Renault is finally gearing up for a proper comeback in India, and the next-generation Duster is set to lead that charge. The new Duster will take on rivals like the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, while also going up against strong-hybrid competitors such as the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris. Apart from the turbo-petrol engines that were expected, Renault has also confirmed that the new Duster will be offered with a strong-hybrid powertrain from Diwali 2026 onwards. Called the E Tech system, Renault says it draws from its experience and expertise in Formula 1.
- Fuel efficiency isn’t revealed, but Renault claims 80 percent of city drives in EV mode
- Deliveries of the strong-hybrid Duster will start before Diwali
- Turbo-petrol deliveries will commence from April 2026
Renault Duster strong-hybrid engine: Everything you should know
Produces 160hp and 172Nm; uses a 1.4kWh battery pack
We reported that the Duster would feature a strong-hybrid petrol engine, a detail Renault has now confirmed during the SUV’s reveal. 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 0.76kWh 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.
Other engine options
Gets 1.3-litre and 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine options
The strong hybrid is expected to help make up for the absence of a diesel engine option on the new Duster. However, hybrid tech is not cheap, which is why Renault will also offer two more straightforward turbo petrol engines.
The first is the familiar 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine seen on the Nissan Magnite. It makes 100hp and will be offered with a 6-speed manual. The second option will be the more powerful 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 163hp and 280Nm. While its power figure is close to that of the strong hybrid, it stands out with a much stronger torque output. This engine will be paired with either a 6-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
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