Renault Triber looks set to disrupt sub-4m segment
- The Triber comes with a segment-first modular seating layout and third-row seats.
- Renault claims class-leading headroom space for the third row.
- With the third row down, the Triber boasts an impressive 625 litres of boot space.
- Powering the Triber is a 1.0-litre Energy Dual VVT engine which makes 72PS and 96Nm.
Renault has finally taken the wraps off the Triber. It is the first sub-4 metre MPV in India and will be available with seven seats. Modularity is what’s new with the Triber, making it unique amongst all cars available in the country. The Triber’s dimensions are similar to B-segment hatchbacks in India, albeit with extra room. Renault has made use of the sub-compact platform and offered an extra row of seating.
The French carmaker has pegged the Triber as a rival in the B segment hatchback space, which is crowded with cars from various manufacturers like Hyundai, Maruti and Ford. In terms of size, the Triber is among the most practical offerings out there and gets class-leading interior space and an amazing boot space of 625 litres with the third row down.The Triber is smaller than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, but larger than hatchbacks such as the Maruti Swift, Hyundai Grand i10, and the Ford Freestyle, against which it will be pitted on pricing.
Renault Triber | Ford Freestyle | Maruti Suzuki Swift | Hyundai Grand i10 | |
Length (mm) | 3990 | 3954 | 3840 | 3765 |
Width (mm) | 1739 | 1737 | 1735 | 1660 |
Height (mm) | 1643 | 1570 | 1530 | 1520 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2636 | 2490 | 2450 | 2425 |
Boot Space (Litres) | 625 | 257 | 268 | 256 |
Renault is definitely playing up the size card, as is evident from the dimensions. Since it is based on the new modular platform, the Triber gets a tall and crossover-like stance that's previously unseen in the segment. The front end is unmistakably Renault, with the family grille that is interconnected with the dual-barrel projector headlamps. Lower down, the bumper houses the fog lamps and the LED DRLs in an enclave along with a sizeable air dam in the centre. The hood features bulges on it, adding to the Triber’s character. Its length is the first thing that strikes you when viewed from the sides. The roof also features a step up after the B-pillar, which is a smart way to increase the head room.
The Triber features a modular seating arrangement that can accommodate up to 7 people. Unlike the Datsun Go+, the third-row seat can be folded to give an impressive 625 litres of boot space. That's more than even the Ertiga's 550 litres with the third-row down! The third row also comes with side armrests, a 12V charging port and, impressively, two roof-mounted AC vents.
The Renault Triber has the most versatile passenger cabin available in a sub-4m car. The front two rows can horizontally slide and recline as well. The second row is 60:40 split, and the smaller section can be folded for easy ingress and to free up space. The larger section, on the other hand, folds forward but not flat. Coming to the third row, the seats are 50:50 split and can be individually flat folded or even removed.
Coming to the interiors, the Triber sports a fresh layout previously unseen in any Renault. It looks clean with weightage being given for practicality, and comes loaded with features to take on its well established rivals. This includes a 7.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, push button start, 3.5-inch MID and more. The Triber also comes with safety features like 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, reverse camera, driver and co-driver seatbelt warning and high speed alert.
Powering the Triber is a new 1.0-litre Energy Dual VVT 3-cylinder petrol engine. It is good for 72PS and 96Nm, which is 4PS and 5Nm more than the Kwid. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual and an Easy-R AMT. Renault claims a fuel efficiency figure of 20kmpl for the manual and 20.5kmpl for the AMT.
The Triber will be a new alternative to the B-segment hatchbacks available in India right now. Expected to take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Grand i10 and Ford Freestyle, it is likely to carry a price tag between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh (ex-showroom, India). While Renault is yet to announce the launch date, expect the Triber to hit showrooms by the second half of 2019.
(Source: ZigWheels.com)