Renault Triber Long-Term Month-To-Month Reports
During its 10-month stay with this reviewer, the Renault Triber did its job in a commendable manner and, suffice it to say, without any real niggles. The Triber isn’t just about clever space management though, it’s also a very comfortable vehicle.
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Long Term Report: October 2020 (End of Term)
I primarily used the Triber for my daily commute to the office and back home – a run of 56km – along with some occasional road trips to the hills. And in all those months, I’ve really enjoyed its company. Mind you, by ‘enjoyed’, I don’t mean it’s exciting to drive in any way – it’s more of a compliment for its practicality, comfort, and fuss-free nature. First and foremost, the Triber is a proper seven-seater. Initially, I used to think it was a marketing ploy. But, no, as the days went by, I realised that it’s very spacious and comfortable – even in the third row, you’ve ample legroom and headroom (thanks to the cleverly scooped-out roof). You even get your own AC vents. Yes, in a sub-`8 lakh car! In addition to the space for passengers, it also has a very practical cabin – you’ve lots of storage pockets everywhere in the cabin, and there’s a cooled storage compartment as well.
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The Triber isn’t just about clever space management though, it’s also a very comfortable vehicle. The ride quality is pliant, and it has typical sturdiness and road manners that you’d associate with expensive Renault cars like the Duster. However, it doesn’t feel crude or basic inside. In fact, its quality and fit-and-finish are more than decent. The Renault Triber is also well-equipped. The infotainment system is one of the best in the market. It’s large, intuitive, lag-free, and comes with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Speaking of useful features, it also has projector headlamps, which are very good. I also quite like the design of the car – it’s a very pleasant-looking car. And those faux alloy wheels, well, that’s another smart touch. It won’t be wrong to say that the Triber looks more expensive than it really is, and I believe, the Triber’s aesthetics are one of its main USPs.
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The 1.0-litre three-cylinder powertrain is a mixed bag. During daily driving or even during long drives, it felt underpowered. The low-end is weak, but the mid-range is more than adequate for daily duties or even occasional highway runs. What’s more, it’s quite refined at mid-revs, and the cabin is well-insulated. At high revs – above 4,500rpm – the engine does sound coarse, and there isn’t much juice to extract as well. The problem arises while driving with more people/load and AC turned on full blast, for the whole task becomes a bit laborious, especially in the city. On the highway, once you’re doing speeds above 80km/h, there’s no problem, as the Triber cruises comfortably, regardless of the number of people on board. The high-speed stability is also very good. Having said that, a bigger engine will definitely make the Triber more complete.
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The build quality of the car is, surprisingly, very impressive, too. In the last 10 months, we haven’t witnessed any rattling panels or unwanted noises in the cabin.
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Overall, the Renault Triber MPV is nearly a perfect car for its price. It's spacious, comfortable, feature-packed, efficient, and, most importantly, very easy and pleasant to live with.
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Long-Term Report: September 2020
Last month, the Triber’s radiator fan stopped working due to a blown fuse. It was fixed by Renault service quickly. However, when the car came back, the USB port stopped functioning.
I thought it was a blown fuse again, and being the qualified engineer that I am, I turned it into a DIY assignment since I had nothing better to do. However, the access to the fuse box is really complicated in the Triber (inside the glove box), and you can’t pull a fuse out with your hands – you need to have a pair of pliers. After hopelessly trying to fix it myself for nearly half a day, I gave up and rang the folks at Renault service. They reverted promptly, sending a technician to my place the very next morning. It was fixed in just 5 minutes.
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The issue wasn’t a blown fuse, in fact, it was a loose connection. All I can say is that it isn’t funny to be proved wrong every now and then as an engineer, you know. The car is now running fine, and it’s back to being a fuss-free and comfortable daily runabout. It’s also hit 10,000km, meaning a service is due soon.
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Long Term Report: August 2020
As soon as the lockdown ended, the very first thing I did was to drive down to where I would spend some time with my family. It was a leisurely 250km drive in the Triber. The weather was nice and the roads were empty. Everything went smoothly. Upon reaching my destination, I was quickly put into home quarantine for two weeks, meaning no driving or stepping out. Sadly, I managed to drive the Triber again only when it was time to come back home.
