Renault brought back the Duster brand to the Indian market earlier this year. However, if you were planning to buy the new Duster with a diesel engine, you would have been disappointed, as Renault is only offering turbo-petrol engines with the new Duster. Although the brand discontinued the diesel engine, Renault is now launching a strong-hybrid version that is as efficient, or possibly even more efficient, than the older diesel engine. Here is why Renault wants to replace the diesel Duster with a strong hybrid.
The Duster strong hybrid will be officially launched on 17 October. The brand showcased the hybrid version in January when it unveiled the Duster for India. However, it was only recently that Renault revealed the efficiency figures. The Duster strong hybrid offers a claimed mileage of 29 kmpl, which is the highest in the segment.
The older Renault Duster diesel came with a 1.5-litre dCi K9K turbo-diesel engine. This engine generated 110 PS and 245 Nm of torque. It was offered with manual and AMT gearbox options, and the engine delivered a claimed mileage of 20 kmpl.
When you compare the older diesel with the upcoming strong hybrid, there are a lot of improvements. The first factor is definitely fuel efficiency. The new version will be a lot more efficient, and because it uses a petrol engine, it will be much more refined than the diesel. Renault has managed to achieve this with the help of the strong-hybrid system.
It uses the segment’s largest 1.8 kWh hybrid battery pack, which allows the car to operate as an EV at lower speeds. Renault told us that the system is so efficient that the Duster will operate in EV mode 80 per cent of the time it is driven in the city. At higher speeds, the electric motor will assist the engine, reducing stress on it and thereby improving efficiency.
The next reason why the hybrid would outperform the diesel is performance. The SUV will offer better in-gear performance thanks to the eight-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. This would help minimise lag and ensure that power is delivered to the wheels more effectively.
While the Duster diesel was known for its ride quality, the upcoming strong-hybrid variant will take things to the next level. It will offer a good balance between ride and handling and will also be a lot more fun to drive while remaining efficient.
Apart from performance, ride and handling, looks and features also matter to most customers. It won’t be wrong to say that the Renault Duster is currently the only SUV in this segment that looks like an SUV.
Most of its rivals are designed to look premium and crossover-like, while Renault has retained the Duster’s rugged, butch character. Over time, the Duster’s exterior has also improved, and it now offers a lot more in terms of features. If you were planning to upgrade from the old diesel Duster, the upcoming Duster hybrid could be an option worth considering, provided Renault launches it at an aggressive price.