Renault India announced the prices of the Duster Hybrid last month, starting at Rs. 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The automaker has now officially commenced delivering this version of the mid-size SUV to customers across India.
Officially known as the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160, this latest offering from Renault is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh self-charging battery. The model, which has an ARAI-certified mileage of 29kmpl, produces 160bhp and sends power to the wheels via a multi-mode automatic transmission.
This is the third powertrain option in the Duster range after the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines. This new powertrain is Renault’s alternative to a diesel powertrain, as few of its rivals do offer the oil burner as an optional powertrain.
Key rivals to the new Duster hybrid include the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and the Maruti Suzuki Victoris. The hybrid powertrain remains exclusive to the Duster, as the brand does not plan to share this technology with its distant sibling, the Nissan Tekton. We have driven the Renault Duster hybrid, and you can read our review on the website.
