A new version of the Renault Duster is approaching. The company plans to introduce a hybrid version of this vehicle. The launch of the Duster Hybrid is scheduled for October 17th. According to preliminary data, this model is expected to lead its segment in fuel efficiency metrics.
The Duster Hybrid E-Tech 160 is positioned as a mid-size SUV that will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. Furthermore, it will face competition from models such as the Creta, Seltos, and Sierra, although these vehicles are not equipped with hybrid engines.
Renault India has announced that the claimed fuel consumption for the Duster Hybrid is 29 kilometers per liter. Preliminary orders for the vehicle started on October 9th, and they can be placed with a deposit of 21 thousand rupees.
The design of the Duster Hybrid will remain unchanged; the main modifications will concern the powertrain. The car will be equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that will work together with a 1.4 kW battery. This system includes two electric motors, and the total output power of the entire system will be 160 horsepower.
Comparing the efficiency figures with other players in the segment, it can be noted that the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid and Toyota Hyryder Hybrid have a claimed consumption of 27.97 kilometers per liter. Thus, the Duster Hybrid will offer 1.03 kilometers per liter more savings on paper than these models.
As for existing versions of the Renault Duster, they are available with 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline and 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engines, which provide a consumption of 19.4 km/l and 17.7 km/l, respectively. The hybrid version, therefore, may serve as an alternative to diesel fuel.
The company positions the hybrid engine as a replacement for diesel units, having previously hinted at this in teasers where it thanked diesel engines. Currently, the Renault Duster is sold for a price ranging from 10.49 to 18.69 lakhs at the showroom. Prices for the hybrid version will be announced on October 17th.
Currently, the dominant model in the mid-size SUV segment is the Hyundai Creta, which sells an average of 17 thousand units monthly. While the Duster is one of the least sold models in this segment, reaching 402 units sold by August. It remains to be seen how quickly Duster's sales volume will increase after the appearance of the hybrid version.