Quick Read - Renault will launch the Duster strong hybrid on 17 October with a 160hp E-Tech setup featuring a 1.8-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. It will rival the strong hybrid versions of the Grand Vitara, Hyryder and Victoris.
Renault India will launch the Duster strong hybrid on 17 October 2026, and will mark the debut of Renault's E-Tech hybrid technology in India.
The hybrid becomes the third powertrain in the range, joining the 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines. It also fills the gap left by the diesel the new-generation Duster does not offer.
Also Read - All You Need to Know About Suzuki's New Turbo Engine for India
What powers the Duster hybrid
The hybrid pairs a 1,789cc naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. One motor makes 20hp and acts as a generator, while the other makes 49hp and drives the wheels.
Combined output is 160hp and 172Nm, backed by a 1.4kWh battery. Power reaches the wheels through a multi-mode automatic, and there is no manual option.
How it differs from Toyota's hybrid
Toyota's hybrid system, shared with the Hyryder, Grand Vitara and Victoris, uses an e-CVT with a power-split device for a largely step-free feel. Renault's gearbox uses fixed ratios instead.
Engine revs should rise and fall like a conventional automatic, and gear engagements may be noticeable as the car switches between electric, petrol and combined drive. The battery is larger than the 0.60kWh unit Toyota uses.
Also Read - Kia Plans to Bring Sonet and Carens Clavis Hybrids to India Before 2030
Fuel Efficiency
As with any strong hybrid, savings come from low-speed electric running, regenerative braking and the petrol engine staying off when it is not needed. Renault claims 80 percent of city driving can be done in EV mode.
Price and Rivals
Prices will be revealed on launch day, with the hybrid expected to cost between Rs 19 lakh and Rs 23 lakh ex-showroom. The current Duster starts at Rs 10.49 lakh, so the hybrid will sit well above it.
The Duster hybrid will take on the strong hybrid versions of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and Maruti Victoris.
Table of Contents
- What powers the Duster hybrid
- How it differs from Toyota's hybrid
- Fuel Efficiency
- Price and Rivals
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