Duster Hybrid or EV: Which?

Last Updated on: 11 Oct 2026
Engine Type | Turbocharged |
Engine Displacement | 1333 cc |
Number of Cylinders | 4 |
Engine Installation | Front |
Fuel Type/ Propulsion | Petrol |
Gearbox Type | Manual |
Number of Gears | 6 |
Drive Layout | Front Wheel Drive |
Max Engine Power | 163 hp at 5250 rpm |
Max Engine Torque | 280 Nm at 2000 - 3500 rpm |
Fuel Supply System | Direct Injection |
E20 Compatibility | Yes |
Emission Standard | Bharat Stage VI |
Official Fuel Economy | 17.75 kmpl |
City Fuel Economy as Tested | 8.04 kmpl |
Highway Fuel Economy as Tested | 13.24 kmpl |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 litres |
0-100kph | 10.32 s |
20-80kph (in third gear/ kickdown) | 10.33 s |
40-100kph (in fourth gear/ kickdown) | 11.08 s |
Front Suspension Type | MacPherson Strut |
Front Springs | Coil Springs |
Rear Suspension Type | Twist Beam |
Rear Springs | Coil Springs |
Damper Control | No |
Ride Height Adjust | No |
Type of Power Assist | Electric |
Steering Adjust type | Manual |
Steering Adjust | Tilt and Telescopic |
4 Wheel Steer | No |
Front Brakes | Disc |
Rear Brakes | Drum |
Wheel Size | 17 inches |
Front Tyre Size | 225/60 R17 |
Rear Tyre Size | 225/60 R17 |
Wheels | Alloys |
Spare Wheel | No |
Length | 4346 mm |
Width | 1815 mm |
Height | 1701 mm |
Wheelbase | 2657 mm |
Ground Clearance | 212 mm |
Chassis Type | Monocoque |
Doors | 5 |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | Fully Digital |
| Driving Modes | |
| Rear Parcel Tray | |
| Rear Power Outlet | |
| Driver rear view monitor (DRVM) | |
| Rear Reading Lamp | LED |
| Dashcam | |
| Brake Assist (BA) | |
| Video Recording | |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Seat Belt Warning | |
| Central Locking |
| Integrated Washer Jets with Wiper | |
| Antenna | Shark Fin |
| ORVM turn indicators | |
| Outside rear view mirror (ORVM) | |
| Welcome and Goodbye Animation | |
| Headlight Height Adjuster |
| Shift Indicator | |
| Instantaneous Consumption | |
| Speedometer | Digital |
| Average Speed | |
| Average Fuel Consumption | |
| Gear Indicator |
| Rear Seat Infotainment Controls | |
| Video Player | |
| Speakers | 6 |
| Rear Entertainment Screens | |
| Web Browser | |
| Steering Audio Controls |
| Over the air (OTA) updates | |
| E-Call & I-Call | |
| Navigation On Instrument Cluster | |
| Summon Mode | |
| Google/Alexa connectivity | |
| Emergency Call Button |



Hear from the
I currently own a 2022 Mahindra XUV700 and am interested in upgrading to the Renault Duster Hybrid. Could you please provide details about the Duster Hybrid’s launch date, booking availability, and estimated price?
The Renault Duster Hybrid will be launched on October 17th. Renault has already started accepting bookings for the Duster Hybrid, so you can register your interest with a Renault dealer now. The estimated price for this Renault car is expected to be in the range of Rs 19 lakh to Rs 22 lakh, depending on the variant and final specification.The Duster Hybrid uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a battery pack, offering strong low-end torque and fantastic fuel efficiency of 29kpl on the Indian test cycle. The hybrid system is designed to provide a smoother driving experience with seamless transitions between petrol and electric power, making it well-suited for urban commuting as well as highway runs.Compared to your 2022 Mahindra XUV 7XO, the Duster Hybrid will feel more modern and efficient, with a focus on fuel economy and a more engaging driving experience. However, this Mahindra car remains the more spacious and feature-rich SUV, so the decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritise efficiency and driving dynamics or space and features.
I am confused between the Tata Curvv and the new Renault Duster. Which one would you recommend?
The reasons to pick the Tata Curvv are its distinct SUV-coupe-like styling and its diesel engine.The Renault Duster, on the other hand, is the driver's choice. Beyond its rugged character, it offers excellent ride quality and feels more engaging to drive, especially on highways and rough roads. The 1.3 turbo-petrol engine is smoother, more refined and punchier than Tata's turbo-petrol engine. Hence, if you value driving enjoyment, ride comfort and a more rugged character, the Duster is the clear choice.
Renault is offering benefits of up to ₹2.1 lakh on the Duster this month. Anyone planning to buy one?
I am planning to buy a new car under a budget of Rs. 22-23 lakh. I drive a 12-year old Chevrolet Sail diesel now. I really enjoy driving this car, particularly its MultiJet engine with a good mid-range torque. I value driving dynamics and pleasure of driving more than fuel efficiency and features. I prefer sedan over an SUV. My dad owns a 2022 Skoda Slavia 1.0 MT. I really like that car but in city driving, I've felt noticeable turbo lag at low speeds. Other than that, Slavia is a very good car. So I have shortlisted 2026 Slavia 1.5 TSI DSG. But only thing that I worry about is the reliability of a DSG with its dry clutch system, because I tend to keep the car for at least next 7-8 years. Also, I have doubts about its city driving manners. But I live in a tier-2 city and encounter stop and go traffic rarely. I hit the highways often though. So, will the Slavia 1.5 satisfy my needs coming from a good torquey diesel engine? Another SUV that I am interested is the Duster/Tekton, because I have heard that they are the closest to the German twins in driving pleasure and dynamics. Can I go with the Slavia 1.5 DSG or should I go with Duster/Tekton 1.3 DCT?
Go for the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI DSG. You will appreciate the 1.5 TSI's strong mid-range punch and the way it pulls on the highway. Since you live in a tier 2 city with minimal stop-and-go traffic and do frequent highway runs, the DSG should not be a major concern over a 7-8 year ownership period. The 1.5 Slavia also offers a more engaging driving experience than the 1.0 TSI, with noticeably stronger performance and less turbo lag once you are on the move.The Renault Duster/Tekton twins are genuinely good to drive, with excellent ride quality and strong dynamics, but they aren't as involving to drive or as agile as the Slavia. The Slavia also benefits from a more premium cabin and a better overall ownership experience. Overall, the Slavia 1.5 TSI DSG is the car that will keep you happiest over the long term.
The new Renault Duster seems does not have a wide 2nd row seat to accommodate 3 adults comfortably. Will the upcoming Renault Bigster be better in this aspect?
Yes, the Renault Bigster will be the better choice if accommodating three adults in the second row is a priority. The Duster is a strong product with excellent ride comfort and driving dynamics, but its rear seat width is not its strongest point. The Bigster is positioned as a larger, more family-oriented three-row SUV, and one of its key advantages is a wider cabin and a more accommodating second row. It is designed to be a more practical family SUV, and that includes better space for three adults at the back. If your primary requirement is rear seat width and comfort for three passengers, the Bigster is the more suitable option but you'll have to wait till the middle of next year













