The car that kick-started the mid-size SUV segment in India – the Renault Duster, has been unveiled for the second time. The new 2026 Duster gets a major revamp when compared to the first-gen model. And Renault has now confirmed an all-new powertrain for the new Duster. Here is what you should know about this new powertrain.
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All-New Powertrain
The current powertrain options include a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol (160 bhp & 280 Nm) and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (99 bhp & 160 Nm). But that’s not more interesting than the new hybrid powertrain.
The SUV now packs a new 1.8-litre NA petrol hybrid engine paired with a 1.4 kWh battery pack. The combined power and torque figures for this configuration are 160 bhp and 172 Nm. This will be the first Renault car to use its E-tech hybrid technology in India, apart from the e-CVT, which is offered in Maruti and Toyota cars. Moreover, Renault claims that upto 80% of city driving can be done in EV mode alone. The hybrid engine will be available with a multi-mode automatic gearbox rather than an e-CVT.
Renault has revealed that the Hybrid powertrain will be introduced by Diwali (November 2026). This variant will primarily compete against the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Grand Vitara, as well as the Toyota Hyryder. The hybrid powertrain will be catered to those who prioritise fuel efficiency. The power figures are not as impressive as those of the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol, but that is the sacrifice you make for better fuel efficiency.
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What’s Special About this Hybrid System?
The E-Tech hybrid is currently one of the most complex technologies on the market. Renault claims that their E-tech hybrid technology is derived from the one used in its F1 engines. Its 1.4 kWh battery pack, mounted on the rear axle, is much larger than the 0.76 kWh battery pack used in the Toyota Hybrid system. This battery is charged via regenerative braking.
Instead of an e-CVT like from the Hyryder, Grand Vitara and Victoirs, it uses an 8-speed DHT. While an e-CVT gearbox offers an infinite number of gear ratios, the DHT has a limited number of speeds. The DHT gearbox determines which driving mode (pure electric or ICE) is optimal for a specific driving condition. At lower speeds, the car runs as a pure electric and at higher speeds, the petrol engine kicks in, and the power goes through the gearbox like a conventional gearbox. The electric motor assists the IC engine at higher speeds.
The advantage of this system is that you get the driving feel of a conventional automatic gearbox, better city-driving efficiency and a pure EV mode. But this system is more complex than the e-CVT and can lead to higher maintenance costs. Furthermore, the e-CVT (due to its infinite gear ratios) functions more seamlessly than the DHT.
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The New Duster
On the outside, the Duster has undergone a major makeover, but its essence remains. You get sharper headlight and taillight designs, a new alloy wheel design, but the rugged, brawny stance remains. Inside the cabin, you get features like an electric power tailgate, 6-way powered and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and a Level-2 ADAS system.
The pricing for the turbo variants is expected to start at Rs 12 Lakh, and the hybrid variants could go up to Rs 25 Lakh (on-road, Mumbai).
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Hi, I’m Ravindra Meena , a bike and automobile enthusiast. I share honest reviews, mileage tests, and latest updates about bikes, cars, and EVs to help you make the right choice. Stay connected for real-world insights and trending auto news! 🏍️🚗