What is Renault doing? Earlier this month, it hiked the sticker price of the range-topping Triber by over Rs 4,000. Now, prices of three out of the four variants have gone up by Rs 10,000. And yet, Renault has headlined the list with “Attractive Launch Prices”. The table below helps put things in perspective:

You might say that the latest price hike is not that high. But when you rope in the fact that there are no changes in the kit whatsoever, it pinches more. Renault hasn’t shared any reason for the revised prices either. Usually, a model becomes dearer either due to changes in its portfolio or because of an increase in its input costs. Apart from those triggers, the only possibility is when the introductory prices are taken down. However, that, as mentioned above, is not the case.

What’s worth noting is that this is not the last upward revision in prices that the Triber has received. Before we enter the next fiscal, Renault will upgrade the Triber’s powertrain to comply with BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission norms. And, the company will pass on the costs incurred to the end customer. Alongside, the Triber’s list of variants will go up with the option of an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).

As a product, the Renault Triber has much potential. It is compact, has a tiny thirst (claimed mileage is 20kmpl), can seat up to seven passengers, gets a decent list of features and is well priced. Under the bonnet, the only engine-transmission combination on offer is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol mated to a 5-speed manual. With 71bhp/96Nm on tap, the Triber is not the quickest or most powerful model in the same price bracket. However, it balances out the equation by being incredibly versatile. The only car that comes close on offering a seven-seat layout in the sub-4 metre space is the Datsun Go+.