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When I reached home, it was pouring – which is another way of saying that our roads had turned into large water-harvesting reservoirs of sorts. Unfortunately, I drove the Triber through a heavily waterlogged street, and while it came out unscathed, the radiator fan suffered a blown fuse and stopped working. I realised this the next day as the AC kept tripping and the temperature gauge shot up. I called the Renault service, and it was fixed rather promptly. However, after the car came back from service, the USB port stopped working – I am hoping it’s just another blown fuse and nothing else.
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Long Term Report: July 2020
After being parked for nearly two months, the Triber finally went back to work with full force in the last month. Since it's the only small big car in our long-term fleet, it's our camera team's first choice for a tracking vehicle or for transporting people and equipment. Not to mention, with its seven-seat layout, we all can also maintain social distancing inside the vehicle.
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However, with full camera equipment and three heavy-weight people on board, the Triber does struggle to gain momentum, especially with the aircon on full blast. However, once you get up to 50-60km/h, it doesn't feel as 'powerless'. So, the key is to thrash the motor in each gear and get up to speed really quickly. But this comes at the expense of fuel economy. However, more importantly, this aggressive driving style has affected my 'Eco Scoring' (shows on the touchscreen) adversely, as my score now stands at 74 / 100. Plus, it's given me a mediocre 3-star rating in the 'Gear shift' category. On the upside, in 'Acceleration', I scored a 4, and I got a full 5 stars in 'Anticipation'. So, overall, I am happy that I haven't completely gone down in the Triber's estimation.
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Long Term Report: June 2020
In spite of some lockdown relaxations now, going out isn’t an option for me. This is because the border between where I stay and the office is still sealed. However, a couple of days ago, I was fortunate enough to take the Triber out on a cross-border expedition, as I had to drop a friend at the airport. It was after nearly 80 days that I was driving the Triber again!
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The drive turned out to be a very pleasant affair – after being caged for over two months, getting to drive a car back on open roads again felt so gratifying. Plus, there was virtually no traffic, so that made it even more enjoyable. That said, there were scores of private cars on the road. In some parts, it even made me wonder if there ever was a lockdown in place. Everything seemed normal, although I am not sure if I should be happy or worried about this. Strange times, indeed!
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As for the Triber, it did this short journey without any trouble. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by its air-conditioning system. In 42 degrees of heat, the cabin remained cool and engine performance was decent. Hopefully, I’ll get to drive it more often from next month.
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Long Term Report: May 2020
Until a few hours ago, I hadn’t driven the Triber for over a month! Sure, I cranked it up once or twice around two weeks ago to keep its battery from draining, but it didn’t move an inch. However, since I had to get the odometer readings for this report, I went down to my apartment’s basement parking to check it. A few moments later, I noticed there was not a single soul in the parking lot, so I decided to take it for a spin, quite literally – I drove the car around the pillars of the parking lot for a good 5 minutes. I am happy to say that it’s the most fun thing I’ve done since the lockdown! Yes, that’s what it has come down to, sadly.
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However, before we were asked to stay home for an indefinite period, I managed to take it on another short road trip. As I have said in my previous reports, it’s not really a thrill machine because of its pint-size three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine. Despite that, it manages to cruise at 100-110km/h quite comfortably. It returned a decent fuel economy of around 16km/l during the road trip. However, it’s not that efficient in the city, as I only manage to get around 14-15km/l of fuel efficiency. And trust me, I don’t thrash the motor at all. Plus, I don’t think that it’s going to get any better in summer because of the air conditioning. But then, who knows if we will be allowed to step out this summer, let alone drive our cars?
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Long Term Report: February 2020
Usually, I prefer motorcycles to cars for commuting in cities. The reason is simple – it saves me a heck of a lot of time, and riding a motorcycle is not half as infuriating as driving a car in peak-hour traffic. But last month, it got bone-chillingly cold here, so, naturally, I ditched my motorcycle and used the Triber. And within a few days of driving to work, I realised that the Triber had turned me into a driving monk!
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You see, unlike other cars, the Triber has somewhat calmed me down as a driver. Now, I am not implying that it’s the most refined car in the segment – it’s not! In fact, the engine sounds very gruff during cold starts and even in traffic, the drivetrain feels very harsh. Plus, it’s not a car to drive enthusiastically. But, truth be told, I kind of like that fact – the fact that it’s a relatively slow car. I don’t know about other road users, but the Triber’s relaxed pace has forced me to be non-competitive on the road. I don’t fight for a tight spot in traffic, I don’t chase someone down if they cut me off, and I don’t get into traffic light drag races anymore. Instead, I stick to a lane, connect my music using Android Auto, and just drive leisurely without a care in the world. However, if there’s one thing that makes me lose my cool while driving this car – the lack of steering audio controls.
