New Renault Oroch double cab - here's what you need to know
Those looking for a half-tonner that is equally adept at work and play, will be thrilled to hear that Renault has finally confirmed its release date for the long-awaited Duster-based Oroch bakkie in South Africa. Here's what we know about the newcomer so far.
It's been confirmed! The Oroch is coming to South Africa in 2023 after local launches of this versatile double-cab bakkie were teased back in 2015 and again in 2020. Us Mzansi residents care a lot about our 'pickups', and the back-and-forth about the Renault Oroch's arrival has kept us on the edge of our seats.
What we know so far
The new Duster-based Oroch will be sourced from Brazil, South America, and judging from the AutoTrader sales team's photos of the Oroch at the NAMPO Oesfees (see images below), it's a good-looking vehicle with all the mod-cons and versatility that active and hardworking South Africans would need.
Engine and drivetrains
Rumour had it that the Oroch for SA would only be available with a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine, but we were thrilled to hear that the flagship's 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a very decent 115kW is also on the cards for us, with a choice of two drivetrains: A 6-speed automatic CVT in the 4x2 model and a 6-speed manual in the 4x4 derivative. We are huge fans of the Duster's off-road capabilities and we're sure the new Oroch won't disappoint in this department. The Oroch gets independent mulitilink rear suspension with a stabilizer bar, and its ground clearance is a useful 206 mm (see approach and departure angles in the table at the bottom of this article).
Single-cab models may also be joining the fray some time soon.
Interior
The cabin layout, infotainment screen and trim looks very familiar and by know we know that this interior will be hardwearing, for sure - but the Oroch at the Renault stand at NAMPO is only a prototype and chances are we'll be getting the upgraded Oroch with the latest-generation interior instead, which is already available to South American buyers (see below).
The 8-inch touchscreen in the latest Oroch is placed above the dash rather than the integrated unit in the prototype which is based on the older model. It will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and should be easy and straightforward to use.
The Oroch has space for five occupants (the wheelbase is longer than the Duster's) and the rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space. I also visited the Renault Brazil website to take a more in-depth look at the new interior - view it on the Renault Brazil website here.
Below you will find the spec sheet for the version we'll be getting in SA:
| New Renault Oroch | |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Double Cab |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Available Drivetrains | |
| Engine | 1.3L TCe – Turbo Control Efficiency (Petrol) |
| Drive Type | 4x2 (Auto/CVT), Front Wheel Drive (FWD), and |
| Drive Type | 4x4 (6-Speed Manual), 3 Drive Modes: 4x2, Auto, 4WD |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50L |
| Safety Features | |
| ABS | Yes |
| EBD | Yes |
| ESP | Yes |
| Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist (HSA) | Yes |
| Multilink Suspension System | Yes |
| Loadbin Width | 1,143 mm |
| Payload | 650kg |
| Ground Clearance | 206mm |
| Approach Angle | 21° |
| Departure Angle | 26° |
| Towing Capacity | 710kg (Braked & Unbraked) |
| Standard Features | |
| Leather Seats with Driver Armrest | Yes |
| Isofix Child Seat Anchorage Points | Yes |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Yes |
| Cruise Control with Speed Limiter | Yes |
| Apple Carplay and Android Auto | Yes |
| Power Adjustable Side Mirrors | Yes |
| Roll Bar | Yes |
| Protective Load Bin Cover | Yes |
| Lockable Tailgate | Yes |
| Fender Cladding | Yes |
| Reverse Camera and Rear-Park Distance Control | Yes |
| Front Fog Lamps | Yes |
| 16-inch Alloy Wheels | Yes |
Renault's other bakkie, the Alaskan, is also set to arrive in SA in the not-too-distant future..
ENDS.
