Renault Alaskan ute upgraded

The wraps have come off the upgraded 2019 Renault Alaskan ute but don't call it a facelift because visual changes are limited to new alloy 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Nevertheless, the ute that would help boost Renault Australia's fortunes significantly – but whose future remains unknown following the resignation of its managing director, who was championing the vehicle – features a new rear suspension set-up that improves payload capacity.

The Renault Alaskan update brings a reworked five-link, coil-spring rear suspension, which previously favoured ride comfort over load lugging.

Now it can haul up to 1100kg in the tray, which is up by more than 120kg for most models. Yet Renault says the 2019 Alaskan also offers a more compliant ride and less vibration thanks to the revised suspension.

>> 2018 Renault Alaskan ute review

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which is now a pre-requisite for a five-star ANCAP safety rating, is now available on the updated French ute and Renault has also swapped out the rear drum brakes for discs as.

AEB is now offered as "standard equipment or an option, depending on the countries where the vehicles are marketed," says the French car-maker.

The Renault Alaskan's towing capacity is unchanged at a claimed 3500kg.

Power comes from the Nissan-sourced 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine that has been updated with improved emissions filters. Outputs are 120kW/425Nm for the regular models and 140kW/450Nm for the top-shelf variant.

Transmission options continue to include a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic.

The updated Alaskan dual-cab ute also gains some extra goodies inside, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with a 360-degree parking camera, hill start assist, trailer sway assist and hill descent control.

It also adds a new dynamic control system to "better control difficult maneouvres", says Renault, plus an optional high-end sound system and a range of accessories including a factory hard-top for the rear tray.

Originally launched in Europe in 2016, the Renault Alaskan is based on the same ladder platform as the Nissan Navara, with changes limited to front-end styling and badging – unlike the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, which wears a unique exterior and interior and is available with a Daimler diesel V6.

Renault Australia's former managing director Andrew Moore, who resigned from the company last month, previously told carsales.com.au the Alaskan's local launch would be delayed until the second half of 2019.

Renault Australia marketing director Emma Pinwill today said the Alaskan is "still a work in progress" for our market and that Moore’s departure "doesn’t put it in limbo".

"It takes a lot of regional support and global support to get it going, and it's still under study," said Pinwill.

"We desperately want a pick-up and we will continue to work with global team to make it happen.

"It's still work in progress. We're not giving up on it. If we can make the business case work we'll do it.

"That project doesn't end because Andrew [Moore] is no longer with the company."

Unlike the Navara, which is made in Thailand, the right-hand drive Alaskan is made only in Spain, making it more costly to ship the French-badged ute to Australia.

If the Renault Alaskan does eventually make it here, the dual-cab 4x4 ute expected to be offered only in a single, high-spec form.

Also up in the air is Renault Australia’s business case for the Dacia Oroch ute -- a small car-based dual-cab so far produced only in LHD in South America, but earmarked for potential sale here by the end of this year.

Nor has Renault locked in an Australian release for the new-generation Clio hatch revealed in January.

However, Renault Australia has confirmed it will expand its product portfolio in the second half of this year with the Kadjar SUV and, potentially, the all-new Arkana coupe-crossover.