Bookings opened for Renault Duster Hybrid ahead of launch on October 17

The Renault Duster is about to get a hybrid powertrain later this month. The automaker has opened bookings for the hybrid model ahead of its launch next week. It should be noted that the bookings in this window will be fulfilled in the next production batch. The current batch of the hybrid SUV sold out when the standard model was launched back in March. Renault has set the token amount at Rs 21,000.

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Renault Duster Hybrid: What’s on offer?

The Duster Hybrid will be powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine hooked to 2 electric motors. One of the motors acts as the generator, producing a maximum power output of 20hp. The other one powers the wheels, putting out 49hp. The entire system generates a maximum power output of 160hp and 172Nm of torque. It is mated to a 1.4kWh battery pack. Renault claims a fuel economy of 29km/l for this engine.

Depending on the driving conditions, the engine automatically switches among electric, petrol, and hybrid modes. According to Renault, the Duster Hybrid can carry out 80% of city driving in electric-only mode. The battery pack gets charged via regenerative braking when the SUV is in petrol mode.

Currently, the Duster SUV is available in 2 engine options. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine generates a maximum power output of 100hp and 160Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, with no automatic transmission options on offer. Renault claims a mileage of 19.4km/l on this engine.

Lastly, the 1.3-litre turbo petrol produces a maximum power output of 163hp and 280Nm of torque. It can be mated to a 6-speed manual or DCT gearbox. The manual variants of this powertrain offer an ARAI-tested mileage of 17.75km/l. The automatic variants have a fuel economy of 18.45km/l.

The hybrid powertrain will be available with the top-spec trim only. It will flaunt a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. The infotainment system will support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other features like a dual-zone climate control system, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and ventilated front seats will also make the cut.

You will also get safety features like 6 airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and more on the hybrid model. The Level 2 ADAS suite will comprise 17 functions.

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Final Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, interested buyers can book their unit of the Duster Hybrid for a token amount of Rs 21,000. Bookings made in this window will be fulfilled in 2027. In terms of design, the Duster Hybrid will look identical to the standard model. The ‘E-Tech’ badging will be the only distinguisher. Upon launch, the SUV will rival the strong-hybrid models of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, and Maruti Suzuki Victoris.