Forget diesel, go hybrid: Renault Duster promises 29 kmpl with 160 hp power

Renault is bringing the Duster back with a strong hybrid powertrain, promising 29 kmpl mileage and 160 hp of power. The new Duster Strong Hybrid is pitched as an alternative to diesel SUVs, combining electric power for city driving with a petrol engine for longer journeys. With India still some distance away from a complete transition to electric vehicles, hybrids offer a middle ground for buyers seeking better fuel efficiency without depending entirely on charging infrastructure.

"Forget diesel cars. This is the Duster Strong Hybrid" is Renault's message with its latest offering. While diesel cars typically deliver around 23–24 kmpl, the company claims its new hybrid SUV can return 29 kmpl, making it one of the most powerful hybrid offerings in its segment.

With lower emissions, better fuel efficiency and reduced running costs, hybrid vehicles are increasingly emerging as an attractive alternative. Market trends suggest that demand for such cars could grow in the coming years.

Strong hybrid technology
The Duster Strong Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine working alongside two electric motors. The motors produce 20 hp and 49 hp, respectively, taking the combined system output to 160 hp. The SUV delivers a maximum torque of 208 Nm.
It gets a 1.4 kWh, 247V battery with NMC chemistry.

Unlike several other hybrid cars that use an e-CVT gearbox, the Duster employs a multi-mode automatic transmission. It has four gears for the petrol engine and two for the electric motors, offering smooth transmission.
The SUV also gets a ground clearance of 212 mm. With a full tank of petrol, Renault claims it can cover up to 1,400 km.

Design and features
The Strong Hybrid retains the overall design of the current Duster, with no major changes to its exterior styling. Built on Renault's multi-fuel platform, the RGMP, the SUV gets signature front and rear LED lighting and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

There are changes to the interior upholstery and suspension. The hybrid variants feature new Dune Brown leather upholstery, while the suspension has been upgraded to a Frequency Dependent Damping system, designed to improve ride comfort and minimise body roll.

The cockpit is designed to make driving more convenient. It gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.1-inch digital driver's display. Other features include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity, and wireless charging.

The driver's seat comes with six-way electric adjustment. Cruise control, hill-start assist and rear parking assist are among the other features.

However, some equipment available in the 1.3-litre Duster has been left out of the hybrid version. These include Level 2 features, fog lamps, front and side cameras, automatic rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree camera.
Boot space has also taken a hit, with capacity reduced to 372 litres. This can be expanded to 544 litres up to the roof.

Behind the wheel
The test drive was conducted in Chennai city and along the East Coast Road (ECR).
In city conditions, the SUV can run on electric power for up to 80 per cent of the journey. Fuel efficiency of around 20–22 kmpl was comfortably achievable during city driving.

The drive towards Mahabalipuram along the ECR offered an opportunity to experience the petrol engine's performance. The Duster can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds. It also maintains good stability at higher speeds, while the braking performance is impressive.
Despite driving at higher speeds, the SUV delivered mileage of up to 18 kmpl during the test.

The gear lever position and overall arrangement remain similar to those in the current Duster. Moving the gear lever to the right selects B mode, which Renault calls Regen Pro Max. This activates regenerative braking, allowing the battery to recover energy while slowing down the vehicle.
The system also reduces the need to frequently press the brake pedal, as braking is activated when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator.

Moving the lever to the left selects the regular Drive mode. Eco and Power modes can be selected using a knob positioned below the steering wheel.

The display also provides an estimate of the distance the vehicle can cover based on the available fuel. Setting the trip meter allows drivers to check the actual mileage achieved during a journey.

Can the Duster make a difference?
The Duster Strong Hybrid has been developed with a clear focus on performance and fuel efficiency. Renault's French technology is central to the package, with the battery-related components currently being imported. The company could consider manufacturing them in India in the future.

With its combination of power, mileage and pricing, the SUV is expected to pose a challenge to its rivals. In the hybrid segment, it will compete with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Maruti Suzuki Victoris.

For buyers looking for the performance of a conventional SUV without the fuel consumption associated with larger petrol engines, the Duster Strong Hybrid could offer an interesting middle ground.