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Long Term Report: January 2020
The Renault Triber entered our long-term fleet this month, and, surprisingly, I’ve been handed the keys to this spacious 7-seat crossover. I am no family man, but I’ve to say that I like the extra space that this car offers. On the very first week itself, I drove the Triber to nearby and beyond, with four passengers and their ‘winter’ luggage on board. Of course, on paper, the 1.0-litre motor may not look ready for such a job, but, actually, it turned out to be pretty good. The engine, albeit whiny, cruises comfortably at 100 – 110km/h.
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Overtaking, however, requires you to send multiple requests to the engine – the motor feels strained and is reluctant to send all its horses to the wheels. Drive it at a leisurely pace, though, and it’s a very comfortable mile-muncher – yes, even when it’s fully loaded. The ride quality over bad roads stands out in particular.
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In the city, the driveability is decent. There’s enough grunt to pull the car into second gear in start-stop traffic. The clutch has a high biting point, though, and I also feel the pedal is set at a weird angle. The 8-inch touchscreen feels very premium. But I do miss steering-mounted controls. We will talk more about the Triber’s quality, practicality, and driving dynamics in next month’s report…
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Report compiled by https://www.autox.com/
Posted on November 27th, 2023
Renault Oroch Bakkie Set To Launch In SA!
A starting price of R400 000 could make this long-awaited bakkie an attractive offering.
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In this week’s Pitstop podcast, The Citizen Motoring’s Jaco van der Merwe and Charl Bosch discuss the Oroch’s local arrival. Charl had a glimpse of the bakkie during its first public appearance at the Nampo Harvest Day last week.
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With a payload of between 650 kg and 680 kg, the Oroch is set to become the sole occupant of the once-flourishing "half-tonner" segment. When the Oroch is rolled out at the end of the year, the Nissan NP200 will be bidding Mzansi farewell.
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For years now, the soon-to-be-discontinued NP200 had the monopoly in a once hugely popular segment. A segment that featured the Ford Bantam, Mazda Rustler, Chevrolet/Corsa Utility, VW Caddy, Nissan 1400, Fiat Strada and Proton Arena.
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Unlike any of these single cab-only half-tonners, the Renault bakkie will only be offered as a double cab at local Renault dealers.
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Renault bakkie to get petrol power
The Renault Oroch rides on the same platform as the Duster SUV. But instead of getting the same 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that serves as the sole powertrain choice on the Duster range, the Oroch will be offered a 1.3-litre turbo petrol mill. The engine produces 115 kW of power and a generous 270Nm of torque.
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The Renault bakkie will offer a choice of two transmissions a CVT that will send the twist to the front wheels and a six-speed manual on the four-wheel drive model.
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Right price
Pricing might still be Renault Oroch’s biggest trump card in South Africa. The Renault bakkie is rumoured to be offered at a starting price of between R400 000 and R450 000. The closer it can be to R400 000, or even less, the bigger chance of success it will have.
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Currently, the Mahindra Bolero, JAC T6, GWM Steed 5 and Mahindra Pik Up S6 are the double cabs priced under R400 000. All of these offerings, with the exception of the JAC, are very much work-orientated bakkies.
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Info shared from https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/
Posted on October 29th, 2023
What Makes The Renault Duster The Ideal Companion
It’s rare to find a crossover SUV that’s both a family car and a bushwhacker in one, but Renault has pulled it off with the Duster. This segment is alive with a host of rivals, including the Ford EcoSport, Haval Jolion, and Kia Seltos, but if you want a crossover that can fit an average family and their luggage in comfort, and hang out with proper off-roaders, the Duster with all-four traction is it.
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But it’s not the impressive 4WD version on test. This is the 1.5dCi Intens, a front-wheel drive-only range-topper crammed with the latest tech. For starters, you don’t need to lock or unlock the vehicle using its card key to enter. You simply approach and "click" all the doors are unlocked; a walk away and another ‘click’ signals full automatic lock-up.
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It’s got new design 17-inch wheels, silver roof rails and prominent front and rear skid plates alongside updated front and rear LED lights and daytime running lights. The new look avoids the dainty, city fashionista look so prevalent in the segment and refines the tough-cookie style, which speaks volumes about its go-anywhere capabilities.
