KATHMANDU: Renault has launched the Duster Strong Hybrid in India, with introductory prices starting at 1.699 million Indian rupees. The top variant is priced at1.949 million Indian rupees.
The new model adds a third powertrain option to the 2026 Renault Duster lineup. The SUV is available in three variants: Evolution, Techno and Emotion.
The Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 combines a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors. The petrol engine produces 108 BHP and 172 Nm of torque. The hybrid system delivers a combined output of 158 BHP and 208 Nm of torque.
Renault claims the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.61 seconds. It features a 1.4 kWh battery and a dedicated hybrid transmission with two electric gears and four petrol gears.
The hybrid system automatically manages power from the engine and electric motors based on driving conditions. It can also recover energy during braking and deceleration. Renault claims that the SUV can complete up to 80% of city driving in electric mode.
The Duster Strong Hybrid has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 29 km per liter. Renault also claims a combined driving range of up to 1,400 km on a full tank.
The new hybrid joins the existing turbo-petrol variants. These include the 1.0-litre Turbo TCe 100, producing 99 BHP and 166 Nm of torque, and the 1.3-litre Turbo TCe 160, producing 161 BHP and 280 Nm.
With its launch, the Duster Strong Hybrid enters India’s mid-size SUV segment. It competes with strong hybrid models such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Maruti Suzuki Victoris.
Renault is also targeting growth in India under its ‘futuREady’ strategic plan. The company aims to expand its lineup to seven products and increase exports to $2.25 billion by 2030.
