[AdityaDeane]

Crossed 10K Kilometres milestone yesterday while driving between Dehradun and Manali. Have never reset my Trip Meter since I bought the car, and hence the Mileage shown by the car is the overall mileage figure of these 14 months.

[AdityaDeane]

People keep asking me what all Accessories I have installed in my car, and are pretty intrigued about the Steering Remote Controls. So, I out up a video of the same to help clear everyone's doubts:

https://youtu.be/hgVwVFUen6U

[raghu13uk]

Hi Aditya.

Thank you for your review and the YouTube videos. These are the best ownership review of Triber. I was but hesitant of the 1L engine and it's capability. But, your review in the Himalayas with snow has dispelled those inhibitions.

I took one TD of Triber manual as of now and really interested in buying one. (Want to reduce the complications of the extra electronics of these ATs and Turbo).

I am planning to move from TUV300 AMT to Triber manual. I had Figo prior. Hence I have few questions (may have some more in future). Please, is possible, give comparison when the vehicle was new and now.

1. How is the highway driving? I felt vibrations at 100kmph in the TD vehicle. Wanted to make sure if this due to the condition of the TD vehicle or if it the limit of the car. (I usually go long distance of 500+ km only twice or thrice in a year).

2. The gear stick was not smooth. 3rd and 5th gear could be easily confused. Again this could be the due to the condition of the TD vehicle.

3. How effective is the AC of the back seats during summer?

4. How is the comfort in the long drives. Do all the seat (except the last row) provide proper support to thigh and back?

5. How is the cabin noise level?

Thank you in advance.

[AdityaDeane]

Originally Posted by raghu13uk

Hi Aditya.

Thank you for your review and the YouTube videos. These are the best ownership review of Triber. I was but hesitant of the 1L engine and it's capability. But, your review in the Himalayas with snow has dispelled those inhibitions.

I have few questions (may have some more in future). Please, is possible, give comparison when the vehicle was new and now.

1. How is the highway driving? I felt vibrations at 100kmph in the TD vehicle. Wanted to make sure if this due to the condition of the TD vehicle or if it the limit of the car. (I usually go long distance of 500+ km only twice or thrice in a year).

2. The gear stick was not smooth. 3rd and 5th gear could be easily confused. Again this could be the due to the condition of the TD vehicle.

3. How effective is the AC of the back seats during summer?

4. How is the comfort in the long drives. Do all the seat (except the last row) provide proper support to thigh and back?

5. How is the cabin noise level?

Hello Raghu! Thank you for the appreciation and honest feedback, helps a lot as a presenter to boost up confidence for future videos.

Coming to your questions, I'll answer them in the same sequence:-

1) I love driving my car on the highway, as I get to do it less often, and mostly on the twists and turns of the hills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The engine gets vocal, and music volume needs to be raised a little above 90Km/L, but I found the car to be quite stable even at 120Km/Hr I got to do on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. I have driven for 500+ Kms in a day on the hilly roads and highways without any problems to the car, overheating of the engine or any other complaints. The vibrations might have been due to a faulty Wheel Alignment probably!

The engine grunt has reduced after the 2nd service though, compared to when it was new!!

2) I find the 1st gear to be hard sometimes, but the stick slots into the right gear 99% of the time for me. Maybe you'll need to get used to the car's gear gates after driving for some time. Getting used to the Reverse Gear by lifting the collar up was a learning for me, got confused so many times cause all our previous cars had the regular pattern.

No specific change in gear shift smoothness when the car was new or now!

3) AC is effective for the front 2 rows at the maximum, buy the variants with Rear AC if you need to drive with people in the last row, else they will be very sore with you after getting baked in the sun! I sometimes switch the Rear AC on for just my son in his car seat when I feel that he may be feeling hot at the back, as if I use the Blower speeds of 3-4, there is lot of noise and you can't hear the Music System unless you really turn it up!