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The interior is touched up with a modern-looking dashboard and new fabrics adorn the seats. The rear seats are split-foldable to create more loading space and there are numerous storage nooks around the dash to hide oddments from prying eyes. New technology includes a colourful 8-inch multimedia display that also plugs into mobile device features through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Voice commands are also possible.
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All Duster models are powered by a 1.5l four-cylinder turbo-diesel. In this Intens guise, it kicks out 80kW and 250Nm and powers the front wheels only via a six-speed automatic transmission. The 4WD model gets an extra 10Nm.
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It’s an eager unit that fires off the Duster from a standstill to 100km/h in 11.9 seconds and maintains a spirited boil to reach a top speed of 169km/h. It has great fuel economy too, returning an exceptional 5.6l/100km average on the test, making it a good choice if you rack up mileage, and it’s assisted by conveniences such as a speed limiter and cruise control.
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The body is well-controlled at higher speeds and it never felt hampered by its front-drive configuration to corner fast and sure. You also have no fear of potholes, manholes or speed humps in city surroundings, thanks to a higher-than-average ground clearance.
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It’s the same results of poise and stability when driven on gravel roads; you can confidently wander off into the wilderness better than most crossovers because it has the same chunky set of wheels and articulation and the same 30-degree approach/34 departure angled bumpers as the 4WD model, and it clears the same obstacles thanks to a similar 210mm ride height
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The 10Nm torque deficit shouldn’t disadvantage the Intens’ ability to clamber up some average steep gradients, but you need to curb your enthusiasm before tackling some obstacles. Slippery surfaces and deep ditches are strictly for the 4WD model.Overall, pretty impressive performance for a crossover in the Duster’s price range.
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The Duster Zen 4WD model is my pick, and further supporting my view is that its traction system is part-time, meaning it’s front-wheel drive under normal circumstances, and you call on the all-wheel traction only when the need arises. While it has a marginal fuel consumption penalty, it sells for R8,000 less than the front-wheel drive Intens.
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But if you live in the city and have the occasional need for gravel driving, the Duster Intens is perfectly good and acceptable in that respect. You gain an automatic gearbox (4WD is manual only), painted skid-plates, keyless entry and lumbar support, all the things required to navigate the concrete jungles comfortably.
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Renault Duster 1.5dCi Intens technical specifications
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ENGINE
Type: Four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Capacity: 1.5l
Power: 80kW
Torque: 250Nm
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TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed auto
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DRIVETRAIN
Type: Front-wheel drive
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PERFORMANCE
Top speed: 169km/h
0-100km/h: 11.9 sec
Fuel Consumption: 4.8l/100km (claimed), 5.6l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 189g/km
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STANDARD FEATURES
Electric windows, LED daytime driving running lights, multifunction steering-wheel controls, electric mirrors, keyless entry, Bluetooth, USB port, cloth upholstery, lumbar support, climate control, cruise control, drive modes, park distance control, rear blind-spot assist, ABS, stability control, brake assist, and four airbags
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COST
Warranty: Five years/150,000km
Service plan: Three years/Unlimited mileage
Renault Duster price: Range starts at R377,999 up to R435,999 for the Intens.
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Posted on September 25th, 2023
Why The Renault Clio Is The Best First Car - According To An Expert
Passing your test is an exhilarating moment. After months of study and examination, you are finally allowed on the roads by yourself.
The first drive with zero company beside you is both thrilling and slightly scary. My first time was driving to a local shop to buy some milk and I remember the thrill of finally flying solo.
However, once you’ve passed your test the next step is to find a car, easier said than done when you’re 17 and premiums are sky high.
As a result, most young drivers believe they are limited to cars with small engines, even smaller power reserves, and not much in the way of fun.
This isn’t the case, as I discovered with the 2012 Renault Clio Dynamique which had a small engine, and no power, but several reasons why it made a perfect first car.
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It was easy to see out of
I’ve wanted to drive since I was about eight years old. I counted down the years until the day I could legally do my test.
Despite this, when it came to choosing a first car, I was quite nervous and worried about getting in everyone’s way.
What was great about the Renault Clio, later named Furry in honour of the Brad Pitt film Fury, it had great visibility out of the front of the car, making it easy to manoeuvre through busy urban streets.
