Renault Triber Is A People-Moving Delight

 Great space and low price for the Renault Triber 2020 - a new budget seven-seater.

Renault’s new Triber is not a soft-roader, nor is it a hatch, according to its maker. As it has space for seven passengers, it’s a multipurpose vehicle and it slots in as an affordable family offering for budget-seeking customers who’d have gone for a Kwid instead.

Imported from India, the Triber is built on a new modular platform that’s different to the one that underpins the Kwid. It spans 3,999mm from nose to tail and 1,739mm wide. The entire Triber range, available at Group 1 Renault dealerships already, is powered by a 1.0l naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine linked to a five-speed manual. Automatic transmissions are scheduled to arrive later in the year.

According to Renault SA the motor differs from that found in the Kwid range in that it boasts variable valve timing and produces 52kW and 96kW, which is more than the 50kW and 91Nm of the Kwid.

It’s an attractive vehicle with a more elaborate frontal styling than the Kwid. The rest of it is conventional by MPV shapes but there’s some distinctive Ford Ecosport in its rear styling. It also delivers in terms of the promised usability, and head, leg and shoulder room seems generous for such a tiny MPV.

Seating arrangements are among the cleverest I’ve seen. The three-seat bench directly behind the front pair can fold flat while the rearmost seats can be easily removed from the car to enable boundless configurations to suit cargo shapes and length. Lanky people are able to fit in the rearmost bench, though for how long it is not known.

It’s also got plenty in terms of oddments with storage nooks all over the fairly well-built cabin. The seats are covered in hard-wearing but nonindustrial materials and they were quite comfy to sit on. It has a well-weighted steering wheel minus any multifunctionality buttons but adequately sized in thickness and it adjusts for height but not reach.  

The 2020 Renault Triber launches in three grades: Expression, Dynamique and Prestige, of which the latter specification was exclusively availed for the first drive.

Available amenities in the high-spec include an LED illuminated digital instrument cluster, a refrigerated glovebox, 20.3cm MediaNav display touch screen that not only beams infotainment features but the view out back when reversing, keyless entry with automatic lock and unlock, and a single USB port. It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The safety net is in the form of ABS brakes, seat belts for seven, and driver and passenger airbags, while the Prestige model adds side airbags.

From a tech tools perspective the Triber is not found wanting that much but it’s not a similar story when it comes to its on-road mannerisms. You’ll need to rev the small engine to get it moving, an exercise that brings harsh noise to the fore, and not much of a forward shove for that matter.

It’s a motor that requires constant downchanges to keep up with national highway speed momentum and this not only makes it a laborious car to take on long trips, but also blows off Renault’s claimed fuel consumption averages of 5.5l/100km. My launch unit used 9.4l/100km while negotiating the hilly drive from Durban up towards Pietermaritzburg.

Once on the move, the front-wheel drive chassis is inclined to wallow in the corners thanks to a top-heaviness that announces itself with pronounced heaving midcorner. Uneven road surfaces also pose a problem as the car seems unable to damp out the variances, resulting in a skittishness.

Given that the Triber is meant for seven passengers, the wheezy performance of the motor left me in doubt that it can successfully execute that mandate while the behaviour of the suspension at speed makes me worry even more about its fortunes.

In reality, this new Triber is a brilliant idea in this cost-conscious market and with prices starting at R164,900 it’s likely to match the Kwid’s sales success. Keep it within the confines of the city where speeds don’t reach 100km/h and it should make for a fine soccer mom’s car.

The Renault Triber comes standard with a two-year/ 30,000km Service Plan, five-year/150,000km warranty and 15,000km service intervals.

 

 

Article source: https://bonjourrenault.wordpress.com/2020/08/19/renault-triber-is-a-people-moving-delight/

Renault Clio Overhauled

While the Nissan Jukes and Ford Ecosports of this world might be slicing into the sales of conventional superminis, there is still a big market for these affordable compact models.

The Fiesta remains Ford’s best-seller in the UK; the Corsa as Vauxhall’s, and for Renault, it’s the Clio. It’s been a huge success story, and despite the presence of the firm’s similarly-sized Captur crossover, it’s done little to detract sales from this hatch. The opposite, in fact.

With 15 million sold since it was launched 30 years ago, as well as being the European class-leader for sales since 2013, this remains a mightily important car for Renault.

The last model looked the part, but wasn’t especially good to drive and had a sub-par interior come the end of its lifetime, so can this fifth-generation Renault Clio sort that?

If you just look at this new Clio, you could be mistaken for thinking it’s little more than a mild facelift. Renault hasn’t changed the styling dramatically and is happy to admit it. The old one still looked great, and apparently that’s why most buyers choose the Clio anyway.

Key to this new model is its new CMF-B platform, which allows it to be more spacious, as well as being available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time.

Another big change is in the interior, which feels far more upmarket, while top-spec versions feature a large 9.3-inch touchscreen, as well as the option for a 10-inch digital instrument cluster.

Buyers have plenty of engine choice with the Clio at Group 1 Renault, with petrol and diesel engine options ranging from 74bhp to 128bhp.

But our test car features the mid-range option – a turbocharged 1.0-litre producing 99bhp and 160Nm of torque. It’s not what you’d call quick, and it’s a shame the turbo doesn’t deliver a bit more zing (like it does in Ford’s EcoBoost-powered models, for example), with 0-60mph taking 11.6 seconds, while maxed-out Renault says it would hit 116mph. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, which is pleasant enough, but let down by an overly chunky gear knob.

