Renault Reveals All-New 2015 Duster Oroch, Its First-Ever Pick-Up
Auto NewsRenault has taken the wraps off its first-ever pick up, the Duster Oroch, at the 7th Buenos Aires International Motor Show and aimed at the Latin American market. Let's take a look at what the French automaker brings to its first foray into this unique market segment.
We’ve reported on the teaser that Renault had pushed out on the ramp-up to the unveil, but this is the first real look at what this new offering brings to the table. It is based on the Renault Duster, which, aside from the South American market, is known as a product of Renault’s Romanian subsidiary, Dacia. The Duster Oroch is part of Renault's range of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) and ties into the company's investment in its Santa Isabel, Córdoba plant in Argentina to launch the manufacture of a new-generation utility vehicle.
Details are a little scarce, but what we can safely assume is that the new Duster Oroch sits on a C-segment platform and fits in between the half-tonne and one-tonner pick-ups. Renault has specifically positioned it between two segments, effectively creating an entirely new one, sort of. It features four doors and five proper seats, combining a double cab with cabin space comparable to a larger pickup. Being dimensionally smaller, though, means it’s more nimble and fits nicely on most roads. Despite that, Renault is quick to point out that it still has plenty of loading space and a decent cargo bed - again, no specific details were shared, so these images are all we have to go off on.
This is a racidally different product from Renault, who says that it will be powered by a 1.6 or 2.0-litre injection engine that are "adapted to the needs of the new model". It comes equipped with what looks to be a leather interior and Renault's Media NAV Evolution, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has GPS navigation, Bluetooth and USB media compatibility; features that are not typical of a car with developing markets in mind, and Renault is bringing a lot of value to what is, essentially, a blue-collar working man's premium SUV, so to speak.
The automaker is targeting the Duster Oroch as a combined use vehicle, ideal for the customer who don't necessarily need a full size pick-up but would benefit from the extra utility without sacrificing the ease of use and maneuverability of a more compact vehicle.
"This new model, Renault's first pickup, is the next step in Renault's globalization strategy. With Renault Duster Oroch, the brand is launching its offensive in the competitive pickup segment", said Ashwani Gupta, Renault's Global Head of Light Commercial Vehicles.