Renault Triber seats seven
Renault has released a new car called Triber. Its looks can carry more than an average car its size should, taking up to 7 passengers. This space also comes with a lot of customizable options. This is a very interesting car that we are going to see in South Africa.
Inspired to be an SUV
You hear this a lot when looking at this car and I think it’s because we are all confused by it. The Triber is not a small SUV but it looks like one. The sporty headlights that blend into the large grill give it that angry look we see in modern SUVs. It does give its guise away when you notice the stepped roof and by when you turn it on. The wheels are also a bit of a let down after your first sight when you learn they are steel that is disguised to look like alloy.
What is powering it?
Inside the Renault Triber is a 1-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 53kW and 96Nm. It only comes in petrol as there is no more space for a diesel engine. We also only get a five-speed manual transmission. With this engine and the amount of weight it is built to carry, the Triber doesn’t feel powerful at all. So, it does the job but nothing more. One thing that is going for it is the fuel efficiency. Renault has said it only uses 5.5 litres per 100km which is decent.
Inside the Triber
This is where this car shines and it’s all in the sheer number of seats. The Renault Triber fits up top seven people and it has been made to give each person the best experience it possibly can. The back seats are where a regular car’s boot would be, lowering that trunk space to 84 litres. This can be changed, and those back seats can be completely removed turning the car into a 5-seater and gaining a large 625-litre boot.
One question I am left with is; if you are on the road, where do you put the seats you take out?
The seats themselves are very flat, almost like a squishy park bench and the interior finish is hard plastic and on the cheap side. The back seats can get very cramped and even though the car was built to be safe, you are very close to the window if someone rams you from behind. To end our look at the interior on a positive note, Renault has given all three rows of seats air conditioning vents which is very considerate.
The three models and pricing
Every model comes with a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a two-year/30 000km service plan.
The entry level model is the Expression. It starts at R164 900 and comes with the basics including Bluetooth radio, rear park distance sensors and ABS brakes. It also comes equipped with dual front airbags and a cooled centre console.
The next model is called the Dynamique. If you want more modern features and a lower price, this is the model you should go for. Coming in at R174 900, this version has a 20-centimetre infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get electric mirrors, extra storage space, better seat fabric and roof bars that hide the stepped roof. For your 6 other passengers, they get electric windows, a power socket and a pair of extra speakers so they too can listen to your music.
Lastly is the flagship model, the Prestige. The price is R189 900 which is still not bad. With it, you gain a reverse camera, push-button start, extra airbags and the wheels get upgraded to 15-inch.
What are my thoughts
You’re getting a whole lot of car in such a small space. If you plan to take this number of passengers or you have a Cheaper by the Dozen sized family, then it’s a good option to consider. However, if you do not have this requirement, there are actual SUVs that perform better on the road.
Source: Autocar India | CARmag | IOL | QuickPic
