Renault has officially unveiled the Niagara, a new pickup truck aimed at the Brazilian, Argentinian, and Colombian markets.
The long-awaited model arrives nearly three years after it was previewed as a concept and will be built at Renault's Santa Isabel plant in Argentina.
Designed to combine the comfort of an SUV with the robustness of a pickup, the Niagara uses Renault's RGMP pickup platform.
Powertrain and Capability
Power comes exclusively from a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 156 hp in the 4x2 version and 160 hp in the 4x4.
Both variants deliver 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a wet dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.
To ensure pickup-like performance, Renault fitted a bespoke rear axle with unique springs and shocks.
The bed offers 33.1 cubic feet (938 liters) of volume, a load rating of 1,441 lbs (654 kg), and includes a roll-up cover, eight lashing rings, and a 12-volt socket.
Towing capacity is rated at 1,565 lbs (710 kg), which is barely more than a Renault Clio.
Ground clearance measures 9.1 inches (233 mm) for the 4x4 and 8.7 inches (223 mm) for the 4x2, with approach and departure angles of 22.1° and 22.3° respectively.
The 4x4 variant adds several driving modes that adjust power distribution between the axles to maximize grip.
Cabin and Technology
Inside, the Niagara shares much with other Renault models, featuring a 10.2-inch digital cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment display, and a small gear selector.
Upholstery varies by trim, with base models in fabric and higher trims receiving TEP upholstery and ambient lighting.
The OpenR infotainment system includes Google built-in, offering native access to Google Maps, Gemini, and the Google Play Store.
Safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a blind spot warning system.
Pricing and availability details for the Renault Niagara in Latin America have yet to be announced.
