Renault Introduces the Duster Hybrid in India
Renault has expanded its sport utility vehicle lineup by launching a new strong-hybrid option. The newly released duster hybrid combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to balance lower fuel consumption alongside stronger overall performance.
Pricing and Variant Details
The vehicle is offered across three distinct trims. The entry-level Evolution trim is priced at Rs 16.99 lakh, the mid-tier Techno costs Rs 18.99 lakh, and the top-end Emotion trim is available for Rs 19.49 lakh, with all figures quoted as ex-showroom prices. Bookings officially opened on October 9 for a token amount of Rs 21,000 through authorized dealerships and the official website.
Powertrain and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the E-Tech 160 powertrain pairs a 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine featuring 350 bar direct injection with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. The combined system output reaches 160 PS, managed by an intelligent multi-mode automatic transmission utilizing eight fixed gear ratios and a dog clutch.
One of the vehicle's standout metrics is its ARAI-certified fuel efficiency rating of 29 km/l, which allows for a promised maximum range of up to 1,400 km on a single refill. Under suitable conditions, the manufacturer claims the system can manage up to 80% of city driving utilizing pure electric power.
Additional Features and Market Context
The hybrid variant arrives with unique styling touches such as an illuminated grille, frequency-dependent dampers, and two interior themes highlighted by a Dune Brown design with lighter pillars. Buyers also receive a 7-year overall warranty alongside an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer battery warranty, plus an optional protection package covering insurance, maintenance, and assured buyback.
Sales figures for the underlying vehicle series stood at 1,379 units across the July–September period. By integrating a strong-hybrid system, the brand aims to capture market share against established hybrid rivals in the region.
Sources: RushLane, Team-BHP, Autocar India.
