Renault has launched the Duster hybrid in India at an introductory price of Rs 16.99 lakh for the entry-level Evolution trim, with prices going up to Rs 19.49 lakh for the top-end Emotion trim. Customer bookings are underway at Rs 21,000, with deliveries scheduled to begin in November. The Duster hybrid takes on the strong-hybrid versions of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
- 1.8-litre petrol and two electric motors make a combined 160hp, with 0-100kph in a claimed 9.61sec.
- 1.4kWh battery pack, multi-mode automatic gearbox and a claimed 29kpl.
- Features include ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and more.
Renault Duster hybrid prices
The Duster hybrid range is available in three trim levels
Renault is offering the Duster hybrid in three trims: Evolution, Techno and Emotion. These introductory prices apply to all deliveries until December 31, 2026, and R-Pass owners will get priority deliveries. Buyers can also opt for the Renault Protect 360 ownership package, priced from Rs 89,900, which bundles three years of comprehensive insurance, three years of scheduled maintenance and a three-year assured resale value.
Renault Duster hybrid powertrain and mileage
The E-Tech hybrid features a 1.4kWh battery pack and a multi-mode automatic transmission
The Duster is based on Renault’s RGMP platform, which the brand says can accommodate petrol, hybrid and CNG powertrains. The hybrid is equipped with the brand’s ‘E-Tech 160’ system, which pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. The Atkinson-cycle engine makes 110hp and 175Nm, and Renault claims it is the biggest engine in the segment, with a thermal efficiency of up to 41 percent. A high-voltage starter-generator mounted on the engine handles engine starts, smooths out gearshifts and charges the battery, including through regenerative braking. A separate 50hp traction motor, connected directly to the driveline, drives the front wheels and produces 208Nm. The combined system output stands at 160hp, which Renault says is the highest in the segment.
The hybrid system runs on a 1.4kWh, 247V NMC battery pack with direct refrigerant cooling. Transmission duties are handled by what Renault calls a “multi-mode automatic” gearbox, with two electric gears and four petrol gears. The system switches automatically between six operating modes, including all-electric, petrol-only, and series and series-parallel hybrid. The French automaker claims the hybrid can manage up to 80 percent of city driving in pure electric mode, and a 0-100kph time of 9.61sec, which it says is the quickest in the segment. The Duster hybrid also gets frequency-dependent dampers.
The ARAI-certified mileage of the Renault Duster hybrid is 29kpl, which the brand says makes it the most fuel-efficient hybrid in India, ahead of rivals such as the Maruti Victoris hybrid, Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder hybrid. Combined with a 50-litre fuel tank, Renault claims a total driving range of over 1,400km.
What community is saying on the Duster?
Renault Duster hybrid exterior design
Overall styling is largely similar to the turbo-petrol Duster
The Duster hybrid looks largely the same as the turbo-petrol versions, with chunky body cladding, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, roof rails and eyebrow-style DRLs (daytime running lights). Up front, the signature grille gets an illuminated ‘Duster’ emblem, and full-LED headlamps are offered from the Techno trim onwards. The base Evolution trim rides on 18-inch flex wheels, while the top-spec Emotion gets 18-inch diamond-cut alloys. At the rear is an LED horizontal light bar, while there are ‘E-Tech’ badges on the front doors and the tailgate. The Duster hybrid’s ground clearance stands at 212mm.
Renault Duster hybrid interior and features
Feature highlights include a pano sunroof, ventilated seats and a 10.25-inch digital cluster
The Duster hybrid’s cabin follows the general design of the turbo-petrol versions, with a dual-screen layout. The mid-spec Techno gets Desert Beige semi-leatherette upholstery, while the top-spec Emotion gets Dune Brown leatherette upholstery.
Standard features on the base Evolution trim include a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver’s display and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Techno adds an electric panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start and connected car tech via the 'MyRenault' (MYR) app. The range-topping Emotion trim gets a larger 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, 6-way electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, and a powered tailgate.
Renault Duster hybrid safety features
A wide array of safety tech is on offer
Renault claims that the Duster hybrid’s entry-level Evolution trim gets 38 safety features as standard. These come in the form of 6 airbags, hill-start assist, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
