Even before the launch of the Renault Triber in 2019, word was that it would be getting a more powerful turbocharged petrol engine option at a later stage. The engine in question, codenamed HR10, would finally be introduced in 2021, not in the Triber but the Kiger SUV, as the company felt the new engine should be launched with a new model.
For the Triber, however, the wait continued, and when it didn’t join the line-up at the time of its facelift in 2025, it seemed like the plan had been binned for good. However, we have now learned that the turbocharged petrol engine is indeed back on the cards, due for a launch around September-October this year. What’s more, it will not only be offered with a CVT automatic, but also CNG, which will bolster the MPVs powertrain options significantly.
Triber Turbo to get CVT automatic
Codenamed HR10, the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine isn’t a turbocharged version of the 72hp BR10 naturally aspirated petrol engine already in the Triber, but instead is derived from the Duster’s HR13, 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine, albeit with one cylinder less.
Producing 100hp, the HR10 already does duty under the bonnets of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite, where it’s mated to a 5-speed manual or CVT gearbox. Crucially, it produces 160Nm of torque, which is beneficial in hauling heavy loads, such as a full complement of passengers and luggage. When introduced in the Triber, the HR10 will get both, manual and CVT gearboxes.
The engine was also introduced as the base offering for the new Duster, albeit with just a manual gearbox, but it is understood that the CVT option will be added here too.
Turbo engine to power Triber CNG
Renault will also be introducing a factory fitted CNG version of the Triber that will incorporate dual CNG tanks under the boot floor. This is not to be confused with the CNG version introduced in select cities around India in 2025, as that was an aftermarket retro fitment placed inside the boot, whereas this will be offered from the factory.
The best part is that the CNG version will use the more powerful turbocharged petrol engine, addressing Triber customers’ two biggest demands – more power and CNG running costs – in one go. Whether the turbo CNG version also gets a CVT remains to be seen. However, it is understood that the Kiger compact SUV will also benefit from this Turbo CNG upgrade.
Why did the Triber Turbo take this long?
The CMF-A platform that underpins the Triber and Kiger has received some upgrades and been rebranded as the RGEP (Renault Global Compact Platform). This has enabled the inclusion of the dual-cylinder CNG tanks within the chassis under the boot floor, and it would seem has also allowed the fitment of the HR10 turbo petrol engine.
The HR10’s absence from the Triber’s model range was not for lack of demand, or lack of trying on Renault’s part. The MPV is a marvel of packaging, able to fit three rows of seats within a four-metre space, and part of that was making the engine bay as compact as possible – smaller even than the Kiger’s – to maximise cabin space. It’s understood that these packaging challenges prevented the fitment of the HR10, and that there would not have been enough deformation clearance between the engine and the bonnet, challenges that appear to have been overcome now.
With inputs from Hormazd Sorabjee
Suraj Viswanathan
Dhruv Dhaka
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
