Renault Duster Hybrid India Launch Tomorrow: Here's What to Expect

The Renault Duster Hybrid will use a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery pack. It will be offered exclusively with an automatic transmission and will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrids. Bookings for the same commenced on October 9th for an amount of Rs 21,000.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Expected Price

The Renault Duster Hybrid is expected to be priced between Rs 19 lakh and Rs 23 lakh (ex-showroom). The official prices will be announced on October 17th. The hybrid version will join the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol variants in the Duster lineup. It will offer buyers a petrol-electric alternative to the conventional petrol powertrains.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Powertrain and Performance

The Duster Hybrid will feature a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors. The 49hp traction motor drives the wheels, while the 20PS integrated starter-generator supports the hybrid system. The Duster Hybrid E-Tech 160 and delivers a combined output of 160PS and 172Nm of torque. It uses a 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack and is paired with a multi-mode automatic transmission.

Renault's Hybrid E-Tech system can operate in electric, petrol-engine and combined petrol-electric modes. It also recovers energy during deceleration and braking through regenerative braking. The system does not require an external charging connection, as the battery recharges while driving. Renault says the Duster Hybrid can complete up to 80 percent of city driving in EV mode under suitable conditions.

Unlike the hybrid systems used by the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Victoris, the Duster uses a multi-mode automatic transmission with fixed gear ratios. The transmission can switch between electric drive, petrol-engine operation and combined power depending on driving conditions. This differs from the e-CVT-based system used by its Toyota-Maruti rivals. The Duster's 1.4kWh battery is also larger than the 0.60kWh battery used in the Toyota-based strong-hybrid system.

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Renault Duster Hybrid Mileage: 29kmpl

One of the key details revealed ahead of the Duster Hybrid launch is its claimed fuel economy of 29kmpl. This figure places the SUV among the strong-hybrid options with the highest claimed fuel efficiency in the midsize SUV segment.

The hybrid system uses electric power during suitable driving conditions, switches between the petrol engine and electric motors as required, and recovers energy during braking. These functions are intended to reduce petrol consumption, particularly in city traffic.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Design and Features

The hybrid version is expected to retain the overall exterior design and cabin layout of the new-generation Duster, with the powertrain being its primary distinction.

Renault has yet to disclose the complete variant-wise equipment list and confirm whether the hybrid will receive any exclusive features. Details regarding the infotainment system, connected-car technology, comfort equipment and safety features are expected to become clearer at launch.

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Renault Duster Hybrid: Rivals

The Renault Duster Hybrid will compete with the strong-hybrid versions of the following SUVs - Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Victoris in its segment. All these models use petrol+electric hybrid powertrains designed to improve fuel efficiency, particularly in urban driving conditions. Renault will enter this segment with its own hybrid architecture and a claimed fuel economy of 29kmpl.