit, the Oroch is produced in Renault’s Ayrton Senna complex in Curitiba, Brazil and marketed across South America.
Launched in 2015, the Oroch is based on the Dacia Duster SUV and powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine offering 122kW/250Nm, with a choice of six-speed manual or CVT auto, in front- or all-wheel drive variants.
There’s another Renault ute that’s caught Mr Sealey’s attention in the shape of the smaller front- and all-wheel drive Oroch.
Also a dual-cab unit, the Oroch is produced in Renault’s Ayrton Senna complex in Curitiba, Brazil.
Launched in 2015, the Oroch is based on the Dacia Duster SUV and powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
While the Alaskan measures a substantial 5.4m long, 1.85m wide and 1.8 tall, the Oroch is appreciably smaller at 4.7m, 1.82m and 1.7m, respectively.
Although it was comprehensively upgraded in August last year, the current version is coming to the end of its life, and Mr Sealey has his hand up for the next-generation model.
“Again, it’s a matter of whether it comes in right-hand drive.? The current car can’t come here, but the next generation… we’ll see,” he said.
Keyword: Liberty, equality, fraternity, utility! Renault Alaskan ute could join Australian line-up to challenge Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, as well as Subaru Brumby-style Oroch