When it comes to affordable vehicles, Renault is one of the brands that's got it covered.
The French automotive giant has been producing affordable cars for the longest time, but more recently, they’ve given us the budget-beating Kwid. While the Kwid is by no means the safest nor the most attractive, it has one crucial thing up its sleeve: its price.
Priced between R144 900 and R174 900, the Kwid offers cash-strapped consumers the chance to own a brand-new vehicle without having to break the bank. And since the Kwid came to market in 2016, it’s been a regular top seller in South Africa.
Unfortunately for the Kwid range, there hasn’t been a variety of body types to choose from. Buyers could only select the hatchback, and that’s that.
Now Renault hopes to address the Kwid’s shortcomings by introducing a bigger version of it, called the Triber. Scheduled for launch in February 2020, we list a few reasons why we think it could be another sales success for Renault.
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Image: Renault Media
Bigger body, greater space
The Triber is built on Renault’s CMF-A platform, albeit a modified version. This architecture is used to underpin the popular Kwid, and Renault believes that this platform is adequate for its forthcoming Triber. The new MPV boasts with a length of under 4m but carries a face that makes it instantly recognizable with Renault’s other MPV/SUV offerings.
The Triber can seat up to seven passengers, but the third row can be removed to increase loading space. With the seats removed, the cargo area is said to be 625L big. This can, of course, increase with the second row of seats folded flat.
Potential buyers are treated to four airbags as standard.
Image: Renault Media
Appealing front design
The Triber, we have to say, is a rather attractive looking vehicle. Based on the images, it features daytime-running LEDs, and a front design reminiscent of the Kadjar (keeping it in the family). The rear is less inspiring, but given its MPV/crossover roots, it does not come across as too out of place.
What we did pick up, though, is a small exhaust pipe hiding underneath the rear bumper. This is a clear indication of the engine that’s in play. Renault opted to implement the Kwid’s 999cc three-cylinder engine in the Triber. This unit produces 56kW and 96Nm, and can be mated with either a five-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission (AMT).
Image: Renault Media
Under R200k?
While the Kwid carries a maximum price tag of just under R175 00, it can be expected that the Triber could retail for under R200 000. Given its size, the four airbags, and MPV/crossover body, Renault would price its newest addition accordingly.
Because the Triber is based on the Kwid, it must continue with the budget-beating onslaught. Renault wouldn’t want to alienate consumers and drive them away from a potential buy; hence they’d want to come in with an aggressive launch price and gradually increase it.
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