Renault Duster hybrid – to be better than Grand Vitara?
The Renault Duster started the popular C-SUV segment with its launch. The SUV did well and had skyrocketed Renault’s stocks in the country. However, Renault’s lethargic attitude cost the Duster and eventually, it was discontinued. Now Renault is working on the new Duster. The Duster could come with a hybrid engine. So, what to expect from the Renault Duster hybrid? Let’s talk about it.
Hybrid details
Renault has stated that it plans to launch strong hybrids in India. Renault is looking to localise the storage hybrids to bring their costs down. In India, the first Renault car to get hybrid could be the upcoming Renault Duster. Which hybrid engine can we expect? Renault currently has two strong hybrid setups – a 143bhp and a 157bhp one. On the Duster, we could see the 157bhp one. In this setup, we have a 9.8kWh battery pack, two electric motors and a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The 143bhp setup comes with a 48bhp motor and a 23bhp starter generator mated to a 1.6-litre petrol engine. With these setups, Renault will be hoping the government lowers taxes on strong hybrids. Otherwise, it will be very hard for Renault to price them competitively.
Renault Duster hybrid – What else to know?
The Renault Duster coming to India could be different than the one being tested in Europe. Rather, it will be similar to the Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Indonesia. How is Mitsubishi related to Renault & Nissan? These 3 brands are working together on this C-SUV and several new products. Mechanical bits of the Xforce could remain the same, but the design will be different.
Feature-wise, the new Duster should come with a 10-inch infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and an electric tailgate. In terms of safety features, we could see 6 airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, traction control and a 360-degree camera.
Launch
Renault has stated that it plans to launch 6 to 9 new products in the next 3 to 4 years. These also include updates to some current cars like the Kiger, Kwid and Triber. For the new Duster, you will have to wait a little bit longer. According to reports, Renault plans to launch the new Duster by 2025. What about the pricing? We can expect pricing in the range of Rs 10 lakh and going to Rs 20 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). With this pricing, Renault would be looking to compete with the mid variants of C-SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos etc.
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