AC cooling was always the same. I had given a feedback from the last row of seats when we test drove the car in October 2019, link:

https://youtu.be/Llp9QENhCZc

4) I always drive, so it's comfortable for me. My wife and son never complained on long drives. I have not done very long journeys with 5-7 people, maybe just a few 3 digit kilometres at the maximum, and no one complained even in the last row, especially on our trip to the Rohtang Pass with 5 adults and my son. Link:

https://youtu.be/OYML-ODGJT8

Seat comfort hasn't changed in the last 1 year and 3 months of ownership!

5) Cabin noise level is acceptable for me, upgrading from a Nano! But my father's Baleno is quieter for sure. Plus the 3 cylinder thrum of the Triber versus the 4 cylinder refinement of the K12B in Baleno. But nothing that the car's Music System cannot mask at the volume levels between 7-10!!

Maybe the cabin noise levels have improved now, but not by too much, but I really have to experience it before I can give a verdict. I haven't noticed much change or given thought of it.

Hope I was helpful! Do ask me whatever else you feel the need to, and I'll try my best to reply about it honestly!

[raghu13uk]

Hi Aditya,

That's a super fast quick response. You answered all the questions to my satisfaction. Thank you for your time and effort.

Looks like if I go for the exchange, I may have to get used to the noise level and speed. (The TUV can be driven at very high speeds and has good insulation). But, I think, I am ready to give up that for much easier city drive, parking and a reclining second row.

For me, Triber would be, just like the TUV, a proper 5 seater with big boot and only an occasional 7 seater.

I will go through all of your videos before asking the next question unless I am pressed for the time.

[AdityaDeane]

Originally Posted by raghu13uk

(The TUV can be driven at very high speeds and has good insulation). But, I think, I am ready to give up that for much easier city drive, parking and a reclining second row.

I am sure that the Triber can go till very high speeds. I never tried going above the prescribed speed limit in this day and age of e-challans! But yes, after 100, be ready for some vocal feedback from the engine and to raise the music volume in the car, otherwise you'll hear the road noise and engine grunt inside.

I check Team-BHP whenever I get time especially today because of Tata Safari's launch, hence the quick response

[raghu13uk]

Originally Posted by AdityaDeane

I never tried going above the prescribed speed limit in this day and age of e-challans!

You are spot on. I am not into over speed as well. I prefer to keep it around 100, with 110 being the conscious limit. But, in a free highway and I am not giving attention at the speedometer, TUV tends to reach higher speeds.

So, if the Triber can go near 110 without any trouble , then that ticks my requirement without the speed sacrifice. If you say it does that, then that's done.

[ariesonu]

Originally Posted by raghu13uk

You are spot on. I am not into over speed as well. I prefer to keep it around 100, with 110 being the conscious limit. But, in a free highway and I am not giving attention at the speedometer, TUV tends to reach higher speeds.
So, if the Triber can go near 110 without any trouble , then that ticks my requirement without the speed sacrifice. If you say it does that, then that's done.

TRIBER is great changeover from boxy TUV (while I own 2016 TUV300 Manual) & the cabin space is not much of a compromise.
I saw 5 TRIBERS in my society within one month of its launch & I have mentioned somewhere else on TBHP that two were bought by a Jewellers family, who could easily afford more pricier cars.
After few months I tried my hand on one of their car & absolutely loved it. Since I had driven likes of Ertiga too, TRIBER seemed much lighter and fun to drive. She looks FAD with some minor mods too.

Another feather in her cap is that TRIBER didn't make it much to TAXI segment & hence has retained its private car image, unlike new Hyundai Xcent.
I love the color of Aditya's car but my favorite is the ORANGE shade.

Regards.

[raghu13uk]

Originally Posted by ariesonu

TRIBER is great changeover from boxy TUV

Yes. I loved the boxy design of TUV. But, my priority has changed from long drive to city diving. So, I believe, Triber would be much better suited for me.

TRIBER seemed much lighter and fun to drive. She looks FAD with some minor mods too.

I felt that as well. Coming from a heavy vehicle this is a major positive change.

TRIBER didn't make it much to TAXI segment

Even I noticed that. It's definitely a positive point to buy this vehicle.

my favorite is the ORANGE shade.

