Renault India has opened the Duster hybrid’s bookings for Rs 21,000, ahead of its launch on October 17. This will be the third powertrain option for the Renault Duster, adding to the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines. Called the E-Tech system, it draws from the carmaker’s experience and expertise in Formula 1. Renault has also revealed that the Duster hybrid has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency figure of 29kpl.
Renault Duster hybrid powertrain details
The Duster hybrid combines a naturally aspirated 1,789cc four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 20hp unit acting as a generator and a 49hp motor powering the wheels. Combined, the system produces 160hp and 172Nm, and it is supported by a 1.4kWh battery pack. The Duster’s hybrid combines a petrol engine with electric drive and a battery, and it sends power to the wheels through a multi-mode automatic gearbox. The transmission uses fixed gear ratios and can shift between them. This means engine rpm is expected to rise and fall more like a conventional automatic, and you may notice gear engagements as it switches between electric drive, engine drive and a combination of both.
As with any full hybrid, the efficiency gains come from low-speed electric running, regenerative braking and the ability to keep the petrol engine off when it is not needed. However, real-world fuel economy will still depend on traffic conditions, speed, ambient temperature and driving style. That said, Renault claims the engine will enable 80 percent of city drives to be done in EV mode.
The choice of a hybrid powertrain is expected to help make up for the absence of a diesel option on the new Duster. This will also directly compete with the Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Hyryder, all of which currently offer a hybrid powertrain option.