Renault Duster pickup truck survives as affordable off-roader

If you follow us regularly, you probably already know that we like to take a look at other markets in search of interesting and affordable vehicles. And when it comes to off-road vehicles, 4x4s, or pick-ups, it's even better.

A description that perfectly fits the Renault Duster Oroch or, simply, Renault Oroch. If the name says little or nothing to you, don't worry. As you will have already guessed from the photos, this is the pick-up version of the Dacia Duster sold in certain South American markets, such as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia.

A pickup that we would also like

Undoubtedly, a practical, capable, economical, attractive, and unbeatable off-road Renault model that, for a moment, seems to have been in clear danger of disappearing. A model derived from the Niagara prototype, it was destined to be replaced soon but it seems our protagonist still has time on his hands.

In a recent interview, the president of the French brand in Argentina, Pablo Sibilla, said that both models will remain in the region at the same time.

"Both will be able to co-exist for a certain period,"

Sibilla told the La Nación daily, as reported by colleagues at Motor1.com in Brazil. So, it seems that the new Niagara (or whatever the model derived from the concept below will be called) will be positioned above the Oroch, giving our protagonist some extra life.

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Renault Niagara Concept (2023)

Two different platforms

It must be said that both models will be assembled in different factories: the Oroch will continue to be produced in Brazil, in the São José dos Pinhais plant, while production of the new Niagara will take place in Santa Isabel, Argentina.

Renault Niagara Concept (2023)

As for the Niagara, it will be launched on the market in 2026, with an estimated production of around 65,000 units per year. Based on the RGMP platform (the same as the Renault Kardian), it will be able to adopt electrification and all-wheel drive, in a model that will measure approximately 4.90 metres in length, with a wheelbase of 2.95 metres.

As for the simpler Oroch, it is currently on sale at an attractive price, starting at 402,500 pesos in Mexico, for example, equivalent to around £15,500 at today's exchange rate. It can be chosen with a 153 bhp engine, as well as in 4x2 and 4x4 versions.