Renault is finally gearing up to launch the Duster hybrid in India on October 17. This will be the third powertrain option for the Duster, adding to the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines. Called the E Tech system, Renault says it draws from its experience and expertise in Formula 1.
- New strong hybrid unit will be the third powertrain for the Duster
- It combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with two electric motors
- To rival hybrid variants of the Grand Vitara, Victoris and Hyryder
Renault Duster strong hybrid details
The strong hybrid Duster combines a naturally aspirated 1,789cc four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 20hp unit acting as a generator and a 49hp motor powering the wheels. Combined, the system produces 160hp and 172Nm, and it is supported by a 1.4kWh battery pack.
Unlike the Toyota hybrid system seen on the Hyryder, Grand Vitara and Victoris, Renault’s E Tech setup works differently. The Duster’s hybrid combines a petrol engine with electric drive and a battery, and it sends power to the wheels through a multi-mode automatic gearbox. While Toyota’s full hybrid uses an e-CVT and a power split device for a largely step-free driving feel, Renault’s hybrid transmission uses fixed gear ratios and can shift between them. This means engine rpm is expected to rise and fall more like a conventional automatic, and you may notice gear engagements as it switches between electric drive, engine drive and a combination of both. It also uses a larger 1.4kWh battery pack compared to Toyota’s 0.60kWh unit.
As with any full hybrid, the efficiency gains come from low-speed electric running, regenerative braking and the ability to keep the petrol engine off when it is not needed. However, real-world fuel economy will still depend on traffic conditions, speed, ambient temperature and driving style. That said, Renault claims the engine will enable 80 percent of city drives to be done in EV mode.
The strong hybrid is expected to help make up for the absence of a diesel option on the new Duster. This will also directly compete with the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Hyryder strong hybrids in the midsize SUV segment.