The Renault Duster will get a strong-hybrid powertrain in India on October 17, joining the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol options. Bookings are open for Rs 21,000. Here’s what to expect from the new hybrid variant, including its powertrain, features and rivals.
1. What is the claimed mileage of the Renault Duster hybrid?
The Renault Duster hybrid has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 29kpl, compared with 19.41kpl for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol manual, 17.75kpl for the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol manual and 18.45kpl for the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol DCT. The hybrid is Renault's answer for the absence of a diesel option on the new Duster and is expected to give buyers seeking better fuel efficiency an alternative to the turbo-petrol versions.
Its claimed efficiency is also higher than that of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrids, both rated at 27.97kpl, and the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid, rated at 28.65kpl.
2. How does the Duster’s hybrid system work?
The E-Tech system combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors: a 20hp unit that acts as a generator and a 49hp motor that drives the wheels. The system produces a combined 160hp and 172Nm, supported by a 1.4kWh battery.
A multi-mode automatic gearbox with fixed gear ratios sends power to the wheels. Unlike the e-CVT used by the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Renault’s transmission can shift between ratios. Engine revs may therefore rise and fall more noticeably as the system changes between electric drive, engine drive and combined operation. The battery charges while driving and does not need to be plugged in.
Renault says the hybrid system can cover up to 80 percent of city driving in electric mode, using the battery and electric motor at low speeds and switching on the petrol engine when required. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery while driving.
3. Which SUVs will rival the Renault Duster hybrid?
The Duster hybrid will compete with the strong-hybrid versions of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The Toyota and Suzuki siblings use Toyota’s strong-hybrid system, which pairs a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors and a 0.60kWh battery, producing a combined 116hp and 141Nm.
4. Will the Renault Duster hybrid look different from the regular Duster?
The hybrid is expected to retain the regular Duster’s exterior design and cabin layout, along with a broadly similar feature list. A hybrid badge could help distinguish it from the turbo-petrol variants, with the powertrain being the main difference.
5. What is the expected price of the Renault Duster hybrid?
The Renault Duster hybrid is expected to be priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom), commanding a premium over the turbo-petrol variants due to its more complex hybrid powertrain and the added fuel-efficiency benefits it offers.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
