Renault India has opened the Duster hybrid's bookings for Rs 21,000, ahead of its launch on October 17. Interested customers can book the vehicle for through the Renault India website or at authorised dealerships across the country. This will be the third powertrain option for the Renault Duster, adding to the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines. Called the E-Tech system, it draws from the carmaker's experience and expertise in Formula 1. Renault has also revealed that the Duster hybrid has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figure of 29kpl.
Renault Duster hybrid powertrain details
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The Duster hybrid features a 1.8-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which works with two electric motors - a 20hp generator and a 49hp unit powering the wheels. A 1.4kWh battery pack supports this system, which makes 160hp and 172Nm. Being a strong hybrid system, the battery charges while the vehicle is being driven and does not require connection to an external charging source.
Power is sent to the wheels via a multi-mode automatic gearbox. The 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.
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 choice of a hybrid powertrain is expected to help make up for the absence of a diesel option on the new Duster. This will also directly compete with the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Hyryder, all of which currently offer a hybrid powertrain option.
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
