Renault Duster, Bigster hybrid launch within 12 months of petrol model

While we had reported earlier that hybrid variants of the new Renault Duster, and its three-row derivative, the Bigster, are under evaluation, we can now confirm that the Duster hybrid is expected to launch within 12 months of the petrol model. The Bigster is scheduled to arrive after the Duster’s launch, and will also get a strong-hybrid powertrain.

1. New Renault Duster petrol launch expected in early 2026
2. Duster’s CMF-B platform supports ICE, hybrid and electric powertrains
3. Duster, Bigster CNG also under evaluation

New Renault Duster hybrid launch timeline

Production of the new Duster in India will start by September 2025

Dacia Duster used for representation only.

At the start of the year, we had confirmed that production of the new Renault Duster will begin at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai plant this September. This indicates that the Duster’s launch is expected in early 2026, and it’ll come with petrol engines only. Sources at Renault have now confirmed that beyond the standard petrol and turbo-petrol options, the Duster – and eventually the Bigster – will also get strong-hybrid variants that are expected to arrive within 6-12 months of their initial launches.

There is no word on which hybrid powertrain will be offered in India, but the Duster on sale abroad is offered with a strong-hybrid option. A 94hp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is paired with two electric motors (a 49hp motor and a high-voltage starter generator) that are driven by a 1.2kWh battery; total system output is 140hp. An electric automatic gearbox is standard, and the brand says that the setup allows for pure electric drive for up to 80 percent of city driving. The larger Bigster hybrid's output is 155hp from a 108hp petrol engine combined with a 51hp motor and a starter generator that are powered by a 1.4kWh battery.

New Renault Duster platform and powertrain

2 Renault and 2 Nissan SUVs coming on CMF-B platform

Dacia Bigster used for representation only.

The CMF-B platform, which underpins the new Duster and Bigster, is Renault’s answer to competitors dominating India’s SUV market. This architecture supports internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains, offering Renault future-proof flexibility. The platform will deliver two Renault and two Nissan models.

Renault’s powertrain strategy strikes a balance between immediate market realities and long-term trends. “We’re not in an EV emergency,” says Venkatram Mamillapalle, Renault India's CEO and MD, noting EVs’ modest 1.5 percent market share in India. He predicts that hybrids will surpass EVs by 2032, achieving a 15-18 percent market share, while EVs will remain below 10 percent. “EV is the most unpredictable market. Anyone claiming leadership today is lying – it’s just 2 percent of total industry volume,” he adds.

New Renault Duster CNG on the cards

Renault looking at multi-fuel strategy, including petrol, CNG, hybrids and EVs

UK-spec Duster's engine used for representation only.

While a new electric SUV is in development, Renault is prioritising compressed natural gas (CNG) and strong hybrids to align with India’s diverse fuel preferences. CNG, handled through non-factory partnerships like Minda Westport, will be evaluated based on regulatory and market shifts.

India’s unique market dynamics inform this multi-fuel strategy. Government incentives for hybrids and CNG, coupled with infrastructure challenges for EVs, make Renault’s focus pragmatic. However, the company must ensure its EV offerings don’t fall behind as competitors scale their electric portfolios. The Kiger EV, for instance, will need to strike a balance between affordability, range, and features to compete with models like the Tata Nexon EV.

With inputs from Rivan RS