Renault Triber Vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: MPV Face-off

The Renault Triber MPV is quite a niche product thanks to its starting price of Rs 4.95 lakh and a unique 7-seat layout. The Triber promises to be more practical than sub-4 metre B-segment hatchbacks like the Ford Freestyle and Maruti Suzuki Swift. That said, customers looking at MPVs have another option in the form of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. While the Triber doesn’t have any direct rivals, let’s see how it fares on paper when compared to its rival from a segment above, the Ertiga. 

Prices:

The Renault Triber’s pricing makes it quite a tempting proposition. The Triber’s top-spec variant undercuts the Ertiga’s base-spec variant by a whopping Rs 1.06 lakh. So should you save some cash and head to the Renault showroom? Let’s find out:

Does Small Mean Uncomfortable?:

* with the third row removed.

Longest: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Widest: Renault Triber

Height: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Wheelbase: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The Triber is the smaller model here by a fair margin. But it beats the Ertiga in terms of width and comes close to the Maruti in terms of wheelbase, which are the two main criterias that make for an ideal MPV. Thanks to the sub-4 metre length, the Triber offers a paltry boot space of 84 litres with all three rows up. That said, if it only needs to cater to five people at a time, you could remove the Easyfix third row seats to free up more boot space than the Ertiga with its third row seats folded.

Also, with the Triber's sub-four metre footprint, it is the easier car to park in tighter spaces. Both models also come with slidable middle rows to ensure that last row occupants don’t face any discomfort while getting in or out. The Triber also comes with a modular seating layout which helps it carry various types of cargo. The second row gets 60:40 split functionality while the third can be split 50:50 or be removed completely as well.

Feature Loaded?

Both MPVs cover the bases with features like projector headlamps, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, push button start, keyless entry and a multi-info display. They also come with convenience features like tilt-adjustable steering wheel and rear wash and wipe. 

But it must be mentioned that the Triber misses out on some feel-good features like automatic climate control, electrically foldable mirrors, steering-mounted audio controls and alloy wheels.

Safety First!

* only in Automatic variants.

Just like the Ertiga, the Triber packs dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors coupled with a rearview camera.The Renault also trumps the Ertiga with two additional airbags. Good job, Renault!

If you pick the Ertiga’s automatic variant, you also get electronic stability program and hill hold control as well. 

Hauling Duties:

Most Powerful: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Torquiest: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

Most Fuel Efficient: Renault Triber

The above table makes it clear that the Triber’s 1.0-litre engine lags behind the Ertiga’s 1.5-litre unit by a huge margin. Infact, a detailed road test of the Triber with a full load can only prove whether 96Nm of torque will be enough or not. That said, the Ertiga’s 1.5-litre engine comes with Suzuki’s Smart-Hybrid tech for additional torque boost. It also comes with start-stop technology for saving fuel. But it must be mentioned that the Triber betters the Ertiga by a slim margin in terms of fuel efficiency. 

The Ertiga’s unit complies with BS6 emission norms and can be had with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a conventional 4-speed torque converter. On the other hand, the Triber only comes with a 5-speed manual for now while the AMT variant is slated to launch early next year.

Should You Go For The Triber And Save Some Cash?

The Renault Triber is a practical offering and can be a good alternative to hatchbacks like the Figo, Swift and Grand i10 Nios. But when pitched against the Ertiga, the Triber has some shortfalls. It misses on certain feel-good features. Also, we need to put it through a thorough road test to find if it’s puny 1.0-litre engine will be enough to carry a full load of passengers without running out of breath.

That said, if you intend to use the Triber in the city, its relatively smaller size will surely be a boon. Also, it comes with all the basic features that one could want from a city car. But if you want an all-rounder with enough power, space and features, the Ertiga continues to fit the bill perfectly.