The new Duster strong‑hybrid will hit shelves on Oct 17, packing a 1.789‑litre petrol engine with two electric motors that together pull 160hp and 172Nm. The setup can run 80% of city drives on electric power alone, thanks to a 1.4kWh battery that charges on the go.
Renault’s E‑Tech system is a bit different from the Toyota‑style hybrids that Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder use. Instead of a single, continuously variable transmission, the Duster uses fixed gear ratios that shift under the hood, letting the engine rev like a normal automatic while still offering pure electric mode.
The 1.4kWh pack is more than double the 0.6kWh unit in the Toyota models, so the Duster can stay in EV mode longer and recover more energy when braking. That translates into lower fuel consumption in traffic‑heavy cities, though real‑world numbers will vary with speed, temperature and driving style.
With the hybrid, the Duster steps into a space that the new‑generation model had left empty—no diesel option. It now competes head‑to‑head with Maruti Victoris, Toyota Hyryder and the older Grand Vitara, all of which offer strong hybrids in the midsize SUV segment.
Renault plans to start deliveries a few days after the launch, with initial availability in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. Keep an eye on the price list that will be released next week, and on how the service network adapts to the new battery and motor kit.
If you’re eyeing a midsize SUV that can save you on fuel without sacrificing power, the Duster hybrid might just fit the bill. Watch for consumer reviews once the first units hit the road, as they’ll reveal how the E‑Tech system performs in real traffic.