B-segment mover
Since the demise in SA of the brilliant Espace, Renault hasn’t been playing in the local seven-seater MPV segment for quite some time, citing a steep decline in sales, stemming from the rise in popularity of the full-size SUV segment.
Vehicles such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu M-UX have become the go-to vehicles instead. However, there seems to be an appetite for a seven-seater option in the B-segment of the market and the Toyota Avanza, in particular, continues to be a popular option in many a township taxi industry. Also, there remains an appetite for a small MPV for those carting kids to school and shuttling services alike.
WHAT IS IT?
The Triber, as mentioned briefly, is a sevenseater MPV built in India that has relatively compact exterior proportions with a well-packaged cabin and commodious passenger space that belies the vehicle’s overall footprint – at below four metres in overall length. There are three trim levels on offer: Expression, Dynamique and Prestige, all powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder normally aspirated engine with 52 kW and 95 Nm through a 5-speed manual gearbox.
All models come standard with ABS and dual airbags, while in the instance of the flagship Prestige derivative, there is also side airbags for the front passengers. There is an infotainment system replete with a touch facility and Android Apple CarPlay and a rear parking camera.
FIT AND FINISH
It is reasonably well put together and materials are acceptable for a vehicle in this class, with good perceived quality. Both the middle and rearmost seat benches can be moved forwards and backwards to increase either legroom or luggage space. The latter with the rearmost seats removed measures 625 litres, while there is an additional 31-litres of storage space peppered about the interior including a cooled glove box and centre
The B-segment people mover market, which is currently occupied by the likes of the Suzuki Ertiga, Toyota Avanza and Honda BR-V, will now be bolstered by a new contender in the form of the Renault Triber. With the need to move seven people without necessarily breaking the bank, the models make for a commercially viable option. Lerato Matebese recently attended the launch of the Triber to see how it stacks up against its rivals.
Driving the Triber at its launch in KZN (KwaZuluNatal) province, highlighted just how the engine is not entirely up to task, feeling decidedly lacklustre when negotiating inclines or attempting to overtake. Mind you, this with only two passengers on board and things will certainly become further complicated with more passengers aboard.
We do, however, have it on good account that a more powerful 1.2-litre engine will be offered at a later stage, which should hopefully allay any power woes of this launch model. With 182 mm of ground clearance, the Triber was designed to cope with poor Indian road conditions meaning it will also be equally adept on South African rural roads. The engine is rather vocal when pressing along but does settle down once up to speed. An AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) will be offered later in the year for those looking for a selfshifting version. Granted, this will more than likely exacerbate the sluggishness of the engine, so due care and patience on the driver’s part should be applied liberally.
Good fuel consumption should be one of the model’s main fortes and with a claimed 5.5 litres/100 km, you can expect to achieve real-world figures not far off that figure.
LAST WORD
At a starting price of R164,900, the Renault Triber represents an exceptionally good value for money proposition, and you would be hard pressed to find better value elsewhere. Lacklustre performance notwithstanding, the Triber is a great addition to the B-segment seven-seater market.