Photography: Shrenith Bhandary
India is deeply obsessed with sub-four-meter cars, especially those that offer ample space, affordability, and, most importantly, high fuel efficiency. Almost every manufacturer has tried its hand at making a big impact in this particular segment, and some have found resounding success, whereas others are still trying their hand at it. In 2019, Renault introduced a new car called the Triber, which was a quirky-looking seven-seater that promised to revolutionise the segment. In essence, it was an MPV masquerading as a car, but the only letdown we found was its engine, which had good refinement but was utterly underpowered. Renault has just updated the Triber for 2025, but mechanically, it still remains the same. Because the changes are primarily cosmetic. In my perspective, these updates lend the Triber a more modern appeal. But you may ask what are these changes? Well, we drove the 2025 Renault Triber extensively and here is what we observed.
The 2025 Renault Triber features a more subtle design thanks to the revised front fascia, which features a sleek new grille that is adorned with the new Renault logo, new set of LED headlamps, and a redesigned bumper with LED fog lamps. The design of the grille and bumper are contrasting however, they perfectly complement each other without looking odd. On the side, it remains largely unchanged. However, the wheels stand out quite a bit. The Triber features steel wheels with cleverly-shaped covers to create the illusion of being alloy wheels. Completing the exterior updates is the slightly revamped rear end, which features a new tail lamp layout as the housing remains the same. The black central plastic trim piece gives the illusion that the tail lamps are connected. Lastly, there is the new Triber lettering.
Inside the cabin, you are greeted by the new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is also a faux wood trim sandwiched between the dashboard panels featuring the outline of the new Renault logo. Additionally, there are new features, including the steering wheel, digital instrument console, and upholstery. Space management remains the same as the previous Triber, with ample leg, knee, and headroom for five adults and two kids. The quality of the materials is also quite good.
Driving the Triber was a pleasant experience. The 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder engine only produces 72PS and 96Nm, which is good enough for sojourns through city traffic. The 5-speed manual gearbox, with short ratios, is slick and allows you to trundle around town in third gear at 30kmph with ease. However, out on the highway, the engine does feel underpowered, especially when loaded to its considerable full capacity—with five adults and some luggage. It can handle city runabouts in a heartbeat, and even occasional highway runs are not an issue if time is not a concern. I also love the suspension setup, which is neither too soft nor too stiff, offering just the right amount of damping to absorb the rough roads of India easily. The long wheelbase also aids in soaking up the undulations and aids with straight-line stability on the highways.
I loved the handling of the Triber —I drove the car from Mumbai to Pune via the expressway, and while negotiating the ghats, it struck me that it is not absolutely necessary to push each car through the corners hard enough to make the wheels screech to judge its handling. You can take things easy, just like I did with the Triber, and at no point did it disappoint me. It held its line perfectly in corners, despite being underpowered for…ahem…spirited driving. Lane changes were effortless, and so were quick direction changes; all of it was done in a very calm and composed manner by the Triber. I did not feel, even for a moment, that it should have had firmer suspension or grippier tyres, because the Triber’s handling demeanour was very mature. One gripe I had with the Triber was the steering feedback; it could have been better, just like the communication from the brakes, which was precise and confidence-inspiring.
Overall, with a starting price of ₹5.76 lakh, the Triber proves to be a good value for money option if you are looking for a car/ MPV with European styling, good ride and handling, a fuel-efficient engine, and just the right amount of features. I only wish Renault offered the Triber with the same 100PS, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which currently works its magic only in the Kiger, because that engine would have elevated the Triber’s worthiness to the next level.
