By Staff Reporter

With the economy being in a bad spot, Renault thinks they have a solution for families who are looking for space but on a tight budget with their all-new Triber that can seat up to 7 for under R190,000. The Tribe aims to do this whilst also offering a fair amount of style and standard specifications.

Looks

The Kwid based Triber strikes its own unique look upfront. That said, you will not mistake it for anything other than a Renault as it spots a modern Renault design. A large Renault emblem that is imposed on a triple edge chrome front grille dominates the front. The grille connects to projector light on either side of the car thus giving the car a wide look. The same trick is applied at the back with eagle beak tail lamps. Rounding up the front design is a large bumper with black plastic cladding and a silver skid plate for protection from stone dame and for looks of course. The bumper also houses the prominent LED daytime running lights.

The side profile of the Triber features strong shoulder lines and black wheel arch flare. Adding to the look are roof rails (with a load capacity of 50kg). Finally, at the back, prominent horizontally designed lights that overflow onto the tailgate are employed.

The Triber has a wide stance, measures just under 4 meters and has claimed best in class ground clearance of 182mm. This makes the car appear slightly bigger than it actually is.

Interior

Inside Renault has packed the Triber with many features and styling cues to make it appear more upmarket than rivals. Access to the car is via a Smart Access Card for Keyless Entry and Stop/Start functionality. Dominating the dual-tone dashboard is a new centre fascia with chrome edges. The odometer features a gear shift indicator that assists with driving at an optimum speed for better fuel efficiency. The car also employs a trip computer which shows the driver information such as fuel consumption, average speed and distance to empty. That’s not all, the standard 8” MediaNav Evolution touchscreen comes integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Voice Command button and video playback on the screen. The screen also houses a reverse camera.

Adding to comfort for the second and third passengers are two independent controls for the aircon.

Convenience

The biggest selling point of the Triber is the space it offers as it can seat up to 7 occupants. The last row can be completely removed to allow for more space. In 5-seater mode, the Triber offers 625-litres of luggage space. Further, Renault claims an extra 31 litres of space within the vehicle. This is all thanks to an innovative cold storage facility within the centre console and lower glove box, and a handy drawer under the driver’s seat.

Safety

With safety concerns having dogged the Kwid, Renault offers the Triber with ABS, emergency lock retractor, driver and passenger airbags across the range, front side airbags on Prestige model and reinforced body structure. The Triber also features rear parking sensors. The Triber is yet to be crash-tested by Global NCAP.

Engine

The Triber is powered by a “new generation” 1.0 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that makes 52kW of power and 96Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is claimed to be a reasonable 5,5l/100km.

Pricing

Pricing of the new Renault Triber is priced as follows:

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

The Renault Triber model range comes standard with a 2-year/ 30,000km Service Plan, plus a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.