On the plus side, it’s very efficient, claiming to do 54.3mpg, which is easily achievable, along with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

A Fiesta or Mini remains a more obvious choice if you’re wanting the best supermini to drive, but whether you’re looking for a town runabout or something for small motorway commutes, the Clio is a great all-rounder.

Our test car’s small 16-inch alloy wheels equate to a comfortable ride, while the Clio is also easy to place through corners with minimal body roll. We might usually complain about the Clio’s rather light steering, but as it will predominantly be a town car, it’s really a good thing as it makes it exceptionally easy to manoeuvre. One of the only things we’d like to see is a six-speed manual, which would just help to drop the revs at motorway speeds and lead to an overall more relaxed drive.

With styling being something Renault absolutely excels at, it’s not surprising that the manufacturer hasn’t really done anything radical here.

The new Clio is arguably more noticeable than before thanks to its C-shaped LED daytime running lights, while LED headlights are fitted as standard, which is something uncommon at this price point.

Just like before, Renault has tried the “make a five-door car look like it has three” look with the integrated rear door handles, while the same compact profile remains.

A sportier-looking RS Line grade serves those wanting something a bit more aggressive, too.

It’s the interior where Renault has been really making the difference, and it’s significantly better than the cheap plasticky-feeling cabin of the last car. New materials give it a more upmarket feel, while even the regular seven-inch touchscreen on our test model offers all the functions you could wish for (smartphone mirroring, sat-nav, etc). More tech is offered with the larger 9.3-inch unit and the cool digital dials, though we don’t see the need to pay extra for them when the standard setup works perfectly as it is.

Meanwhile, its 391-litre boot is the largest you’ll find in the supermini class, while rear space is generous for adults, too.

Standard kit is impressive and pretty much features all the equipment you could ask for from a supermini. While you can spend more on a top-spec model, this version here offers a great balance of equipment and affordability.

Overall this new Clio is a big step forward compared to its predecessor and makes key improvements in all the areas where it needed to – the interior and driving experience, namely.

It might not lead the way for driver enjoyment, but the new Clio is an accomplished all-rounder that offers great value, spaciousness and comfort. This mid-spec Iconic grade and TCe 100 petrol engine tested here is also a winning combination – offering just the right amount of performance for a car of this size, plenty of standard kit and low running costs. With all these attributes, it undoubtedly makes the Clio one of the best superminis on sale today.

THE FACTS

• Model: Renault Clio Iconic TCe 100

• Top Speed: 116mph

• Performance: 0-60mph in 11.6 seconds

• Economy: 54.3mpg

• CO2 emissions: 99g/km

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Article from: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/motors/2187526/road-test-renault-clio-overhaul-a-change-for-the-better/

A little About The Used Renault Sandero

A full used buyer’s guide on the Renault Sandero for sale.

Due to its bargain price at Group 1 Renault, it would be easy to dismiss the used Renault Sandero as an also-ran that could never rival the likes of the Peugeot 208, Kia Rio or even the DS 3. But the reality is that as an overall ownership proposition, it trounces these cars as they rank well below the Renault in this year’s Driver Power survey. There’s no denying the value the used Renault provides. So if you’re looking for cheap motoring but don’t want to compromise reliability, comfort or practicality, we’d recommend you get better acquainted with the Sandero.

Buyers love their premium models, so the idea of launching a budget car brand might have seemed crazy to many people when Renault arrived in 2013.

This Renault subsidiary started out as Romania’s national car maker 50 years ago, but was absorbed into the French giant’s portfolio in 1999. And it swiftly made waves by launching the UK’s cheapest car, in the shape of the sub-R120,000 Sandero.

But while this supermini follows Renault’s template of providing reliable, practical transport on a budget instead of focusing on cutting-edge tech or design flair, there’s more to it than just a low price. The brand offers a range of engines, well equipped higher-spec models and a rugged-looking, crossover-style Stepway model. And owners tell us they love their Sanderos.

History

The first Renault Sanderos hit UK dealers in January 2013. Buyers could choose from 73bhp 1.2 or 90bhp turbocharged 0.9-litre petrol engines, plus a 90bhp 1.5 diesel. At launch there were Access, Ambiance and Laureate trim levels, as well as the chunky Stepway, but in March 2015 a Laureate Prime was added. This new range-topping car had Cosmos Blue metallic paint, electric rear windows, upgraded interior trim and a seven-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Euro 6 engines were fitted from August 2015, cutting CO2 emissions and boosting fuel economy. In April 2016 an Ambiance Prime special edition was launched, with alloys, metallic paint and front foglights.

Entry-level Access models feature steel wheels, black bumpers and manual windows. They don’t even have a radio, although they do get power-steering, ESP, tyre pressure monitors and a split rear seat. Move up to the Ambiance and there are body-coloured bumpers, more upmarket interior trim, remote central locking, electric front windows, Bluetooth and a radio.

The flagship Laureate has alloys, posher cabin trim, a trip computer, cruise control, air-con, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, plus height-adjustable front seats and seatbelts. The Stepway only comes in Ambiance and Laureate trims.

Article from: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/Renault/sandero/96586/used-dacia-sandero-review