Renault Duster, which has made its mark in the Indian market, is now about to launch in a new avatar. The company is preparing to launch the strong-hybrid variant of its popular midsize SUV Duster in India on October 17. The special thing is that the new hybrid model will be the third powertrain option from the company along with the existing petrol engine options.
The company will use its E-Tech hybrid technology in the new Duster. This system will also provide electric driving experience with better fuel efficiency. After its launch in the market, it will compete with the strong-hybrid variants of Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hybrid.
1.8 liter petrol engine with two electric motors
The new Duster Hybrid will be powered by a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine. This engine will be supported by two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. By combining the entire hybrid system, the SUV will generate a combined power of about 160 hp and torque of 172 Nm. In this setup, one electric motor of about 20 hp, which plays the role of motor-generator, while the other motor of about 49 hp works to provide power to the wheels.
Claim of up to 80% electric driving in the city
Renault claims that its E-Tech hybrid technology is capable of running the SUV in electric mode for a considerable period of time during city driving. According to the company, up to 80 percent of driving in city traffic can be done in EV mode. This means dependence on the petrol engine can be reduced in frequent stops and slow-speed traffic. This is expected to improve fuel efficiency.
Renault's system is different from Toyota Hybrid
The Renault Duster's hybrid system works differently from Toyota's hybrid setup. Instead of the e-CVT system used in Grand Vitara and Hyrider, the Duster will be given a different type of hybrid transmission. Renault's system uses different gear ratios along with fixed gear ratio. The company has developed this technology as its E-Tech hybrid system. The 1.4 kWh battery pack in the Duster is also larger than the 0.6 kWh battery used in the Grand Vitara and Hyrider.
Which SUVs will compete with?
After its arrival in the Indian market, the new Duster Hybrid will compete with the existing strong-hybrid SUVs in the midsize SUV segment. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hybrid will be its main rivals. In such a situation, the new hybrid variant of Renault Duster will try to attract those customers who want better mileage and electrified driving with SUV.
These engines are available in the current Duster
Currently, petrol engine options are available in Duster. This includes 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 1.3-litre turbo petrol engines. With these, options of manual and automatic transmission are given. The current model of Duster is known for its powerful design and SUV style. The cabin has features like 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital driver display. In terms of safety, the SUV has also been provided with many features, which include 6 airbags, ESC, hill hold control and disc brakes on all four wheels.
The secret of Hybrid Duster will be revealed on October 17
The most talked about about the new Duster Hybrid is its hybrid technology and fuel efficiency. If the company's claims related to EV driving and efficiency remain effective in actual driving as well, then it can make Duster a new option in the hybrid SUV segment. Now all eyes are on October 17, when Renault will reveal the price, variants and other details of its new strong-hybrid Duster in the Indian market.