Renault reveals Alaskan one-tonner

Renault has pulled the drapes off its first ever one-tonne Alaskan late last night.

On sale in Australia in 2017, the big ute shares its platform, engines, transmissions and even its interior design with the NP300 Navara.

That means it also comes with a more sophisticated, and comfortable coil spring rear suspension, compared to its rivals' cruder leaf-spring arrangement.

Available as a single, double or chassis cab, depending on market, Renault will also allow customers to choose the length of load bed and the width of the rear body, which will be offered in narrow or wide form.

Based on the 2015 Frankfurt motor show pick-up concept that shares its name, the production Alaskan keeps its show car's muscular looks and comes with full-LED daytime running lights.

The Alaskan will be available with either 16-inch or 18-inch wheels, and Renault says the pick-up's multi-link coil sprung suspension has been developed for best-in-class handling and 'premium' comfort - hinting that engineers are targeting the lifestyle end of the ute market.

That said, like the Navara, the Alaskan will be tough for those who use it for work.

Renault says that as well as its 1000kg payload, the Renault ute has a class-leading tow capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a ground clearance of 230mm.

Under the bonnet we're likely to get the twin-turbo 2.3-litre turbo-diesel from the Renault Master, producing either 118kW or 140kW.

Other markets will be offered with a 118kW 2.5-litre petrol and another diesel that also develops either 118kW or 140kW, but displaces 2.5 litres.

All engines come with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Both two-wheel and four-wheel drive is available on the Alaskan - with the models we're likely to see coming here with an electronically-controlled limited-slip centre differential that works with all-wheel drive to help shuffle torque between the two axles to maximise traction. A locking rear diff will also be offered.

Inside, the Alaskan looks near identical to the Navara, aside from badges.

Renault says keyless-go, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, plus 360-degree visibility – thanks to four bumper-mounted and door mirror cameras – will be on the options list.

Manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Barcelona, Spain, and Cordoba, Argentina, the ute will spawn right-hand drive versions, to be sourced for Australia from the Spanish factory.

On sale in the Latin American markets later this year it's expected the Alaskan will arrive Down Under later on in 2017.

Renault Australia hopes its strong performance in light commercials like the Kangoo van (2nd best-seller) and the Master (3rd best-selling big van) will help it pave the way to some strong sales in the growing ute segment.

Mercedes-Benz has also announced plans that, it too, will produce its first pick-that will be on sale by 2020. The new German ute will also be based on the NP300/Alaskan platform. Like the Renault it will be have its own fresh sheet metal but unlike the French and Japanese duo, the Benz will come with its own engine and transmissions.