Renault Alaskan Concept previews a production double-cab pickup from Renault

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The Renault Alaskan Concept has been revealed as a double-cab pick-up from Renault, previewing a production model expected to arrive in late 2016.

Double-cab pick-ups are big news for car makers, offering as they do the benefits of both a commercial pick-up and usable family car all rolled in to one tax-efficient package. So it’s no surprise Renault are getting in on the action with this, the Renault Alaskan Concept, which previews a production version expected to arrive later next year.

The Alaskan Concept is a bit Tonka Toy looking with its oversize wheels, but take away the concept fripperies and you have something very close to the planned global Renault pick-up we’re likely to see first sight of in 2016.

Based, to a degree, on the new Nissan NP300 Navara, the Alaskan comes with a set of 21″ alloys under big wheel arches, LED lights, satin-effect paint and polished metal highlights and blue and yellow detailing on the mirrors, calipers, alloys and tow hook.

Under the bonnet is the 2.3 litre 163bhp turbo diesel, just like the Navara NP300, enough to allow a likely one tonne payload and 3500kg towing capacity.

Renault say the Alaskan will fulfil the needs of buyers in three distinct categories – business, leisure and everyday motoring – but what’s perhaps most surprising is that it’s taken Renault – Europe’s number one Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) brand – so long to get in to a market that accounts for a third of global LCV sales.