For years, midsize SUV buyers have headed straight to the Hyundai showroom to book the Creta, and it has earned that trust as one of India’s most tried-and-tested SUVs. But a new challenger has now been confirmed to take it on. Known as a driver-friendly SUV, it comes with better mileage than the Creta as its big advantage. Its launch date is confirmed, and here is everything you need to know.
Renault Duster Hybrid Launch Confirmed
We’re talking about the Renault Duster Hybrid. Renault has now confirmed that it will launch this better-mileage version of its popular Duster SUV in India on October 17. This will be the third powertrain option on the Duster, after the 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo petrol engines. Renault calls this system E-tech, and says it draws on its Formula 1 experience. Renault had earlier said that the launch would happen by Diwali, and now it falls just before the festive season. The look and dimensions should stay the same as the regular Duster, with changes under the skin.
Why 26 KMPL?
Renault hasn’t announced an Indian mileage figure yet, so we expect 26 kmpl. The UK-spec Duster hybrid uses the same powertrain and claims 61 MPG. Indian ARAI tests usually give higher figures than European tests, which is why we expect around 26 kmpl here. That would fall just short of the roughly 27 kmpl claimed by the Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris and Toyota Hyryder hybrids. Real-world mileage will depend on traffic, speed and driving style. Renault claims that 80 percent of city drives can be done in EV mode.
Hybrid Powertrain Details
The Duster hybrid pairs a 1.8-litre (1,789cc) naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors. One is a 20hp motor that acts as a generator, and the other is a 49hp motor that drives the wheels. Together they make 160hp and 172Nm, and a 1.4kWh battery supports them.
Renault’s setup differs from the Toyota hybrid system in the Grand Vitara, Victoris and Hyryder. Toyota uses an e-CVT and a smaller 0.6kWh battery, so it drives smoothly with no gear shifts. Renault uses a multi-mode automatic gearbox with fixed gear ratios, so it should feel closer to a conventional automatic. You may notice the gear engagements as it switches between electric drive, engine drive and a mix of both. This hybrid also makes up for the missing diesel engine in the new Duster lineup.
Features
Apart from the new powertrain, the SUV is expected to remain largely the same. That said, it will carry the features from its petrol variants. It includes a 10.1-inch infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, an electric tailgate, level 2 ADAS, and more in its package.
Expected Pricing
The petrol variants of the Duster are priced between Rs. 12.48 lakh and Rs 22.09 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Renault priced the regular model aggressively, and it could do the same with the hybrid. We expect the hybrid to cost around Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). It could go lower if Renault tries to undercut the Victoris, which is the cheapest strong hybrid on sale.
Renault will reveal the final pricing on October 17, and that will decide whether the Duster hybrid can beat Maruti and Toyota in this segment.