Many of us are counting our cents, and while we'd all like to drive European SUVs, it's out of reach for most of us. Renault identified a gap in the market, and so, the multi-functional and affordable Triber was born.
While real off-road ability or great ground clearance is not on the menu, versatility and space can be had by the bucket load.
Practicality
The Triber offers a multitude of seating positions and it's quite easy to remove some of the 'EasyFix' seats completely. For the average 2- to 3-kid family, it would be best to remove the two rearmost seats completely, or there won't be much boot space for school bags and the like. On the odd occasion that you and your significant other may be without kids for the weekend, the second and third row can be taken out to fit your camping equipment — 625 litres' worth. Or your bikes!
There's even a four-seater surf mode (see above) for longer items. If you want to load a baby stroller into the boot, this may be a good solution, depending on the stroller's shape when folded. You could also just fold the rear seats forward and put the stroller on top, if you can't be bothered to remove the seats, but this is only recommended for short distances, and it would have to be secured properly. For more detail, read my Renault Triber review which focuses on family-friendliness.
Convenience and safety features
The Triber is remarkably well-specified for its price and the interior is super practical. From cubbies to shelves to upholders, one can see that plenty of thought went into the overall design. All but the entry-level Expression model are also equipped with a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All models have Bluetooth, AUX input, a USB port, and a 12-Volt power socket. Keyless entry and start is standard on the Prestige and Prestige Auto. Electric windows x4, electrically-adjustable side mirrors and electrically adjustable mirrors are standard on the Dynamique and Prestige models. These variants also have LED DRLs, and a rear-view camera, as well as embedded Satnav and satellite controls on the steering wheel. Rear park distance control is standard across the board.
The Triber gets a surprising four-star safety rating from GLobalNCAP! Prestige models have four airbags, while the rest of the lineup gets two. The Triber has a full-sized spare wheel and ABS brakes.
It also offers roof rails with a 50kg loading capacity (but not on the Expression model, though).
Verdict
The 1.0-litre Triber is a little noisy at speed and it's not the greatest driving experience you'll ever have, and you can't ignore that it feels a bit... budget. However, the fact that it's so inexpensive makes it a worthwhile option. It's the quintessential family car if you need additional space, but your new-car budget doesn't stretch further than R222 000 (for the flagship Prestige Auto model). Prices start from R185 900 for the Expression model. The Triber 1.0 Dynamique is priced at R195 900 and the Triber 1.0 Prestige will set you back 211 900. (Prices correct at the time this article was published and may increase without prior notice.)
