Summary: Renault appears to be working on a CNG-powered version of the upcoming turbocharged Triber, with a test vehicle recently spotted featuring visual indicators of both turbocharging and compressed natural gas technology. The Triber has so far been offered with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol…
Renault appears to be working on a CNG-powered version of the upcoming turbocharged Triber, with a test vehicle recently spotted featuring visual indicators of both turbocharging and compressed natural gas technology.
The Triber has so far been offered with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 71 BHP and 96 Nm. While the engine is adequate for urban driving, its performance has been considered modest, particularly when the compact MPV is carrying a full load.
Renault is already preparing to introduce a turbocharged powertrain for the Triber. The company had previously showcased its Renault Group Entry Platform (RGEP), which is expected to underpin future entry-level models and provide greater flexibility in terms of powertrain configurations.
Turbo-CNG powertrain under development
The test vehicle spotted recently appears to be equipped with both a turbo badge on the tailgate and a CNG identification sticker on the rear glass. These markings suggest that Renault could be evaluating a turbocharged CNG powertrain for the Triber.
If introduced, the model would join a relatively small group of turbo-CNG passenger vehicles in India. Tata Motors is currently one of the manufacturers offering turbocharged CNG technology in its passenger vehicle range.
The exact engine specifications of the Triber Turbo-CNG have not yet been revealed. Renault is also yet to confirm whether the powertrain will make it to production.
Twin-cylinder CNG technology likely
The RGEP platform is understood to accommodate a twin-cylinder CNG tank arrangement. A similar approach has already been adopted by other manufacturers to package CNG tanks more efficiently while retaining usable luggage space.
The spotted Triber is therefore expected to use a twin-cylinder CNG configuration if the technology is eventually introduced on the production model. However, details regarding the tank capacity, boot space and CNG range remain unavailable at this stage.
A factory-fitted CNG system would also differentiate the upcoming version from aftermarket conversions, with the vehicle engineered and homologated for CNG operation from the outset.
Manual gearbox expected
The turbo-CNG version is expected to be paired with a manual transmission, although Renault has not confirmed the gearbox specifications.
The combination of a turbocharged engine and CNG could give the Triber stronger low- and mid-range performance compared with the existing naturally aspirated petrol engine, while potentially offering lower running costs. Actual performance and fuel economy figures, however, will depend on the final engine calibration and specifications.
Price could be key
Pricing is likely to play an important role in the positioning of the Triber Turbo-CNG. The existing model has built its appeal around offering three-row practicality at a relatively accessible price point.
If Renault can keep the CNG version below the Rs 10 lakh mark, it could potentially appeal to buyers looking for a practical family vehicle with lower fuel costs. The additional cost associated with the turbocharged engine and factory-fitted CNG hardware will determine how competitive it ultimately becomes.
Renault has not yet announced a launch timeline for the Triber Turbo-CNG. More details are expected as development progresses and the company moves closer to introducing the turbocharged Triber range.
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Source: https://www.motorbeam.com/renault-triber-turbo-cng-spotted/