Game-changers in new Pick-up segment

Although there may be spectacular changes expected for Nigeria’s top-selling Pick-up trucks with the Hilux and Ranger having already been renewed in the past year, 2017 is still looking to be an exciting year for the segment market followers, with five new or updated one-tonners on the horizon and a complete segment buster expected from Renault. Here’s what you can look forward to in the global segment in the coming year:

Fiat Fullback range expansion. Fiat’s Mitsubishi Triton based Fullback one-tonner was launched locally in June last year, but buyers have had very little range choice, with just three derivatives to choose from.

Fiat will however be expanding the range during the second quarter, with the 2.5-litre diesel double cab, currently only available in manual guise, being offered with an automatic gearbox, while the single cab 2.4-litre petrol model will be joined by a diesel derivative.

Mazda BT-50 facelift. Mazda’s one-tonner will imminently receive its first upgrade since the Ford divorce and the 2017 BT-50 is still based on the Ranger, given that it is just a facelift, but the next-generation Mazda pick-up will instead share a platform with the next Isuzu KB.

The face-lifted BT-50 range has been scaled down to just three diesel double cab models: 2.2 SLX 4×2, 2.2 SLE 4×2 and 3.2 SLE 4×4. The 2.2-litre engine has not be upgraded in line with Ford’s, thus continuing to offer 110kW and 375Nm.

Mitsubishi Triton. Mitsubishi will offer its all-new 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, instead of the old 2.5 that was originally planned. The 2.4 has outputs of 133kW (up 2kW) and 430Nm (up 30Nm) thanks to a variable geometry turbocharger that offers better response from lower in the rev range. It is also said to be quieter and roomier than the current model, with higher quality cabin finishes and a full colour multimedia display. Even more overdue than the Triton, Nissan’s Navara will also grace our streets in 2017 and it is tipped to be quite a game-changer, with its smooth-riding multi-link suspension with coil springs making its leaf-sprung rivals look rather dated.

The initial models will be powered by a new 140kW/450Nm 2.3-litre turbo-diesel and specced to the hilt, with touch-screen infotainment and leather seats as standard. Furthermore, Renault’s Duster Oroch double cab will bring a totally new dimension to some markets when it arrives later in the year. Like the Chevrolet Utility and Nissan NP200 it’s a unibody vehicle (in this case based on the Duster SUV), just taken into a more upmarket double cab format.

The engine line-up is yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to follow its SUV cousin in offering 1.6-litre normally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre turbodiesel options, with the latter possibly available with all-wheel drive. Also a possibility is the 105kW 2-litre petrol engine offered in Brazil.

It might not look all that different at first glance but Volkswagen’s Amarok has received some serious upgrades and the newcomer on local shores around July this year.

The most exciting prospect is the fitment of a new 3-litre V6 TDI turbo-diesel engine, offered in 120kW, 150kW and 165kW output levels overseas, and although it technically has to be confirmed for the market. The other big thing about the 2017 Amarok is its completely redesigned, and much smarter looking cabin. In the meantime, speculations are that the most exciting new Pick-up entrant in years is not going to make it to Nigeria by the end of 2017, but industry followers can look forward to the Mercedes-Benz X-Class arriving during the first quarter of 2018.

Given that the X-Class has yet to be revealed in production guise, the concept will give a fairly good idea of how the classy new pick-up, based on the new Nissan Navara, will look.

MIKE OCHONMA