Of the French brands that are so prevalent on the South African market, Renault's decision to shift its focus to target the budget-friendly segments a few years ago has been a masterstroke in terms of comparable sales volume. While vehicles like the Dacia-sourced Duster SUV and now-discontinued Sandero hatchback have always been popular here, the introduction of value-packed, Indian-built products like the Kwid, Kiger and seven-seater Triber have been widely welcomed by our budget-conscious market.
Since its introduction in 2020, Renault South Africa has sold more than 4 200 units of its quirky Triber. Labelled an SUV by its maker, the Triber package is designed to comply with the Indian market's sub-four-metre taxation regulations, making it a compact option for city drivers.
Recently updated to include additional specifications and the introduction of an automatic transmission option, the Triber has a clever seating arrangement that offers 100 configurations according to Renault. It can be arranged in "Camp" mode, with only the front two seats in place, while a "Surf" setup adds two more seats in the second row, allowing space along the side to accommodate — you guessed it — a surfboard. "Life" mode, meanwhile, is a traditional five-seater arrangement with a claimed 625 litres of luggage space, while "Tribe" mode adds a third row of seating into this space to make the Triber a seven-seater.
The vehicle's 182 mm worth of ground clearance affords it a modicum of adventure-seeking prowess and a welcome raised driving position for increased outwards visibility.
It should be noted that while the Triber is sold with ABS-assisted brakes, it does not have stability control.
A Triber Express panel van has recently been added to the range.
The Renault Triber package entices with an asking price of less than R200 000 for both the entry level Expression and mid-tier Dynamique specification levels. While both derivatives ride on 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, Dynamique models are differentiated by smart-looking roof rails able to accommodate a load of up to 50 kg.
Dynamique and Prestige specification also adds a comprehensive eight-inch infotainment touchscreen display including smartphone pairing technologies. The latter's top-of-the-range trim gains LED indicator lights incorporated within the side mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, reverse camera, keyless entry and 15-inch alloy wheels.
The Triber is fitted with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder motor offering a modest 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque. Mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or five-speed manual/automatic transmission in the top-spec derivative, this otherwise impressively refined and frugal drivetrain offers steady progress that will nevertheless need to be carefully managed when transporting a full complement of passengers — or when being used in South African cities situated at performance-sapping altitudes.
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Renault Triber Expression |
R185 900 |
|
Renault Triber Dynamique |
R195 900 |
|
Renault Triver Prestige |
R211 900 |
|
Renault Triber Express |
R219 900 |
|
Renault Triber Prestige AMT |
R221 900 |
The Renault Triber Service plan is valid for two-years//30 000 km, with service intervals scheduled for every 15 000 km. Renault offers a standard five-year/150 000 km warranty, including an anti-corrosion guarantee for this period.
The brand offers additional services like Bumper2Bumper cover, a specific wheels-and-tyres plan or Vehicle Tracking solution.
Built in India, the Triber isn't eligible for a Euro NCAP rating. In a 2021 Global NCAP review, this Renault achieved a credible four-star rating (out of a possible five stars). While both the Expression and Dynamique specifications are sold with driver and front passenger airbags, the Prestige trim adds an additional two side airbags for front occupants.
Renault offers an Adcover benefit to cover any outstanding balance not fulfilled by your insurance company should your vehicle be stolen or written-off via www.vaps.renault.co.za.
Source: Renault South Africa
Pricing accurate on date of publication
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice.