Furthermore, the Clio wasn’t just able when it came to busy streets, when life got busy, the Clio hatchback was adept there too.
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It was practical
The little Clio has a high rear end and a wide boot aperture. What this means is that it’s easy to get big things in and out of it.
The car was so capacious and the boot aperture so square that it had more carrying capacity than some SUVs at the time.
This was perfect at the time as a year later, I travelled to the seaside town of Penryn to study and when I left it took all my things in one go.
With Cornwall, in mind, and the mammoth journey time between London and Cornwall, the car had other tricks up its sleeve.
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It was great on long journeys
Two of the most important elements of choosing a car for a new driver is that it must be comfortable and easy to drive.
With soft suspension and light controls, the Clio had these in spades. Despite its 1.2 litre engine, it was an able motorway cruiser with impressive economy for the engine’s diminutive size.
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It was a friend
This sounds weird, but for those who are into cars or who are passionate about them, there is something about cars that endears you to them occasionally.
During Top Gear’s Africa Special: Jeremy Clarkson once described a BMW 5 series estate as "a mate". He explained: "That’s what makes a car special, that’s what makes a car great, you start to think of it as a person."
What made the Clio special
On Cornwall’s twisting roads, en route to a racetrack or to France with friends, it was another member of the crew, another person on the adventure.
This isn’t to say everyone will have the same experience, not everyone will think as fondly about their first car as I do mine.
And this isn’t to say the Clio was faultless either, but it was what you need in a first car.
It was practical, economical, easy to drive, reliable, and fun.
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Article shared from https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/
Posted on September 25th, 2023
Why The Renault Kwid Is A Great Option For New Drivers
There is lots to like about Renault’s Kwid. Here we examine just how good this car is for first-time drivers.
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Renault’s Kwid was launched in late 2016 as an entry-level car and it has achieved amazing sales success since then. In the past two-and-a-half years, Kwid’s sales figures have seen it rule the entry-level class, with monthly figures often topping the 1 000 unit level - the Renault Kwid’s price certainly has a definitive influence here.
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Since its initial launch, the Kwid addressed one of the major safety criticisms levelled at it by journalists by introducing ABS braking. This system prevents wheel lock-up during very hard or emergency braking. ABS braking is now fitted to all Kwids on sale from April 2019. This system brings it into line with its price competitors.
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Renault targets first-time buyers with its Kwid.
At the launch of the Automated Manual Transmission version of the Kwid in mid-2018, Renault South Africa management referred to a concerted campaign to target first-time buyers of the little hatchback.
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The Renault product specialist then told journalists, many of whom had criticised the Kwid, that the company had specifically targeted young female first-time buyers with the car, many of whom had had to rely on taxi transportation until signing up for the first taste of car ownership.
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Free Insurance is a huge incentive.
One of the master strokes of the Renault first-time-buyer campaign was to offer free insurance coverage for the Kwid for the first year of ownership. This scheme won Renault many sales and has since been imitated by other brands, that offered the same one-year free insurance scheme with its models.
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So what’s good about the Renault Kwid?
- The Price. The Renault Kwid remains one of the cheapest new cars on sale in South Africa. The base model, Kwid Life, is R188 999 (the updated price for July 2023).
- Looks. Out of all the small new cars on sale here around the R200 000 price bracket, the Kwid has plenty of personality in terms of looks. Renault is aware that it looks like a scaled-down SUV, and has even started referring to it as such in recent media releases.
- Connectivity. The Kwid comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, compatible with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
- Ground clearance. The Kwid is good over speed bumps and potholes.
- Fuel consumption. The Kwid sips fuel at the rate of 5,5 to 6.0 litres/100 km
- Free insurance for a year when buying a brand new Kwid.
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Verdict
Many buyers are attracted to a car by its looks first and foremost, and the "scaled-down SUV" appearance of the Kwid is something that rival manufacturers should be aware of. Here in South Africa, SUVs have strong appeal.
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The second big factor is the smart dashboard layout with its touch screen. Renault has definitely put one over the competition here, recognising that young people often value their cyber connectivity more than they value personalised mobility! Lastly, the attractive price of the Renault Kwid is a big selling point.
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Posted on August 19th, 2023
Renault Kiger Review - Another Renault Success
Car buyers’ inclination towards SUVs is quite evident. To feed this need - there are full-size SUVs, mid-size SUVs, compact SUVs, sub-compact SUVs, and even micro SUVs.
