Renault joins the SUV Tribe

At a glance, Renault’s new model looks like a grown-up Kwid, dressed up as an SUV, but Renault assured us that besides being built in the same factory in India, the new Renault Triber is built from the ground up.

The Triber is a regular sized car that Renault claims has space for everything thanks to a completely new platform and carefully adapted engine bay. It owes some of its success to the tiny 1000cc, 52kW  engine that tugs this (optional) 7-seater along.  This makes this compact SUV  a practical vehicle with slightly more ground clearance than a regular car .

A host of Features

Features include rear air-conditioning, a cooled center-storage compartment, removable rear seats (freeing up a generous 625l boot space) as well as a 12v power socket in the boot for your camping fridge.  For those regular ‘around town’ runs, the stripped out back seats can be stored and replaced with a cover to keep valuables in the boot out of sight. This mode, coined Life Mode by Renault means that the second row of seats gets even more legroom.

Renault has attempted to make this car very usable in the real world.  Mounting the odd pavement on the school run or travelling on the odd gravel road to get to the campsite is what Triber is all about. It’s clearly not a high end luxury SUV, but Tribers features can and do apply to the real world.

What is it like to drive?

A 1000cc engine in a 7-seater fully loaded has the potential to present the driver with challenges.  However, on the average daily commute around KZN’s midlands, the Triber felt surprisingly  capable. When presented with the opportunity to overtake though, the Renault’s ENERGY engine felt like it could usea little forced induction.  Around corners, the Triber feels solid and is predictable, but the raised ride height does translate into predictable body roll. Renault have also raised the drivers seating position to give the driver the impression of driving a bigger car. Despite this, there is still enough clearance between the roof line and the drivers head. Rear headroom is generous, with cutouts in the roof line providing a margin that really makes the difference.

Who is this product offering for?

Renault approached this project in reverse order. Developing the product before refining or even deciding on a target audience. The car was released in India and after proving its worth it was brought to South Africa and at a base price of just R164 900.  It could appeal to a modest family, an Uber fleet owners or just a regular Joe wanting some extra space.

Verdict

Although a turbo engine would be a welcome addition, Triber, just like Kwid offers a package that is unmatched and is an exceptionally easy entry point for the right buyer. Could this be Renaults next big seller?

Three models are available (add R10 000 for an automatic transmission):
Renault Triber Expression 1.0-litre ENERGY –  R164 900
Renault Triber Dynamique 1.0-litre ENERGY –  R174 900
Renault Triber Prestige 1.0-litre ENERGY –  R189 900

2-year/ 30 000 km service plan
5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty