How South Africa’s ride-hailing heroes transform this econobox into a street legend – images compliments of Law’s Custom Shop
Let’s be honest—the Renault Triber is the automotive equivalent of a microwave meal: cheap, practical, and somehow still depressing. But somewhere between the Uber ranks and taxi stands, a miracle happens. South Africa’s ride-hailing heroes transform these French-Indian econoboxes into low-key street legends.
1.0L Engine, 2.0L Attitude
The Triber’s 1.0L three-cylinder (52kW) is objectively wheezy, but taxi drivers have cracked the code:
Taxi Driver Mode:
- Redline or nothing: Why shift before 6,000 RPM when you can sound like a blender full of bolts?
- Overtaking philosophy: “If there’s a gap, it’s Triber-sized” (oncoming traffic disagrees)
- Fuel economy? Not when you’re flat-out to every robot like it’s a drag strip
Observation: The average Triber taxi driver could qualify for Formula 1 based solely on commitment to the send.
The Taxi Aesthetic (Surprisingly Fire)
Somehow, against all odds, pimped-out Tribers actually work:
| Modification | Taxi Spec | Showroom Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Slammed (ground clearance is for the weak) | Comfort-oriented |
| Wheels | 20″ aftermarket (cost more than the car) | 15″ steel with hubcaps |
| Performance | “Turbo” stickers (+5hp each) | Eco-mode engaged |
It’s the automotive version of a 2002 Nokia phone with a Gucci case—objectively ridiculous, but you can’t look away.
Why You Still Shouldn’t Buy One
Normal Human Mode:
- Slow (unless driven by a taxi guy, then it’s terrifying)
- Cramped (third-row passengers legally count as “luggage”)
- A resale nightmare (future buyers will assume it did 300,000km as a taxi)
Final Verdict: Respect Where It’s Due
– A masterclass in making something out of nothing.
– You’ll spend your life explaining, “No, I don’t do Uber Eats.”
Alternatives That Won’t Make You a Taxi Meme
- Toyota Rumion (Basically a Triber that people respect)
- Suzuki Ertiga (Slower, but at least it’s honest about it)
- Walking (Better 0-100km/h times than a loaded Triber)
