If you were to ask me, which is the most underrated car in the Indian market, or one of the most underrated cars, it would be, the Renault Triber. It is not much of a driver’s car, but I still want one. Let me explain.
The Renault Triber is an affordable 6-seater MPV, that can be also used as a 5-seater. What is interesting, is that it manages to do both things while being slightly smaller than a Maruti Suzuki Baleno (5 mm smaller). Yes, you heard that right! It is smaller than a Baleno in size. How does it do it? The secret, is that the two seats at the back can be removed or folded, so that you can use it as a 4-seater with massive luggage space, a massive 625 liters! That is approximately as much boot space as a Skoda Octavia.
If you decide to use all three rows, then you only have 84 liters of boot space. However, the Triber has functional roof rails to help you there. Yes, they can take weight. 50 kg of it.
The Triber also is a packaging marvel that can be compared with the Honda Jazz. Because it is that good. There is a lot of space in the second row, and six-footers can sit in even the third row for an hour, comfortably. This makes it as utilitarian as the Kia Carens and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, cars that are a segment above, larger, and more expensive. This is because the roof makes space cleverly, providing headroom. The Triber is able to do all of this, approximately within Rs. 10 lakh. Think about it. So much utility at such a low price. Tall drivers also won’t find any problem adjusting.
The Triber also gets a separate air-conditioning system and cleverly placed AC vents for the second row and third row passengers, like you see in other MPVs. They work really well, and the air-conditioning system is very effective. So, your second and third-row passengers won’t have much to complain about. It also gets a cooled compartment to store snacks and drinks. The Triber is like an old-school Innova, but at a laughably affordable price.
The Triber also has amazing road manners. It is stable and confidence inspiring at high speeds. It can amble around at 100 km/h with power left in reserve for overtakes. It also has amazing ride comfort, because it’s French, and it can gobble up the worst of roads like an SUV. It has a ground clearance of 182 mm, and it won’t scrape easily even when fully loaded. The setup of the suspension is on the firmer side, but it’s so that it performs well when fully loaded. Great thinking, Renault!
The Triber can also function as a sedan when the third row’s two seats are removed. It gives you the boot space of a sedan, and it gives you an amazing backseat experience, because the second row can be slid back to make more legroom. I have experienced the backseat and I am not exaggerating; it has the roominess and size of the backseat of a sedan.
The Triber gets all the features you need and nothing more than that. It has a four-star safety rating, so safety isn’t a problem. 6 airbags are standard now, and Renault has done something worth appreciating. They did not cut costs when it comes to safety equipment. ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS, EBD, ESP, traction control, and hill-hold, are standard! Now, it also gets rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and parking sensors front and rear. All of this at a maximum on-road Mumbai price of around Rs. 10.24 lakh! The car starts at Rs. 6.85 lakh for context.
So, what gives? The only fly in the Renault Triber’s ointment is the powertrain. It is acceptable, and it will get the job done, don’t get me wrong. It can cruise on the highway, it is responsive enough in the city, and it can climb steep inclines fully loaded without complaint. But it is just a 1-litre 3-cylinder making a modest 72hp and 96Nm, so it’s not strong, and you will have to live with it. You will have to plan overtakes, and it won’t be a fun powertrain. I hope Renault finally puts the turbocharged engine from the Kiger in it. It is overdue. We are waiting, Renault. At least do it to silence the Triber’s haters. Not to mention the AMT automatic is not good enough, and you are better off with the manual. Also, the AMT is only available with the top-spec Emotion trim.
The Renault Triber genuinely is a capable tool, and provides immense value. A Swiss-Army-Knife of sorts (I know it’s French, but bear with me). It has that Maruti Suzuki Alto and Toyota Innova energy of getting the most impossible of tasks done, no matter what, and keeping everyone happy while doing it. And Renault has shown that they can do quite a lot, even when given a tiny budget. So, if you want a car than can play multiple roles – hatchback, sedan, MPV, or SUV, and you want it within your budget of Rs.10 lakh, then the Renault Triber is the perfect car for you. Test drive it and see it, before buying anything else.
