Hmm, looks like Renault is working on a pickup truck

Renault has decided to take over the world. Alright, perhaps that’s a bit excessive, but we’re told that the next phase of the ‘Renaulution’ plan includes eight (yes, eight) new models that are set to be launched in markets outside of Europe by 2027. 

For us here in Blighty the Renaulution includes cars like the reborn, all-electric 4 and 5, but for further afield in markets such as Brazil, Turkey, India, South Korea and Colombia there will be a €3 billion investment to “boost the brand’s performance in these key historical regions”.

To celebrate this exceptionally punny plan, Renault has unveiled a concept car that it says “embodies this international offensive”. The Niagara Concept is a dual-cab pickup truck that sits on a new Renault Group modular platform and uses a hybrid powertrain to send drive to all four wheels. 

Certainly a striking thing, isn’t it? And that’s not just thanks to the brave camo livery. There are chunky arches, skid plates, an angry face, eyebrow-shaped headlights and a full lifestyle-spec roof rack too. 

Apparently the platform underneath can underpin cars between four and five metres long and can accommodate a number of different powertrain options. In the Niagara pickup an internal combustion engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system powers the front axle, while the rear axle drive is handled by an electric motor. In the first of the eight production cars – the Kardian crossover that you can see below – there’s a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder that makes 123bhp and 162lb ft of torque. 

Come on then Renault, we’ve all forgotten the Nissan Navara-based Alaskan, it’s time for another crack at the pickup market…