Renault ute coming in 2016

France's latest workhorse ute has had input from Australia.

Renault is currently developing a competitor for the likes of the top-selling Toyota HiLux as it bids to bolster its commercial vehicle line-up and cash-in on the global popularity for utes.

The as yet un-named vehicle, which is expected to debut early in 2016, will be based on the new-generation Nissan Navara that will arrive in Australian showrooms before the middle of the year. The joint development comes as part of Renault's alliance partnership with the Japanese car maker.

Renault Australia boss, Justin Hocevar, told Drive that some of its leading local dealers were given a sneak peek by chief designer Laurens van den Acker and were consulted on its requirements during a trip to the Paris motor show last September

"It is a project that is being worked upon and Australia is very much a part of that, which is very exciting for us," Hocevar said.

"We've been consulted on a fair bit of the project. We've already had a group of dealers over to Europe to see the design and had a discussion with Laurens van den Acker. We're very pleased with what we've seen."

With the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton among the top 10 most popular new cars sold in Australia last year, Hocevar added the introduction of a ute to the Renault range has the potential to substantially grow its profile in Australia, and that it could have a rub-on effect on its regular passenger car range.

"It is a great opportunity for any brand to have presence in this segment," he said.

"That segment is very popular in Australia and our presence in there will undoubtedly increase the visibility of the Renault brand, which is great for all our models."

Hocevar confirmed the Renault ute will be styled, and pitched, differently to the utilitarian Navara, but will maintain its heavy-duty characteristics. Going against the grain, the all-new Navara is slightly smaller and less powerful than its predecessor, but is lighter and more efficient than before. It is powered by a 2.3-litre turbo diesel four cylinder that, in top-grade twin turbo form, produces 140kW/450Nm and, in single-turbo form, generates 118kW/430. Both models feature a selectable four-wheel drive system with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic and have a 3500kg towing capacity.

"The huge benefit for us is that we have all the credibility and experience from our alliance partner to be able to leverage that in our own unique execution," Hocevar said.

"I think from a design point of view, they will be two different vehicles. The two brands will bring their own attributes to it, in terms of equipment, colours and trim and the way we market them will be different."