Renault Kwid-based Triber compact MPV’s production version spied for the first time on Indian roads

Renault is months away from launching a brand new MPV for the Indian market, based on the Kwid’s CMF-A platform. Called the Triber, the new MPV’s production version has just been spied testing for the first time on Indian roads. The spyshots reaveal that the Triber will get a tall-boy form factor but will be quite compact in terms of length, ducking under the 4 meters mark for excise duty benefits. The Renault Triber MPV will rival the likes of the Maruti Eeco and the Datsun Go+ in terms of price and positioning. It’s likely to be slightly pricier than the Renault Kwid, with which it’ll share its platform, engines and gearboxes.

Renault’s teasers indicate that the Triber MPV will be quite outdoorsy, and will be aimed at younger buyers who seek a practical, versatile people mover. Butch, fresh styling is likely, and the Triber is expected to look very distinct from the Kwid.

The MPV is likely to use the Kwid’s 1 liter-3 cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, in a higher state of tune. Peak power and torque outputs are likely to be pegged at 75 Bhp-100 Nm, a marked increase from the same engine’s 67 Bhp-91 Nm outputs on the Kwid. A front wheel drive layout will be standard, with 5 speed manual and automated manual (AMT) gearbox options on offer.

The Triber is expected to offer seating for seven people but with a removable third row of seats. This feature, which is one of its kind, is expected to give buyers of the Triber a lot of flexibility. Those wanting to accommodate an additional set of pasengers can opt for the rear seat to be fixed, and if there’s a need for extra luggage space, the seat can be removed to make the boot much larger. This nifty feature could be replicated in other cars if it catches on with the buyer. As for other details, we expect the Triber to feature Renault’s MediaNav touchscreen infotainment unit on the center console, along with fresh interiors, which while sharing parts with the Kwid, is likely to get distinct colour schemes on the MPV.

As for safety, the Renault Triber is expected to meet Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) norms right from launch. What this means is, a driver airbag, ABS, reverse parking sensors, speed alerts, seatbelt reminder and ISOFIX child seat mounting points will be standard safety features on the entire variant line up. The car is also likely to be engineered with the upcoming structural safety norms of the BNVSAP, and also the upcoming emission norms under the Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) regime. Renault’s biggest success in the Indian market till date has been the Kwid low cost entry-level hatchback. Renault will be hoping to achieve similar success with the Triber, which is the French automaker’s biggest launch this year. The next big launch from Renault will be the all-new Duster SUV, which is expected to arrive sometime later next year.

Via Overdrive