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The hybrid version of the new Renault Duster utilises a 1.8L GDI petrol engine and a 1.4 kWh battery pack, both largest in its segment
Renault recently revealed the new Duster in Chennai as the first production-ready model under the company’s International Game Plan 2027. The SUV has been developed primarily for Indian operating conditions with more than 90 per cent of its components engineered locally. The new Duster is built on the Renault Group Modular Platform which can accommodate multiple body styles and powertrain configurations.
The architecture will also underpin a three-row Duster-based model scheduled for introduction in the next financial year. The platform integrates 35 safety-related features and has been developed to meet updated structural and regulatory standards. Pre-bookings for the new Duster have opened through Renault’s R Pass priced at Rs. 21,000 which offers priority delivery and introductory benefits.
Prices for the new Duster will be announced in the middle of March 2026. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in April with the Strong Hybrid E-Tech variant to follow later in the year around Diwali. The SUV gets warranty coverage of up to seven years or 1,50,000 km. Renault is offering the new midsize offering with three powertrain options.
The strongest petrol option is the 1.3-litre turbocharged TCe engine producing 163 PS and 280 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. A smaller 1.0-litre turbocharged TCe petrol engine will also be available exclusively coupled with a manual transmission.
A major addition to the lineup, however, is the Strong Hybrid E-Tech powertrain sourced from Renault’s global portfolio. The system combines a 1.8-litre GDI petrol engine with a 1.4 kWh battery pack – largest in its class. Renault claims the hybrid setup allows the vehicle to operate in electric-only mode for up to 80 per cent of urban driving conditions.
In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 4,346 mm in length and 1,815 mm in width with a wheelbase of 2,657 mm. Ground clearance stands at 212 mm while the approach and departure angles are rated at 26.9 degrees and 34.7 degrees respectively. It boasts a boot capacity of 700 litres when measured till the roof.
Exterior highlights include a trapezoidal front grille with yellow accent elements, full LED headlamps and tail lamps, a horizontal rear light bar, pronounced protective cladding and diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside the cabin, the Duster features an elevated centre console with an electronic gear selector. Physical switches have been retained for key functions.
Upholstery includes leatherette with yellow contrast stitching, complemented by carbon-textured panels and metallic trim inserts. Other highlights are ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 filtration, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, a 10.1-inch OpenR Link touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Google Maps, a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, ADAS and so on.
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