Renault launched the Duster Hybrid in India with prices starting at Rs 16.99 lakh, seven months after the standard turbo-petrol versions went on sale in the country. It gets the largest and most powerful powertrain of any strong hybrid SUV in the segment, which Renault also claims is the most efficient. We recently drove the Renault Duster Hybrid, and here are three reasons to consider buying it and two reasons that could deter you.
Reasons to buy the Renault Duster Hybrid
Robust performance and refinement
The Duster Hybrid has the most sophisticated strong hybrid powertrain in its segment. It uses a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to two electric motors: a 20hp generator and a 49hp motor that drives the wheels, supported by a 1.4kWh battery pack. The combined output is 160hp and 172Nm, the highest of any hybrid midsize SUV, and the edge is also felt on the road.
The SUV starts silently in EV mode, and in city speeds, it shuffles seamlessly between electric and petrol, typically switching over between 40 and 60kph. Push the pedal aggressively, and the Duster Hybrid becomes livelier, which could catch you by surprise. The electric motor’s 208Nm arrives instantly, and the two-speed electric gearing multiplies it further in first, helping the Duster dart off the line. It maintains high speeds well, with the engine doing the driving duties and the motor enabling a quick boost for overtakes.
The engine never feels strained and maintains a characterful thrum. The E-Tech gearbox is charming as well. The clutchless, dog-clutch transmission feels more like a dual-clutch: seamless enough but not stepless, which adds to the SUV’s character.
High fuel efficiency
All the performance does not mean that the Duster Hybrid lacks fuel efficiency; the manufacturer claims it is 29kpl, the highest in its segment. Renault says the software juggles around 15 operating modes, always picking the least energy-hungry one. Expect a real-world efficiency of around 18-19kpl at city speeds, with regen doing its bit in stop-go traffic. Driven hard during our performance runs, that fell to 11-12kpl, but that is hardly representative.
Brilliant ride and handling manners
The hybridised Duster is around 100kg heavier than the turbo-petrol version, so Renault stiffened the springs and added new frequency-dependent dampers (FDD). These dampers have an extra valve that softens damping for small, sharp, high-frequency bumps while staying firm for big and slow body movements, giving a plusher ride without sacrificing control. The long-travel suspension soaks up bumps, and the generous under-bonnet and underbody insulation isolates occupants like nothing else in the class.
Renault has also retuned the steering system that responds instantly to inputs, and weights up beautifully as you add lock. In fact, the ride and handling of the Duster Hybrid sets the gold standard among midsize SUVs.
Reasons not to buy the Renault Duster Hybrid
Key features missing
The Renault Duster Hybrid is priced from Rs 16.99 lakh to Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom), which is a lot of value for the price. The trade-off for this competitive pricing is the absence of a 360-degree camera, an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror (IRVM), all of which are offered with the turbo-petrol variants. These features are pretty common among rivals. However, these features are expected to be added with a future update.
Gets a smaller boot and lacks a spare wheel
The battery pack mounted underneath the floor eats up boot space, taking the luggage carrying capacity from 518 litres on the non-hybrid versions to 372 litres on the Duster Hybrid. Moreover, Renault has replaced a spare wheel with a puncture repair kit on the hybrid variants. That said, a smaller-sized spare is being sold as an accessory.