Renault Triber

The Renault Triber is an interesting proposition. It’s under 4 metres in length but is among few ‘s...

The Renault Triber is an interesting proposition. It’s under 4 metres in length but is among few ‘small cars’ to offer three rows of seating. On offer is a petrol engine and manual gearbox combination and an AMT auto option will come in early 2020. A more powerful turbo-petrol engine is also in the works but there won’t be a diesel.

Renault hasn’t categorised the Triber’s body style. Just as well because the Triber is taller than ...

Renault hasn’t categorised the Triber’s body style. Just as well because the Triber is taller than your average hatchback, its short bonnet and large passenger cell give it the silhouette of an MPV and there are also SUV-inspired details on the body. Scuff plates at the front and rear, cladding at the wheel arches and even roof rails (with a load capacity of 50kg) give the little Renault some attitude. The Triber has a relatively long wheelbase for what is a ‘small car’ and this manifests in a roomy and flexible cabin.
The real talking point is the Triber’s middle row and specifically the space on offer. The middle seats can be split 60:40, the backrests can be reclined and the seats can also be slid a long way fore and aft to balance kneeroom for the third row. With the seats pushed all the way back, there’s a fair amount of legroom in the middle row. The cabin isn’t as wide as that of other seven-seaters but travelling with all seven seats occupied still isn’t unthinkable. Large doors and the option to fold and tumble the middle-row seats means access to the third row is reasonable. Legroom at the back is only sufficient and you are seated a bit low but the third row is quite useable for short stints. Adjustable headrests are a welcome inclusion too but the rear windshield is a bit too close for comfort.
With all seats in place, the Triber has a luggage capacity of 84 litres so there’s space for a laptop bag or two at best. However, the rear-most seats split and fold and it’s a straightforward process to remove them altogether too. Removing both rear seats expands luggage capacity to 625 litres, which is easily the largest for any car of this size.
Cabin quality is fairly good, the multi-fabric seats look nice and even the dashboard is well finished. A part-digital instrument cluster is a cool touch and top models even get an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
With just 72hp on tap, the Triber doesn’t feel sprightly. You won't have trouble keeping up with the flow of traffic but overtaking will need some prior planning. Power delivery is flat and you have to work the engine to get the most out of it. The engine is also loud and becomes particularly thrummy when extended. With a full load of passengers - and/or on long inclines too - you have to be conscious of being in the right gear for the speed. The standard fit 5-speed manual does feel a bit mechanical in its shifts, and the clutch’s high bite point also takes some getting used to.
On the plus side, true to Renault’s DNA, ride comfort is really impressive. The Triber rounds off the bumps at low speeds really well and even at high speeds, the Renault drives with a sure-footedness you wouldn't associate with a sub-1 tonne. The steering does seem a bit video game controller-like in its aloof feel, but it is light and easy to twirl in town.