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One of the SUV sub-segments that is turning out to be a hot favourite with the masses is the sub-compact crossover segment. The bestseller in this segment is currently the Renault Kiger 2023 range and for good reason. It is one of those vehicles that offer a long list of features, decent performance, and great value for money.
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Below is a review written after the new 2023 Renault Kiger was taken on a test drive in a scenic locale to see what it is like.
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Design And Style
This is the area in which the Renault Kiger stands out first. Up front, it features a split headlamp setup that is quickly gaining popularity. The LED DRLs flank the unique grille with chrome trim. The Renault logo is massive and also protrudes into the bonnet space. The bumper houses the LED headlamps and at the bottom is a new skid plate.
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Move over to the side and you would find the Turbo decal. The 16-inch alloy wheels are sure to grab your attention. Some might find that Renault has overdone the design on the alloy wheels, while others feel it is premium and stylish.
The Renault Kiger has all-around body cladding, while the rear-end is pretty simple and tidy. The Renault logo takes prominence once again. The unique C-shaped LED tail lamps are still very much present.
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Cabin And Interior
The Renault Kiger is one of the most stylish cars in the segment quite naturally, one would expect the same styling to be present inside the vehicle as well. However, this isn't really what you find when you tug on the chunky door handles and swing the door wide open. The interior has all the features you would expect of a car in this segment, however, it could do with some more style.
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Right in front of the driver is a three-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls for the audio and cruise control. Behind the steering wheel is a digital instrument cluster. In the centre is a 7-inch TFT screen that displays the various gauges, and quite a lot of information is thrown up for the driver to take in. Flanking the screen to the left is the temperature gauge and to the right is the fuel gauge.
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Taking centre stage on the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is pretty intuitive and easy to operate. Beneath the screen are the centre AC vents, and under them are the controls for the air-conditioning. The three dials that are used to adjust the temperature, fan speed, and AC mode also have in-built LCD screens. This is a very nice touch and is something we liked.
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Beneath the AC controls are the start/stop button and a USB port, as well as an AUX-In port. You also get a wireless smartphone charger, and what makes it unique is the fact that there is a power on/off button for the wireless charger. This simply means the phone can just be placed there, even when it doesn't require further charging. Very clever indeed.
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The styling on the door pads is very nice indeed, with a unique door handle. On the whole, the Renault Kiger is a nice place to be in. It certainly isn't the most stylish interior out there, but it is very practical and functional.
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Practicality, Comfort And Boot Space
Renault has always sold cars that are practical, comfortable, and functional from the inside and stylish on the outside, and the Kiger is no different. The seats are very comfortable indeed. The driver's seat gets height adjustment. These seats also get a good amount of bolstering on the sides to keep occupants in place while a corner is taken at speed.
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There is no room for complaints when it comes to the front seats. At the rear, though, the headroom and under-thigh support could have been better. Legroom and knee room are great, and we can see occupants using the Renault Kiger on long drives without getting much fatigue. Passengers at the rear even get adjustable headrests, dedicated AC vents, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.
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There are multiple cubbyholes across the Renault Kiger that occupants can make use of. Be it the two glove boxes up front, the cupholders in the centre console, the storage space underneath the front armrest, or the door pads, the Renault Kiger offers great practicality. The Kiger also boasts one of the largest boots in the segment. With a capacity of 405 litres, the boot can swallow quite a bit of luggage.
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Engine Performance And Driving Impressions
All models in the 2023 Renault Kiger lineup are powered by the same petrol engine. It is a 999cc, 3-cylinder unit with a maximum power output of 71bhp at 6,250rpm and a peak torque output of 96Nm at 3,500rpm. It can be paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT.
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The car we drove was equipped with a turbo-petrol engine and CVT gearbox. The engine offers great performance, but we ended up wishing for the manual gearbox instead of the CVT. There are no complaints about the CVT. It functions just as a CVT should, and CVT gearboxes are less engaging, which is what made us wish for the manual.
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If an engaging drive is not your priority and only getting from point A to B is what you need the Kiger for, the CVT does a great job. However, we would pick the manual variant, which we have driver earlier. To know more about how the turbo-petrol manual Renault Kiger drives, read our detailed review.
