GaadiWaadi –
The test prototype appears to be the hybrid version of the Renault Duster which is expected to go on sale in India this festive season
A camouflaged Renault Duster test mule has been spotted near Villupuram in Tamil Nadu not far from Renault-Nissan’s manufacturing operations. Could this be the strong hybrid version scheduled for India later this year? Several visual cues suggest the possibility cannot be ruled out as the rear section is closely related to the recently launched Duster.
The midsize SUV is already available in India with 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo petrol powertrains. The tailgate design, bumper treatment and Y-shaped tail lamp signature are unchanged. However, the camouflage pattern differs from the three-row Duster derivative spotted previously. More importantly, the rear profile itself looks different from the seven-seat model that is expected to arrive later this FY or the next.
Renault currently offers the new Duster in two turbo petrol forms. The entry-level version uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 100 hp and 160 Nm coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. The powertrain returns an ARAI-certified fuel economy figure of 19.41 kmpl.
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Positioned above it is the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine generating 163 hp and 280 Nm. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The much-awaited strong hybrid Duster will arrive in India around the festive season potentially in October 2026. The hybrid setup will use a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre petrol engine working alongside two electric motors and a compact battery pack.
Combined system output will be around 160 hp. The configuration can propel the SUV on electric power alone at lower speeds while also reducing fuel consumption during urban driving. One electric motor primarily drives the wheels while the second supports energy management and battery charging functions. Such a setup has already been deployed in several Renault Group products internationally.
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If the test mule is indeed the hybrid variant, Renault could gain a significant advantage in the midsize SUV segment. Hybrid technology is gradually attracting attention among customers seeking lower fuel bills without switching to a fully electric vehicle. While Toyota and Maruti Suzuki currently dominate the mainstream hybrid space, Renault could emerge as a new alternative with the Duster Hybrid.
The hybrid version is expected to carry over much of the equipment available on higher Duster variants. Features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, connected car technology and Level 2 ADAS functions are expected to be part of the package.
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