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Renault Triber tested: Does the new budget seven-seater make the grade?
New world, new mobility
Because we're living in pandemic times, we didn't get to hit the long road to nowhere in the Triber during the test cycle, but I did manage to get on the highway and take a loop around Johannesburg to see what it's like up here, after experiencing it at its coastal launch earlier this year.
The car performs well enough with just a driver on-board, but it does struggle to make haste and keep up with traffic once speeds climb over 80km/h. I found myself constantly stirring the transmission between fourth and fifth gear to maintain 120km/h and at that speed it also became very evident that more sound insulation of the engine bay is required. Overall, NVH levels are excellent at this end of the market, but it's the under-performing engine that just makes it a bit stressful to drive (which with six other people on board can become even more challenging once social distancing is a thing of the past).
There's no arguing though that the Triber has arrived at just the right time for South Africans as we march toward an ongoing battle with coronavirus and national lockdown. It's the kind of car that offers so much value and spec and nice-to-haves that it's very difficult not to like and recommend.
If you're looking to downgrade from something more premium but still want space and practicality, it's an ideal candidate. If you are buying your first new car, it comes with all the things you need to keep you safe and entertained on the road.
When you take the car for a test drive, pay attention to things like the gear throw, the clutch feel and the steering feel. If you find that you can live with its weightings and don't mind the lack of grunt from the engine, then it's a no-brainer in terms of comfort, space, useability and value in this segment.
All of the new Renault Tribers come with a 2-year/30 000km Service Plan and 5-year/150 000km Mechanical Warranty.
www.iol.co.za
New world, new mobility
Because we're living in pandemic times, we didn't get to hit the long road to nowhere in the Triber during the test cycle, but I did manage to get on the highway and take a loop around Johannesburg to see what it's like up here, after experiencing it at its coastal launch earlier this year.
The car performs well enough with just a driver on-board, but it does struggle to make haste and keep up with traffic once speeds climb over 80km/h. I found myself constantly stirring the transmission between fourth and fifth gear to maintain 120km/h and at that speed it also became very evident that more sound insulation of the engine bay is required. Overall, NVH levels are excellent at this end of the market, but it's the under-performing engine that just makes it a bit stressful to drive (which with six other people on board can become even more challenging once social distancing is a thing of the past).
There's no arguing though that the Triber has arrived at just the right time for South Africans as we march toward an ongoing battle with coronavirus and national lockdown. It's the kind of car that offers so much value and spec and nice-to-haves that it's very difficult not to like and recommend.
If you're looking to downgrade from something more premium but still want space and practicality, it's an ideal candidate. If you are buying your first new car, it comes with all the things you need to keep you safe and entertained on the road.
When you take the car for a test drive, pay attention to things like the gear throw, the clutch feel and the steering feel. If you find that you can live with its weightings and don't mind the lack of grunt from the engine, then it's a no-brainer in terms of comfort, space, useability and value in this segment.
All of the new Renault Tribers come with a 2-year/30 000km Service Plan and 5-year/150 000km Mechanical Warranty.
Renault Triber tested: Does the new budget seven-seater make the grade?
It requires refinement, which is coming in 2021, but for now the new Renault Triber might just hit the sweet spot for value.