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The Renault Kiger features a stiffly sprung suspension setup. As a result, bumpy roads will see you slowing down quite a bit. The stiff suspension also means the Renault Kiger handles very well and the whole body roll is present, it is very well under control. The brakes are adequate and do their job very well.
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Verdict
The Renault Kiger is a likeable car and a brilliant buy. It is great value for money and offers a lot of features. The fact that it looks so stylish makes it even better. The Renault Kiger looks stunning too. If you are considering the Renault Kiger, pick the turbo-petrol with the manual gearbox.
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Original article from: https://www.drivespark.com/car-reviews/
Posted on July 16th, 2023
See The Renault Clio In All It’s Glory - Video
The latest Renault Clio for sale has now reinvented itself, becoming a perfect illustration of the Renault brand’s "Nouvelle Vague" brimming with its latest breakthroughs. Its new style is even more compelling and elegant, and its chic and distinguished interior is ushering in a new cycle with the first rendering of the brand’s new design language.
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Watch the video here.
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Want to learn more about the Clio V or even find a demo or used Clio V model for sale- check out this website.
Posted on June 25th, 2023
Restyled Renault Duster Features Explained
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Kicking off the new range of the Renault Duster models is the 1,5 dCi Zen 4×2, available with a manual or EDC automatic transmission. Included as standard in this model is a pair of automatic LED DRLs, black door mirror covers and roof bars, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors with a rear-facing camera, a multifunction steering wheel, climate control and an 8,0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
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This trim can also be had with the 4×4 drive system with the five-speed manual gearbox. This further adds blind spot warning, hill descent control, a multi-view camera, the 4×4 monitor with an altimeter and a functional compass.
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The flagship Renault Duster Intens EDC 4×2 model tops the range. With this you get chrome door mirrors, black and satin chrome roof bars, a front and rear skidplate finished in satin chrome, 17-inch alloy wheels and satellite navigation.
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The updated Duster range sources power from a turbodiesel 1,5-litre four-cylinder engine which delivers 66 kW and 210 N.m of torque in the 4×2 manual models and 80 kW and 250 N.m in the 4×2 EDC units. The 4×4 manual model boasts an increased torque figure of 260 N.m.
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All models come standard with the brand’s five-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, six-year anti-corrosion warranty and three-year/45 000 km service plan.
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Info sourced from https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/
Posted on May 28th, 2023
Updated Renault Captur SUV Offers An Enticing Package
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A landscape that was once ruled by sedans and hatchbacks is these days flooded with little SUVs in various crossover spin-offs. And as more carmakers either enter or up their game in this space, the more difficult it gets for any of the contenders to really stand out from the crowd.
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One compact SUV that aces this challenge is the new Renault Captur. Long overdue to various hold-ups spanning from Covid to chip shortages, the French carmaker could finally roll out the Captur locally last month.
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The new Captur manages to hold its own through some sexy styling, a very nice little turbo engine and heaps of driving pleasure.
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Now we have been treated to have a Renault Captur in top-spec Intens guise as a house guest for the next three months to see how it holds up to life’s little challenges over an extended period.
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Renault Captur put to the test
We will use our long-term Captur for the purposes most buyers will, like commuting to the office, doing school runs, stopping for groceries and using it to get out of the city for the odd weekend.
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During its stay with us, we will get to see how comfortable it is, if it has enough space for everyone and everything we tend to fit and very importantly, how fuel efficient it is
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What we really like is the powertrain. The Renault Captur is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine which produces a very generous 113 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed EDC double-clutch gearbox.
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Renault claims it will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds with a top whack of 196km/h and we have no reason to doubt them.
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Renault also claims that it will sip 6.6 litres per 100 km, which we will put to the test over the course of the Captur’s stay with us.
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These smaller turbo mills can sometimes tend to return disappointing fuel consumption numbers in hectic city traffic.
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A pleasure to drive
What do have enjoyed in its first week with us is its driveability. The power, combined with a smooth gearbox and great handling almost wants to bring out the racer in you.
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It feels planted on the road and once the more comfortable you get behind the steering wheel, the more you plant to throw it into corners. Not during the school run of course…
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The Renault Captur’s styling has a generous amount of typical French flair to it. On the exterior, it features distinctive C-shaped LED headlights and taillights that extend into the tailgate, 17-inch alloy wheels and bi-colour paintwork.
