Renault has started deliveries of the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 and its introductory prices of Rs 16.99 lakh to Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom) apply only to cars delivered by December 31, which matters if you have booked or plan to. The first car went to a customer in Hyderabad on November 6, nearly three weeks after the October 17 launch. Here are the variants and prices, the claimed 29kmpl mileage, what powers the SUV, what it competes with and what to check before booking. Mileage figure is ARAI-certified, so real-world numbers will be lower and all prices quoted are ex-showroom.
Renault Duster Hybrid: Variants and Prices
The Duster hybrid comes in three variants: Evolution at Rs 16.99 lakh, Techno at Rs 18.99 lakh and Emotion at Rs 19.49 lakh. It is important to note that the prices are ex-showroom figures. The jump from Evolution to Techno variant is Rs 2 lakh, while the step up to Emotion is only Rs 50,000. Booking costs Rs 21,000, and customers who bought the Renault R-Pass get priority allocation.
Renault Duster Hybrid Interior
Equipment varies by trim. Selected variants get a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats as well as dual-zone climate control. Six airbags are standard on all variants.
Renault Duster Hybrid: Powertrain and Mileage
A 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine works with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery to make a combined 160PS. The electric traction motor makes 208Nm, and a multi-mode automatic gearbox handles the drive. The battery is charged by regenerative braking and the petrol engine, so there is nothing to plug in. Renault claims 0 to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The ARAI-certified mileage is 29kmpl, and Renault claims a range of more than 1,400km. It also says the SUV can run in electric mode for up to 80% of city driving, under suitable conditions. Both are claims made under test or ideal conditions, so expect lower figures in traffic and on highways.
Renault Duster Hybrid: Other Details
The has 212mm of ground clearance, 18-inch wheels, an illuminated Duster emblem on the grille and E-Tech badging. Renault offers a 7-year vehicle warranty and an 8-year or 1.6 lakh km battery warranty. It is the first Renault in India to use the E-Tech self-charging hybrid system.
Renault Duster Hybrid: Rivals
The Duster hybrid competes with the strong-hybrid versions of the Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.