2020 Renault Triber To Be As Powerful As the Maruti Baleno RS

Launched last year, the Renault Triber comes across as sensible low-cost offering for those in need of 7 seats but on a strict budget. While we were mostly impressed by the Kwid-based MPV back when we first drove it, the lack of outright power stuck out like a sore thumb. Well, not anymore as the carmaker is gearing up to launch a high-strung turbo-petrol option on the 2020 Renault Triber. 

Renault showcased the dual-tone version of the Triber with a 5-speed AMT at the Auto Expo 2020.

Back at the recently conducted Auto Expo 2020, Renault India showcased the AMT version of the 2020 Renault Triber, which also featured a neat dual-tone paint job. Also on display at the motor show was the company's HR10 1.0-litre TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) three-cylinder petrol engine that outputs a maximum power of 100PS and a peak torque of 160Nm. To put things in perspective, the now-defunct Maruti Baleno RS, which is among the most powerful cars in its price segment, offers 101 PS and 150Nm.

What this means is that the Triber would be only marginally less powerful than the performance version of the popular B2-segment hatchback, while it will offer slightly more torque. Also the Baleno RS tips the scales at 950kg, while the current Triber weighs 947kg. In all likelihood, the turbo variant will be only slightly heavier, which means we're looking at pretty scintillating performance here, at least relative to the naturally-aspirated version. Transmission option is unclear at the moment but a 5-speed manual is our safest guess.

Also Read - 2020 Renault Duster to feature a Mercedes engine

As we said in our first drive review, the underpowered 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine of the current Renault Triber proves to be its Achillles' heel.

The HR10 1.0L turbo-petrol engine is a downsized version of the HR13 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine that will be available with the 2020 Renault Duster. The bigger powerplant is a four-cylinder unit that is co-developed with Daimler. It outputs a maximum of 160PS and 250Nm. Also, a more powerful version of the 2020 Renault Triber Turbo model's 1.0L motor will be found under the hood of the upcoming sub-4-metre compact SUVs by Renault and Nissan. This engine will offer 117PS and 180Nm.