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The Sherpa Scout can be adapted to multiple applications, and will be available in three models. Image Credit: Supplied picture

Renault Trucks is launching its new civilian version of the Sherpa Scout Military 4x4 Truck in the Middle East this March.

What's the best off-roader? Land-Rover? Jeep? Wrangler? How about a Renault?

Granted, Renault is not a brand you associate with off-roading, but Renault Trucks is launching in the Middle East the new civilian version of the Sherpa Scout Military 4x4 Truck.

The vehicle will be officially be revealed at the Commercial Vehicles Middle East exhibition, taking place from March 6-8, but rest assured wheels will get behind the wheel of this beast well before that to bring you the full report from the desert.

With full time four-wheel drive, the Sherpa can be adapted to multiple applications, and will be available in three models for 2012: the Sherpa Scout is aimed at leisure buyers, the Sherpa Carrier pick-up truck for commercial use, and the fully armoured Sherpa Station Wagon for VVIPs, or more likely, transport in high risk countries.

We’re getting the leisure truck, and that suits us just fine, because the 5.43 metres long, 2.35 metres wide, and 2.1 metres high machine comes with a ground clearance of 600mm, an approach angle of 40 degrees, and a centralised tyre inflation system.

The Sherpa Scout also has ABS assisted four-wheel disc brakes, an automatic Allison gearbox, and optional racing bucket seats and a proper dashboard to add some styling to the otherwise military-spec cabin.

You can look forward to wheels’ desert drive in the Renault Sherpa Scout in an upcoming issue.