The Renault bakkie is nearly here, and it looks good…

Brandy, the Boks, Ballito… And bakkies. Yup, we love them here in South Africa and now there’s yet another one vying for your attention: the Renault Alaskan.

South Africa is the double-cab 4x4 capital of the world, with offerings by manufacturers from Japan, the US, Germany, India and China. In 2018, a French rooster will also enter the henhouse. Except, seemingly, with a bit of an identity crisis. When you look at the new Renault Alaskan up close, it’s plain to see it’s actually a Nissan Navara. Renault owns Nissan globally, so this is no coincidence, but the French are clearly of the opinion that their interpretation of le bakkie is better. But is it? We took a prerelease model for a spin. Powertrains and payload capacity are identical between the Alaskan and the Navara: a 2,3-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 120 kW/403 Nm or 140 kW/450 Nm, while being able to tow 3,5 tonnes. Transmission options are six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. Here are the two most important pieces of Alaskan trivia: It’s the most frugal bakkie in its segment with a claimed fuel efficiency of 6,3 ℓ/100 km. And, thanks to the use of coil springs instead of a torsion beam for rear suspension, it’s the most comfortable in its segment. Another handy piece of tech is the cameras mounted in each wing mirror. The image from the passenger-side camera can be projected onto the dashboard screen when you’re off-roading to assist in identifying obstacles ahead. Back on tar? The Alaskan devours long stretches of road like a converted vegetarian sinking his teeth into a T-bone steak. Road noise is minimal and the ride quality is excellent for a bakkie. Don’t doubt its toughness either: Remember, this is a Navara, only prettier. And most likely cheaper. Renault admits they’ll have to price the Alaskan competitively to penetrate the R600k luxury bakkie market, where buyers are more brand loyal than rugby fans. But who has the better record at the Rugby World Cup – France or Japan?