Renault Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 Launched in India at ₹16.99 Lakh

The unique illuminated Duster logo on the grille is one of the only design changes with the new hybrid Duster.

Several months after its high-profile reintroduction of the Duster nameplate, Renault has now launched a strong hybrid version of its compact SUV. The company has so far reported underwhelming sales of the turbo petrol model, and has not quite managed to recreate the runaway success of the original Duster. Now, with a strong hybrid option that’s claimed to deliver fuel efficiency of 29 kmpl, with a starting price of ₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the segment has become more interesting.

Renault Duster Hybrid Price

Renault has announced introductory prices across three trims. The base Evolution option will cost ₹16.99 lakh while the Techno variant comes in at ₹18.99 lakhs, and the top-end Emotion trim is priced at ₹19.49 lakhs. 

The introductory pricing is valid till December 31, 2026, and deliveries will begin starting from November 6. Renault R-pass holders will get priority allotments. Bookings are already open.

Renault has illustrated cost-of-ownership advantages over a similarly priced diesel-powered SUV, claiming fuel efficiency and fuel price advantages. With an assumed annual 20,000 km mileage, a Duster Hybrid owner could save about ₹1.46 lakhs per year, or up to 29 percent, on running costs, according to the company. The company calls this the best reason to move away from diesel.

Buyers get a seven-year warranty, and an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty on the battery. The company’s Renault Forever Protect 360 offering gives buyers three years of comprehensive zero-depreciation motor insurance, pls a three-years or 30,000 km AMC, and assured resale value of 60 percent after three years, priced starting at ₹89,900.

Renault Duster Hybrid Variants and Features

The base Evolution trim runs on 18-inch flex wheels. It has a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and 7-inch digital driver’s display. Automatic dual-zone air conditioning is standard. 

The Techno trim adds full-LED headlamps, semi-leatherette upholstery in Desert Beige, an electrically operated panoramic sunroof, hands-free access with push-button start, and connected car services via the MYR app. 

At the top end, the Emotion variant gets 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch driver’s display, Dune Brown leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, six-way electronically adjustable front seats, and a powered tailgate.

Interestingly, even at the top end, the Duster Hybrid does not offer ADAS or 360-degree cameras. 

Renault Duster Hybrid Engine and Performance

The new strong-hybrid Duster gets a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder direct injection engine, which the company says is the biggest in its segment, along with two electric motors. There’s a 1.4 kWh battery with NMC chemistry and direct cooling, which kicks in when needed. The company promises smooth and instantaneous gear shifts with a multi-mode automatic gearbox, built with two electric gears and four engine gears, for a total of 15 drive line combinations. E-Save mode lets drivers conserve battery power for later use, and Energy Recovery mode helps quickly charge the battery through deceleration and braking when needed.

Power is recovered through regenerative braking thanks to the hybrid system. The Duster automatically chooses its operating mode, depending on charge state. It can operate on either electric or petrol power alone, or in series hybrid or series-parallel hybrid mode. 

Torque is rated at 208 Nm, claimed to be the best in its segment. Maximum system power output is 160 PS. Fuel efficiency is rated at 29 kmpl (ARAI certified). The car always starts in electric mode, and up to 80 percent of a city drive can happen without the ICE system kicking in. Total range exceeds 1,400 km. The hybrid Duster can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 9.61 seconds. 

Renault Duster Hybrid Design

Very little is changed, compared to the standard Duster launched earlier this year. Buyers get a unique illuminated Duster logo on the grille. On the inside, there’s a new headrest design for “better perceived cabin roominess”. 

Total cargo capacity is 544L, or 372L below the rear parcel tray. Features shared with the existing Duster lineup include an electric parking brake with auto-hold, auto headlamps, touch activated cabin lighting, an Akramys sound system with six speakers, wireless smartphone charging, and puddle lamps.

Renault Duster Hybrid Rivals

The Duster hybrid has only a few direct rivals with hybrid powertrains: the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Maruti Suzuki Victoris.