October 26th 2023
Distinct from the Nissan Navara, which received a rebranding as the Mercedes X-Class, the Renault Niagara stands out as a conceptual compact truck boasting a fascinating powertrain. It presents itself as a double cab pickup equipped with a hybrid system, comprising a mild-hybrid gasoline engine propelling the front wheels and an electric motor energizing the rear axle. When these two elements collaborate, the pickup transforms into a four-wheel-drive vehicle, perfect for versatile off-road adventures.
The French automaker highlights that the Niagara offers significant electric-only driving for typical daily commutes, allowing it to function as a rear-wheel-drive electric truck once the internal combustion engine is turned off. While the specific battery size isn’t disclosed, it’s reasonable to assume it’s compact due to the limited all-electric range of about half a day.
As reported by Motor1.com Brazil, the Renault Niagara measures 193 inches in length, putting it at a shorter dimension compared to the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. The vehicle is underpinned by the CMF-B platform, adopting a unibody construction akin to the aforementioned compact trucks. Its suspension travel is commendable, featuring robust all-terrain tires, along with a total of three spare tires – one on the roof and two in the cargo bed.
The likelihood of encountering this vehicle with a Nissan badge in the United States in the near future is low. Renault indicates that the Niagara is a precursor to an economical pickup truck for the Latin American market. In typical concept form, it may appear somewhat extravagant, but a more production-ready version is set to be unveiled in the first half of 2024. The official release of the truck is scheduled prior to 2027, and it is expected to serve as a successor to the Oroch, a compact and budget-friendly pickup with roots in Dacia.