INDIAN FIRST - Renault Triber
Renault is looking at cutting into the Datsun Go+’s territory with a new compact people carrier
While Renault is busy taking on the Datsun GO with their diminutive Kwid compact car, the French automaker has now set its sights on taking on the seven-seating Datsun GO+ people carrier, with another Indian-manufactured model dubbed the Triber. And the great news is that the model is set to arrive in South Africa sometime in 2020.
Designed primarily for the Indian market, the Triber rides on the same CMF-A architecture that also underpins the Kwid. And it is compact – very! Measuring in at just under four metres in length, Renault claims that with three rows of seats in place, there is comfortable seating for up to seven adults! Being that compact, comes with a penalty regarding boot space. And while it is limited to just 84 litres with the third row of seats in place, dropping those will liberate an additional 541 litres of luggage space. The interior though, draws design touches from the bigger Duster and even features an 8-inch touchscreen complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as well as a digital instrument cluster.
The Triber joins Renault’s crossover line-up which already consists of the Duster, the Captur and the little Kwid; and will be built at the brand’s Chennai plant. There will be only one engine on offer for the 947kg Triber – a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 54kw and 96nm – which Renault says is adequate for the Indian market. The power plant will be offered with a five-speed manual gearbox, and an optional automated semi-automatic gearbox. Ride height is expected to be Kwid-like at 182mm and further bolster the people carrier’s soft-roader aspirations. And in typical Renault fashion, there is loads of soft-roader touches such as plastic body cladding and skid plates front and rear.
“Our goal with Triber was to design a car that would transform according to the many needs and the many lives of our customers. Whether they are parents, lovers, a friends’ group, a family pack, whatever their tribe, whatever their lifestyle, Renault Triber should adapt. Triber is true to the Indian values of conviviality and sharing, which are the same in Renault. It offers an attractive, robust and compact design and is re-inventing space for all. We are very proud of our latest breakthrough, which turned a length challenge into a miracle within 4 metres!” said Laurens van den Acker, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Design, Groupe Renault
Also worth a look: the New Renault Duster Arrives in South Africa: Pricing & Detail and the New Renault Duster: Tech, Turbo, and Tougher Than Ever.
FAQ
Q: What does the Renault Triber cost in South Africa?
The Renault Triber was expected to launch in South Africa around 2020 with an estimated starting price of approximately R200,000 to R250,000, but the model never officially made it to our shores and remains unavailable through local Renault dealers.
Q: Is the Renault Triber worth buying?
Since the Triber isn't officially sold in South Africa, you can't buy one new from a dealer, but if you could, it would offer decent value as a compact seven-seater with modern tech features like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for under R250,000.
Q: How many people can the Renault Triber seat?
The Renault Triber can seat up to seven adults across three rows of seats, making it one of the most compact seven-seaters available at just under four metres in length.
Q: What engine does the Renault Triber have?
The Renault Triber comes with a single engine option, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit producing 54kW and 96Nm, paired with either a five-speed manual or an optional automated semi-automatic gearbox.
Q: How much boot space does the Renault Triber have?
The Renault Triber offers just 84 litres of boot space with all seven seats in place, but fold down the third row and you get a much more useful 541 litres of luggage capacity.
Should You Buy It?
You can't actually buy a Renault Triber in South Africa because it never officially launched here, despite initial plans for a 2020 arrival. If it had made it to our market with the expected R200,000 to R250,000 price tag, it would have been a compelling budget option for families needing seven seats in a compact package. The Triber's clever three-row seating layout, decent tech features, and Renault's proven CMF-A platform would have made it a smart alternative to the Datsun Go+. However, with limited boot space and a modest 54kW engine, it's probably better that South African buyers can focus on available alternatives like the Suzuki Ertiga or Toyota Avanza for proper seven-seat family transport.
