Renault Niagara: the brand’s new Latin American pick-up

Designed, engineered and built in Latin America, the Renault Niagara is the French brand’s latest contender in the pick-up segment.

Drawing on technology and solutions inspired by the brand’s SUVs, the Niagara follows an approach already seen with the Renault Oroch, a model based on the Renault Duster and sold in South America.

Like the Oroch, the Niagara is also expected to remain outside Renault’s European line-up. Its focus is on South American markets, where it will compete with rivals such as the equally new Volkswagen Tukan.

Built at the Santa Isabel plant in Argentina, it will, according to the manufacturer, be the only locally produced pick-up in its segment. With the Niagara, Renault aims to strengthen its presence in international markets, with the goal of these accounting for half of its sales by the end of the decade.

SUV character

The Niagara’s front end features an upright grille, a high bonnet and muscular styling, while body protection and a front skid plate underline its rugged appearance. It is a formula already employed by Dacia models, although there is no connection to the Romanian brand in this case.

In terms of dimensions, the Renault Niagara is 4.942 metres long, 1.833 metres wide and 1.707 metres tall.

Towing capacity reaches 710 kg, while the load bed offers 938 litres of volume and a maximum payload of 654 kg. It also has eight tie-down rings, a 12 V socket and an electric tailgate measuring 1.03 metres wide and 615 mm high.

Technology-focused interior

While the exterior gives the Niagara the proportions and look of a pick-up, Renault has sought to bring its cabin closer to that of its SUVs. The instrument panel includes a 10.2-inch digital display, paired with a 10.1-inch central screen.

The centre console also incorporates an electronic gear selector. Its main innovation, however, is the infotainment system. The Niagara is the first pick-up to receive OpenR Link with Google built in, and the system also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Renault has also given particular attention to interior room. The rear seats recline by 25 degrees, while knee room extends to 200 mm. There are also 36 litres of storage space behind the second row of seats.

Up to 160 hp

Beneath the bodywork is the RGMP platform, developed specifically for pick-ups. The range is based around a 1.3-litre direct-injection turbocharged engine compatible with petrol and Flex Fuel (ethanol, which is common in South America).

In 4×2 form, the Niagara delivers 115 kW (156 hp), while the 4×4 version increases output to 120 kW (160 hp). Maximum torque is 270 Nm in both cases. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a six-speed EDC automatic. Renault has also promised a future hybrid version.

When will it arrive?

As mentioned, the Renault Niagara was developed specifically for Latin America and is expected to launch first in Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. For now, there are no plans to sell it in Europe.