Renault is set to launch the Duster hybrid on October 17. The new arrival marks the fourth vehicle in the competitive midsize SUV segment to offer a strong hybrid powertrain, expanding the Duster lineup as its third powertrain choice alongside the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines.
Named the E Tech system, Renault notes that the engineering behind this strong hybrid setup draws heavily upon its extensive experience and technical expertise in Formula 1.
Engine, Electric Motors, and Key Specifications
At the heart of the strong hybrid Duster is a naturally aspirated 1,789cc four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors. One of these electric units is a 20hp motor acting primarily as a generator, while a 49hp electric motor drives the wheels directly. Backed by a 1.4kWh battery pack, the entire system delivers a combined output of 160hp and 172Nm of torque.
How Renault’s E Tech System Differs from Rivals
Renault’s approach with the E Tech configuration differs considerably from the Toyota-derived hybrid systems found in models like the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Grand Vitara, and Victoris:
- Gearbox and Power Delivery: While Toyota’s full hybrid utilizes an e-CVT and a power-split device to deliver a largely seamless, step-free drive, Renault routes power via a multi-mode automatic gearbox featuring fixed gear ratios. Because the transmission shifts between these set ratios, engine rpm is likely to rise and fall much like a traditional automatic gearbox, allowing motorists to feel clear gear engagements as the car alternates between pure electric drive, petrol engine drive, or a blend of the two.
- Larger Battery Capacity: The Duster packs a 1.4kWh battery pack, which is noticeably larger than the 0.60kWh unit fitted in Toyota’s hybrid platform.
Efficiency and City Driving
Just like typical full hybrid setups, the Duster hybrid reaps efficiency benefits through low-speed electric propulsion, regenerative braking, and shutting down the petrol engine whenever power demands are low. While real-world fuel economy figures will naturally vary based on traffic conditions, vehicle speed, ambient temperatures, and individual driving habits, Renault states that the powertrain allows up to 80 percent of city driving to be handled entirely in electric (EV) mode.
By introducing this strong hybrid variant, Renault aims to bridge the gap left by the absence of a diesel engine option for the new Duster, setting it up for a direct head-to-head battle against the hybrid versions of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris, and Toyota Hyryder in the midsize SUV space.