I liked that as well. But, after having back to back red colour cars, I may not go for that shade again. But the final decision is that of the wife and kid. (I am indifferent to the colours most of the time. However, I avoid black and dark grey coloured vehicles from the visibility perspective.)

I hope to get a good price for my tank, that would enable to own the Triber loan free. Fingers crossed.

[wilful]

Originally Posted by raghu13uk

Yes. I loved the boxy design of TUV. But, my priority has changed from long drive to city diving. So, I believe, Triber would be much better suited for me.
.

Why don’t you consider the AMT variant as well, since your priority is city driving?
By all accounts it is a fairly decent one, from all the reviews one reads and sees on YouTube etc. Could be a fuss free option and with the manual mode, it can help your highway trips too.

[raghu13uk]

Originally Posted by wilful

Why don’t you consider the AMT variant as well, since your priority is city driving?

May be I would've gone to that if I already didn't have an AMT. The absence of the clutch needs little patience and learning. Though have mastered it, my wife hates the transmission. After scraping the bumper to a pillar while parking in initial day, she stopped driving it. With that goes my backup driver.

So, I need to consider her preferences as well. You know, buying a car is kind of a family matter.

I'll see if she likes the AMT in Triber. But, I'll let her have enough TD before going for it,

[Shanksta]

Originally Posted by AdityaDeane

I check Team-BHP whenever I get time especially today because of Tata Safari's launch, hence the quick response

Hi Aditya,

I have a similar query, we have 2 cars at home a 2009 Toyota Innova GX and a 2021 Ford EcoSport diesel that I took delivery last month.

The Innova is my dad’s car which is also my first love and I have driven it a lot. I was calculating our usage of our Innova in the past 4 years and realised we have used our car for only 33,000 kms or just 8250kms a year. This is definitely way way low, to give you an idea our Innova completed 40,000 kms between 2009 to 2011.

Anyway I was just thinking considering the age on paper (~12 years) and that fact that she is a BS3 plus my dad’s running being not even 1000kms a month nowadays I thought it might be wise to sell our Innova for a good price now before some stupid rule like the one in NCR kicks in our city which might totally hamper our resale, and buy a petrol BS6.

We set 2 main criteria for the new car,
1. Should be an outright purchase and our maximum budget is 8.5L. (Sale of Innova plus the difference)
2. Having been used to the seating height and suspension in the Innova. The new car should be able to match it.

The usage will be atmost 5000kms of city driving in a year and ~ max. 3 highway trips in a year of 1000kms each.

Having taken all this into consideration, I strongly suggested my dad to consider the Renault Triber RXZ MT, Tata Nexon Petrol XE, Hyundai Venue 1.2L S and maybe Ford Freestyle.

All three of us (mom, dad and me) really like the Triber. We are yet to drive it and see but my dad is loving all the features on offer and the over all size and space utilisation of the car on paper. Innova just cannot be replaced by anything other than another Innova and this must be really weird we are even considering the Triber, but thinking practically it does not make sense to buy an Innova Crysta for 20 lakhs(not that we have money lying around though). My question to you as follows:

1. How is the Renault experience ? Any frequent niggles/ problems ?
2. What is a realistic mileage we can expect? (Not that it matters given our low running but just wanted to check with you)
3. How is the car holding up overall after a year ?
4. How is the after sales experience with Renault ?
5. Does the car feel sturdy at highway speeds ? How is the build quality?

Looking forward to your response. Thanks in advance !

P.S. The car will 95% of time have only 2 people inside, but we thought it might be good to have the extra seats for the occasional use with 5-6 people. Also checked with Renault dealers and they mention there is absolutely no news of Triber with the 1.0L turbo being launched. I will keep you posted incase we change our mind after driving the Triber.

[AdityaDeane]

Originally Posted by Shanksta

we have used our car for only 33,000 kms or just 8250kms a year

We set 2 main criteria for the new car,
1. Should be an outright purchase and our maximum budget is 8.5L. (Sale of Innova plus the difference)
2. Having been used to the seating height and suspension in the Innova. The new car should be able to match it.

