Renault Duster Vs Rivals: Powertrain Specs Compared

The Renault Duster kickstarted the monocoque compact SUV segment in India back when it was first launched in 2012. Now, with its re-entry into the market after a hiatus of almost four years, the new Duster finds itself in the middle of one of the most crowded segments in the Indian passenger vehicle market. Needless to say, the competition in this segment is fierce.

The French carmaker has taken the lid off the new third-gen Duster for India which gets plenty of changes over its predecessor. More importantly, the new Renault Duster comes with a completely new powertrain setup.

Renault is offering three engine options with the all-new Duster. The first is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol (TCe 100) that produces 100 bhp and 160 Nm of peak torque. This unit is available exclusively with a six-speed manual. The second is a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol (Turbo TCe 160) that develops 161 bhp and 280 Nm of torque. This 1.3-litre turbo petrol mill can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DCT automatic gearbox.

Lastly, there is a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine (E-Tech 160) paired with two electric motors which draw power from a 1.4 kWh battery. This strong hybrid powertrain delivers 160 bhp and 172 Nm of peak torque.  Here’s a rundown of how the new Renault Duster compares against some of its closest rivals in the compact SUV segment.

Tata Sierra

Tata Motors also offers the Sierra in three engine options: the 1.5-litre Kryojet diesel engine, an all-new 1.5-liter TGDi Hyperion, and a newly developed 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The 1.5-litre Kryojet turbo diesel engine develops a peak power and torque output of 118 bhp at 4000 rpm and 260 Nm (with MT) and 280 Nm (with AT), respectively.

The Sierra's 1.5-liter naturally aspirated Revotron is available with 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox options. It churns out a peak power and torque output of 105 bhp at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 145 Nm at 2100 rpm.

Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos

The Korean cousins — Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos — share the same powertrain setup including a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (114 bhp and 144 Nm of torque), a 1.5-litre diesel (115 bhp and 250 Nm), and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol (158 bhp and 253 Nm). Transmission options include 6-speed manual, CVT automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and 6-speed torque converter automatic.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara/Victoris

Maruti Suzuki offers the same engine options on the Grand Vitara and Victoris — a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre strong-hybrid petrol engine. The former, paired with either a 5-speed MT and 6-speed torque converter automatic, pushes out 103 bhp against 139 Nm of peak torque. This engine is also available with a factory-fitted CNG kit option. The strong hybrid setup kicks out 92 bhp and 122 Nm of torque while being mated to paired to an e-CVT gearbox.

Skoda Kushaq

Škoda Kushaq recently received a facelift which is offered with two turbo-petrol powertrains. The base 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder engine develops around 114 bhp and 178 Nm of peak torque, and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. The more powerful 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder unit produces about 148 bhp and 250 Nm, and comes mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.