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Inside the Captur feels well-built with a nice combination of materials. Soft-touch materials, satin chrome trimmings, elegant plastics, a black and grey seat design in cloth and leatherette and a leather steering wheel combine to form a very pleasant cabin.
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Advanced gear lever
Reserved for the Renault Captur Intens is a floating console which houses the e-shifter. The floating design frees up space below for wireless smartphone charging, whereas the e-shifter itself only requires the palm of your hand to change the gear selector without having to press any buttons.
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A 9.3-touchscreen vertical infotainment screen takes centre stage on the dashboard and features Renault’s Easy Link multimedia system which includes voice recognition, smartphone connectivity and navigation.
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Other creature comforts include a digital instrument cluster and heated steering wheel, which will come in handy over the winter months.
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The Renault Captur Intens comes with a comprehensive set of safety features which include: six airbags, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors and reverse camera, blind sport warning, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring.
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The Renault Captur price includes a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.
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Posted on May 28th, 2023
All The Accessories You Can Get For The Renault Triber
The Renault Triber for sale arrived in India in 2019 and the model turned out to be quite the game-changer given its unique positioning. The MPV is the country's most affordable multi-seater and impresses with its clever packaging despite the subcompact size. The Triber also looks good, is efficient, and packs a frugal, if not very powerful 1.0-litre petrol engine under the bonnet. The MPV has found quite a few takers and Renault is offering plenty of accessories to further make the model more exciting for buyers.
The Renault Triber gets four accessory packs, which can be fitted at the dealer level. Alternatively, buyers can purchase standalone accessories that include cosmetic garnish as well as essential feature additions. Here's a look at the accessories on offer.
1. SUV Pack
The Renault Triber's styling is half battle one for the automaker with its rugged appeal. The MPV gets a more SUV-like stance rather than a run-of-the-mill MPV, and buyers can build on this with the SUV Pack. The accessories pack adds exterior elements like body side cladding, bumper garnish, spoiler, and more for a more rugged visual look.
- Body Side Cladding
- Rear Bumper Cladding with Red Garnish
- Spoiler
- Fender Cladding
2. Chrome Pack
Many buyers love chrome and the Chrome Pack on the Triber adds the much-loved bling on the MPV. Accessories include chrome garnish on the grille, door handles, headlamp, window frame, taillights and tailgate, ORVMs, as well as the gear bezel.
- Chrome Door Handle
- Front Grille Chrome Garnish
- Headlamp Chrome
- Tailgate Chrome
- Tail Lamp Chrome Window Frame Kit Roof Lamp Kit
- Window Frame Kit
- Roof Lamp Chrome
- Gear Bezel Chrome
- ORVM Chrome
3. Urban Pack
Renault is offering some nifty features with the Urban Pack on the Triber including a front parking sensor, illuminated scuff plate, ORVM blinkers, ambient lighting and more. The feature addition does spruce up the value quotient on the car, bringing a more premium feel.
- Front Parking Sensor
- Illuminated Scuff Plate
- ORVM Blinker
- 3D Floor Mat
- Ambient Lighting
4. Essential Pack
The Triber's Essential Pack is the most useful and should be considered by several buyers. The pack includes a car cover, mud flap, carpet mat and more. Do remember that all the accessories are fitted at the dealer level on the vehicle.
- Car Cover
- Mud Flap
- Carpet Mat
- Bumper Corner Protector
Assorted Accessories
Beyond the accessories packs, Renault offers a host of assorted accessories on the Triber. Most notably, this includes alloy wheels with inserts, body graphics, door visors, roof carrier, bumper corner protector, body side cladding and more. You also get an illuminated logo, illuminated gear knob, puddle lamp, designer floor mats, as well as an IRVM back cover. The French automaker also retails vinyl seat covers for the Triber with different style options.
- Alloy Wheels - with colour-based inserts
- Body Graphics - Criss Cross/Triangles/Gradient
- Bumper Corner Protector (with Black/Chrome Inserts)
- Car Cover
- Mud Flaps
- Fender Cladding
- Body Side Cladding
- Illuminated Scuff Plate
- ORVM Blinker
- Illuminated Logo
- Illuminated Gear Knob
- Ambient Lighting
- Carpet/PVC/3D Floor Mat
- Trunk Mat
- IRVM Back Cover
- Vinyl Seat Cover
PRO TIP: Buy a used Renault Triber for sale and add accessories to get the best Triber at the best price possible.
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Posted on April 23rd, 2023