Renault has a new a ute, but it’s not for us
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Renault has revealed the production version of its Niagara, a compact double-cab ute developed specifically for Latin America.
The Niagara combines a petrol powertrain and available all-wheel drive with a more passenger-focused cabin and multi-link rear suspension. At 4.94m long in four-wheel-drive form, it is slightly more compact than the one-tonne utes that dominate the New Zealand market.
But it’s not coming here. The new ute will initially target Brazil, Argentina and Colombia before expanding into other Latin American markets.
Built on Renault’s RGMP ute platform, the Niagara will be assembled at the company’s Santa Isabel plant in Argentina. It was also designed and engineered in Latin America, with development shared between teams in Brazil and Argentina.
Power comes from a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which can also run on Flex Fuel in selected markets. It produces 115kW in front-wheel-drive models and 120kW in all-wheel-drive variants, with both developing 270Nm.
Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and six-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The available all-wheel-drive system primarily powers the front wheels, sending torque rearwards when additional traction is required. In more demanding conditions, it can divide torque equally between the two axles. Drive modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, Mud-Sand and Off-Road, although the available settings vary by version.
Four-wheel-drive models offer 233mm of ground clearance, while front-drive versions have 223mm. Renault lists approach and departure angles of 22.1 degrees for the 4×4 and 22.3 degrees for the 4×2.
More SUV than workhorse
The Niagara has been designed for owners who want a ute for personal and recreational use rather than hard commercial duties.
Its tray holds 938 litres and supports a maximum payload of 654kg. Features include an electric tailgate, eight tie-down points, a protective bed coating, 12-volt power socket and sliding roll-up cover. Renault quotes a towing capacity of 710kg.
Underneath, an independent multi-link rear suspension replaces the leaf springs typically used by conventional utes. Renault says the set-up reduces the natural frequency of body movements by 30 per cent, helping improve comfort and stability over poor surfaces. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted at all four corners.
The cabin continues the SUV theme with a 10.1-inch infotainment display, 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, electronic gear selector and wireless phone charging.
Renault’s OpenR Link system includes Google Maps, Google Play and the Gemini conversational assistant, with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also supported.
Depending on the grade, equipment includes electric front seats, up to 48 ambient-lighting colours and either fabric or synthetic-leather upholstery. The rear bench reclines by 25 degrees and has a claimed 200mm of knee room, while a concealed 36-litre storage compartment sits behind it.
Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. A 360-degree camera, reverse AEB and hands-free parking will also be available.
The Niagara is the first model in Renault’s latest international expansion programme, which will introduce 14 vehicles outside Europe by 2030.