Having taken all this into consideration, I strongly suggested my dad to consider the Renault Triber RXZ MT, Tata Nexon Petrol XE, Hyundai Venue 1.2L S and maybe Ford Freestyle.

My question to you as follows:
1. How is the Renault experience ? Any frequent niggles/ problems ?
2. What is a realistic mileage we can expect? (Not that it matters given our low running but just wanted to check with you)
3. How is the car holding up overall after a year ?
4. How is the after sales experience with Renault ?
5. Does the car feel sturdy at highway speeds ? How is the build quality?

P.S. The car will 95% of time have only 2 people inside, but we thought it might be good to have the extra seats for the occasional use with 5-6 people. Also checked with Renault dealers and they mention there is absolutely no news of Triber with the 1.0L turbo being launched. I will keep you posted incase we change our mind after driving the Triber.

Hello @Shanksta! Thanks for reaching out for your query. Around 8K Kilometres/year is seriously less for a Diesel vehicle. But I know, an Innova will still give you a very good return if and when you sell it. Do let me know in a personal message what is your asking price, my in-laws need a vehicle, and we may buy it from you if it fits our budget

Triber RXZ MT for me cost Rs.7.2 Lakhs on road here in Himachal Pradesh (with 2.5% road tax) in November 2019. But since after that, the prices have increased quite a bit. Do check what the current rates are in your city after discounts etc. Should be near about that ball park for sure.

Not sure if the Triber can match the height of the Innova, but the driver seat does come with Seat Height Adjustment now from 2021 models. Being a Monocoque, it's definitely lower than the Innova, which is a Ladder Frame. But, over-all visibility is good, 6-7 adults can easily travel in all 3 rows, provided they're not all 6 footers, but average sized Indians.

The suspension is typically Renault! You'll love it on the highways, feels planted even when the car isn't fully loaded, and gets better with more people/luggage. You'll feel less body roll due to lower COG and Monocoque vs Ladder Frame.

Out of the 4 considerations, my pick would be:
1. Tata Nexon Petrol XE for the 4* safety rating and turbo Petrol engine. But you'll miss out on a lot of creature comforts with that model.

2. Renault Triber RXZ MT, for it's practicality, looks and the surety that you can carry extra people or luggage whenever you want in just a few minutes. The ride is excellent on the highways and also in the hills. The tyres follow your steering movements nicely, and you will know how much to turn even on the ghat sections with confidence.

3. Ford Freestyle, just for the sense of safety of the Ford vehicles and ground clearance. Your parents might not want to be in a low hatchback in their old age, and I believe that Freestyle does have a lower seating than Triber and Nexon.

4. Hyundai Venue would be the last of my choices. Doubts about safety, lots of features but low on mileage.

But do check all the cars out in person, it's your family who has to live with the car, and they should decide among all the options. I can just give my opinion!

Now to answering your questions:-
1. So far so good, no niggles and no lack of interest at the service center. I might have to visit them today or in the next few weeks, I hit my underbody yesterday, and now there is some noise in 1st and 2nd gears, like if something is jarring. Maybe my Engine Protection Cover has broken on impact or something else, will have to lift the vehicle and see in the days ahead. No problems in braking or no change in driving otherwise after the impact, except for that noise.

2. My average mileage here up in Manali is around 13-14Km/L. Goes up to 17ish on long drives without ACs and also down on the highways with ACs (mind you I mean to write ACs only as it has 2 separate ones). Expect something in that range if you're in the cities. I have never got a single digit mileage, irrespective of when the car was new, or even now, in the plains or in the hills, as some YouTube ownership reviews claim. I check my mileage through Fuelio App, and never through the MID!

3. To be frank, I use it on less than perfect roads around Manali and the door pads have started rattling sometimes. Also, if the windows are down midway or opened just a bit, there is a bit of a noise of the glass panes now. Do Not expect Toyota Innova like quality and ageing, but with the windows up, it's just the door pad rattles sometimes on rough patches of the road. I will get them checked during my next visit to the service center, and hopefully the car will be silent again on rough roads with changing of a few locks etc.

