Renault Duster Hybrid Review

Introduction

The Renault Duster Hybrid is the French automaker's bid to rescue the Duster in India, which has struggled to gain traction since its launch six months ago. With its sophisticated strong hybrid system and impressive efficiency, the Duster Hybrid is poised to set a new benchmark for hybrids in the mid-size SUV segment.

The Duster Hybrid is priced at Rs 16.99 lakh for the Evolution trim and Rs 19.49 lakh for the top Emotion trim, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle. But is it enough to win back the loyalists who have moved on to other brands?

Background and Timeline

The original Duster was launched in India with much fanfare, but it failed to impress buyers due to gaps in the product mix and lacklustre dealers. The loyalists who remained were diesel fans, devotees of the K9K engine that didn’t return. Two turbo-petrols were never going to win them back, especially with petrol prices rising and E20 fuel eroding real-world efficiency.

The hybrid was announced at the unveil, and it should have been there on day one. Now, it couldn’t have come a day sooner. Renault hopes the buzz finally spills into its showrooms.

Performance and Refinement

The Duster Hybrid's E-Tech 160 system is the most sophisticated strong hybrid in its segment, with a 1.8-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and a bigger battery pack. The combined output of 160hp is significantly higher than its rivals, and the battery pack provides a range of 29kpl, making it the most efficient SUV in the class.

The real hero, though, is the E-Tech gearbox, which is a clutchless, dog-clutch transmission with four ratios for the engine and two for the main electric motor. This allows the vehicle to run as an EV, as a series or parallel hybrid, or with the engine driving the wheels directly, providing seamless and efficient performance.

On the Road

On the road, the Duster Hybrid is a surprise package. It moves off silently in EV mode, and the acceleration is instant and smooth. The motor's 208Nm of torque arrives instantly, and the two-speed electric gearing multiplies it further in first gear, making the Duster leap off the line with engine and motor pulling together.

The engine stays a distant thrum, never strained, and the vehicle feels more like a dual-clutch transmission, with a brief hesitation and then distinct upshifts. The top end doesn't tail off, and the long legs feel more diesel than hybrid.

Mileage and Efficiency

The Duster Hybrid's mileage and efficiency are impressive, with a certified 29kpl and an indicated 16.9kpl in the city. Driven hard, the mileage falls to 11-12kpl, but that is hardly representative.

Ride Comfort and Handling

The Duster Hybrid's ride comfort and handling are outstanding, with a plush ride and excellent high-speed stability. The steering is the best yet on a mid-size SUV, with no slack around the straight-ahead and a beautiful weighting up as you add lock.

Exterior Design and Engineering

The exterior design and engineering of the Duster Hybrid are minimal, with a Hybrid plate on the side and an illuminated Duster logo up front. The rear exhaust is short, ending ahead of the high-voltage battery, rather than dropping it low and leaving it hanging untidily below the bumper.

Interior Space, Comfort, and Features

The interior space, comfort, and features of the Duster Hybrid are impressive, with lighter Dune Brown leatherette upholstery and a light headliner extending down the pillars. The cabin is bright and airy, with thoughtful touches like one-touch up and down with anti-pinch on all four windows and a touch-operated cabin lamp.

However, there are some ergonomic quibbles, like the volume control stalk hidden behind the steering wheel and the ventilated-seat controls tucked away. The cubbyholes are awkward to reach, and the cupholders on the centre console are too shallow.

Value for Money and Verdict

The Duster Hybrid is a huge surprise, with its sophisticated hybrid system, impressive efficiency, and attractive price. It's outstanding value and, for those who enjoy driving, the best mid-size SUV on sale. The only drawbacks are the lack of room, missing features, and a spare wheel that doesn't come as standard.

Overall, the Renault Duster Hybrid is a game-changer in the mid-size SUV segment, and it's a comeback gambit that Renault should have played much earlier. With its impressive performance, efficiency, and value for money, it's a must-consider for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Implications for Readers in India

The Renault Duster Hybrid is an attractive option for buyers in India who are looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle. With its impressive performance, efficiency, and value for money, it's a must-consider for those who want to save on fuel costs without compromising on performance.

What to Watch Next

As the Renault Duster Hybrid gains traction in the market, it will be interesting to see how its rivals respond. Will they introduce their own hybrid models, or will they focus on improving their existing offerings? The mid-size SUV segment is expected to become even more competitive, and buyers will have a wider range of options to choose from.

• The Duster Hybrid's E-Tech 160 system is the most sophisticated strong hybrid in its segment.
• The vehicle provides seamless and efficient performance, with instant acceleration and smooth transmission.
• The mileage and efficiency are impressive, with a certified 29kpl and an indicated 16.9kpl in the city.
• The ride comfort and handling are outstanding, with a plush ride and excellent high-speed stability.
• The interior space, comfort, and features are impressive, with thoughtful touches like one-touch up and down with anti-pinch on all four windows.