Trifun three-wheelers set to enter U.S. market
Currently, there are a few small manufacturers marketing in the small, three-wheeled vehicle segment. Obviously, ZAP comes to mind with their electric Xebra sedan and pickup truck. Bajaj sells small three-wheeled utility vehicles here as well. It looks like we can add Trifun to that list, as they reportedly plan to sell a few thousand three-wheeled vehicles this year in the U.S. A high quality 1 liter four cylinder engine, manufactured by GM joint venture Wuling, powers pickup truck, sedan and surrey - basically a sedan with a removable canvas top - models. Each machine also features a 5-speed manual transmission and should be capable of highway speeds. These vehicles, all of which come equipped with air conditioning standard, are expected to start just under $10 grand, placing them a bit higher than the less-speedy Bajaj units but undercutting any traditional sedan available in the states.
[Source: Trifun via Jalopnik]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
amg 5:45PM (3/24/2008)
I get a little queasy looking at these kinds of 3-wheelers, remembering from my childhood when three-wheeled ATVs were banned because of their tendency to flip over in hard cornering. I doubt anyone will corner hard in these on a regular basis, but I do worry about avoidance maneuvers. I think the Myers NMG vehicle and others like it have the right idea with putting the single wheel in the BACK, which has to make it more stable. Now if I only had $36,000 to buy an NMG.
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Steve 11:05AM (3/25/2008)
I don't like the fact that they're dodging safety regulations. I suppose it's more 'green' if people die and cease their CO2 emissions, but I think I'll stick to causing global warming for now, thanks.
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Patty 1:20PM (11/19/2008)
I have driven these units both on local roads and on highways and have to say I was impressed. They maintained 55-60 mph with no problem. I tried the passing gear and had it up to 73 mph and the engine was still going strong. While I don't recommend staying at these high speeds, it is nice to know you have it available if you need it.
As far as the 'tipping' effect, it actually did well since it has that sway bar added for safety. And since this IS a motorcycle not a car, it is considered much safer with it's fully enclosed cab and seat belts than other motorcycles that typically throw the rider off on impact. I did have to take the curves about 5-10 miles slower than in a typical car/truck and I had to veer out a bit more when making 45 degree angle turns but both of these things were just common sense. However, my dealer spent about an 1 1/2 hours going over all this with me in the training provided. I took the first couple weeks just getting used to my new little baby and have had no problems to date. Again, what consumers need to remember, this is a motorcycle with automobile functuality. I love the idea that I can drive this all through the winter (live in Ohio) as well as the summer.
As far as going 'green', I don't think it's any less intrusive on the envirnment than a lot of other models on the market today. Trifun actually has plans for an all electric model but says until the cost and effiency of the batteries for electric models vastly improves, they will keep this on hold. But at least they are thinking in these terms. (Electric automobile batteries now cost around $3000 and have to be repaced about every 3 years, and have to be recharged about every 100 miles, top speed only around 40-45 mph.) However, with the better gas mileage these achieve, at least Trifun is combatting another important issue that American consumers are concerned about. Using less gas to run farther achieves less reliance on foreign oil!!! Now that's something to smile about and it doesn't have to wait on better technology.
Overall, my experience on driving this 'fun' little guy (I drove the Extended Cab 1/4 Ton Truck) was a good one. I have one in my driveway right now! I like the idea that I can run errands, save on gas commuting to work and haul things from rubbage to plants! The suspension was typically stiff which can make the ride a bit jolty at slower speeds (not bad on good pavement though) but smoothed out once I got the rpm's up. But the nice thing about the suspension was the fact that they don't have any trouble hauling up to 900-1000 lbs.! Pretty good...
I will admit that the heater runs a bit cooler than I would like and the defroster is not impressive, but I am told they are working on correct these problems. I was impressed with the quality of the stereo system which includes AM/FM/CD/MP3 Player! It does need an additional speaker system more toward the front cab to hear better while traveling down the road when rpm's are revved up though. They now only have two small speakers mounted in the back extended cab area.
Does Trifun have some kinks to work out? Sure! Any new model that first comes out on the market has its share of learning curves. Remember the first Japanese motorcycles that came out? And not to mention the automobiles like the Kia's when they first came out! All-in-all I am happy with my Trifun. It is not my primary vehicle and wasn't intended to be but my hubby and I do seem to use it more than our family car, especially since our children have all flew the coop.
Bottomline: Don't knock it until you've tried it!
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Randy Mosley 7:19AM (2/08/2009)
My little Trifun now has 3500 miles on it and its driven daily, both highway and country road. I own a small ag business and also have a ranch and the Trifun is ideal for light utility work. Its no full sized pickup and not expected to be, but for everyday errands and light delivery work, it quite adequate and will surprise you with its versitility and capabilities. Highway speeds in the 70 mphs are easily attained. Loads of upwards of 1000 lbs have been hauled for short distance with no problems. The three wheeled platform is much more stable than one would imagine. There are several ess-curves on the road to my home and the Trifun will negociate these are about the same speeds I would drive in a normal car. The a/c cools quite well in Texas weather and puts out plenty of air. The heater is another story. Not enough air velocity. Since it doesn't get too cold here, this has been a liveable problem, but a larger fan on the heater and defroster would be advisable.
The suspension is stiff, which allows for heavier loads, but also created a rough ride, especially on country roads. Road noise is a problem. I have installed additional insulation which helps some. The radio speakers do need to be placed closer to the ear. My major problem has been electrical problems caused by road vibration shaking loose ground wires. Since my truck is one of the first off the assembly line, a few of these problems are to be expected. The factory has been more than helpful in tracking down the electrical problems. I do like the position of the fuse box, being located just inside the drive's door and mounted to the chassis wall , is easy to access.
Fuel mileage had been as advertised in the mid 40's mpg. No problems here. I did add a front and rear steel bumper as my wife occasionally drives the truck, and in my opinion, her parking skills lack a bit. Overall, the truck has exceeded my expectations.
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Doo Wop 4:06PM (11/04/2009)
I Live in Kentucky and I just got a Trifun for our business. I saw that you have gone over 48 miles an hour in your Trifun. I am at 678 miles (well into the break in period) and my Trifun struggles to do 50 mph. Shouldn't it go faster, or have you just tricked yours out to make it go faster? The speedometer says I am doing 62 but my GPS tells me I am doing 50. I have checked it with my wife matching my speed in our Honda van Max speed 50. Any insight you may have would be great!