The highlight in this Renault Triber AMT, however, is the powertrain and the two-pedal operation that goes with it. The new automated manual unit sees a gear-lever with R (Reverse), N (Neutral), and D (Drive) positions. There is no P (Park) position, so a yank of the handbrake level does the job. Unlike the Kwid, there’s no Range Rover-style rotary drive selector. Just a simple and effective gear-lever.
The acceleration and performance are adequate at best. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the new Energy family — no, not half of the F1 racing engine — makes 72 hp and 96 Nm. While that’s enough for its job as a city runabout, it may leave some wanting more. The Easy-R automated manual transmission is convenient in the city. A joy in the inevitable traffic jams and stop-go scenarios. It’s best driven in a relaxed manner, getting up to seven occupants from A to B safely and comfortably while being very frugal, too.
The efficiency of the Triber AMT is almost similar to the manual version, driven kindly, with about 10 km to the litre in the city and 18 km/l on the highway. This car isn’t about zero-to-100 dashes and won’t be facing the drag strip alongside a Renault Megane R.S any time soon. However, as with all tests, all animals have to eventually climb a tree and a workhorse will be unimpressive in that department. No dishonour there. It managed to maintain cruise speeds with relative ease, with the 40-80 km/h dash dismissed in nine seconds. Overtaking needs to be planned, of course. The pretty much completely irrelevant dash from zero to 100 km/h is dismissed in 21 seconds; for those who are curious. For something to do it all and still post a decent time, an amount easily thrice the asking price would be needed. Crucially, though, it behaves very well at speed. The suspension is well-sorted and it holds the road well. The gear-shifts, with the throttle pinned Neanderthal-style, still seem efficient and effective. The steering feel and feedback are commendable and the brakes do their job well, too, keeping the whole exercise of shedding speed quick and drama-free in a straight line.
The automated transmission makes life easier, as its name suggests. Together with the Triber AMT’s other virtues, not to mention its competitive price point, there are few alternatives worth considering in the same breath. Build quality, ride quality, equipment, space, comfort, flexibility, efficiency, and even styling are all major plus points. It’s been selling strongly and for good reason. Now there’s an auto. The tribe indeed looks set to grow.
Need to Know – Renault Triber RXZ Easy R (AMT)
Price: Rs 7.30 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 999 cc, in-line three, petrol
Max Power: 72 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 96 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed, automated, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, torsion beam rear
Weight: 947 kg
Also read: Renault Triber Heads to Gokarna