4. Nothing negative to write about them so far. But yes, I have only visited the service center from where I bought my car in Dehradun, and they've been helpful and attentive. Found the service costs also to be at par with my Dad's Baleno. No complaints there.

5. Yes the car is planted and lovely to drive on the highways! I love the suspension tuning of Renault. The long wheelbase and wide body dimensions really give the car a nice planted and controlled driving experience. The boot door is very thin and light, and has developed dings with no apparent rear body hits, just by pushing the boot hatch down by hand maybe. But otherwise, doors are heavy (less heavier than Innova) compared to hatchback standards. You can assess the build quality seeing the Triber accident videos circulating on YouTube. Recent score of 4*s by Magnite, based on the same platform, confirm my prediction that the Triber will also score around 4*s when crash tested.

Your use case is exactly like ours, it's mostly just my wife and I, and our 3 years old (in the middle seat). But when we go to Dehradun, or have friends/family over in Manali, we use the 7 seats based on our requirements. Perfect car for that transition

Triber Turbo Petrol may launch by festive season or only next year to allow the Kiger Turbo to sell in good numbers for some time. But ideally they should have launched that turbo in the Triber, which needs to carry more load, as the NA engine is sufficient for even 7 people on board, so would be sufficient for a 5 seater Kiger as well. You will need the turbo engine if you are a spirited driver, or have to go on ghat roads with a full house very frequently, not otherwise.

I've gone with a full house to Rohtang Pass without struggling to go up anywhere on the way. I have hauled 8 adults and my son in the car for shorter journeys, without feeling that the car is struggling a lot. I hope that you will love the Triber for what it is, do not go with any high expectations and the car will not disappoint you. As a commuter, it is a wonderful vehicle, much better than other similarly priced hatchbacks. If luxury is what you wish for, look elsewhere.

Hope I could be of help! Do ask any other questions you may have.

[Shanksta]

Originally Posted by AdityaDeane

Hello @Shanksta! Thanks for reaching out for your query.
Hope I could be of help! Do ask any other questions you may have.

Hey Aditya,

Thank you for giving such a detailed feedback. Much appreciated.

We are in no hurry to purchase hence we are looking at all vehicles across segments that fall around 8.5L or below. We are not going to complain if a 7.5lakh rupee variant satisfies us as well.

Due to the increasing C-19 cases in Chennai we will start checking out vehicles only from next month when hopefully things are under control. We used to own a 2002 Hyundai Accent Petrol which was replaced by the Innova. Hence I am seriously asking my dad to consider Hyundai because everything is so light and smooth to operate in their cars.

Currently we have the following vehicles on our shortlist in no particular order:
1. Tata Nexon XE Petrol
2. Hyundai Venue S 1.2L VTVT
3. Kia Sonet HTE 1.2L
4. Renault Triber RXZ MT
5. Ford Freestyle 1.2 Petrol Titanium
Wildcard entrants for no apparent reason !!
6. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Asta 1.2L VTVT
7. Tata Altroz XM/XT Petrol
8. Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXi (dad wants to check it out)

We have decided against the Magnite and Kiger as the 1.0L Turbo is out of budget and we are not really keen to extend the same for our usage of a measly 600-800kms a month.

I will let you know of our choice in a couple of months hopefully. Regarding the Innova I am based in Chennai so I don’t think it would be practical for you to look at it as an option and go through the hassle of ownership transfer across states. Unless of course your in-laws are based out of Chennai and I have been quick to assume.

Best Regards,
Shanksta

[Latheesh]

Originally Posted by AdityaDeane

* Now I doubt the build quality after looking at this recent accident in Ahmedabad {Happens to me everytime. I bought my Nano, and the Global NCAP crash results were out just a few days prior to my purchase. I bought the Triber, and these accident images start pouring in!}

One less -ve thing to worry about. Triber scored 4* in GNCAP testing.