Renault India has launched its strong hybrid E-Tech 160 technology, the new Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 in India. This is the first Renault car in India to be equipped with this system. It is available in Evolution, Techno and Emotion variants priced at Rs 16.99 lakh, Rs 18.99 lakh and Rs 19.49 lakh respectively (ex-showroom). Reservations are available through authorized dealers and the following channels Renault website.
The powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter petrol engine, two electric motors, a 1.4 kWh battery and a multi-mode automatic transmission, with a total output of 160 PS. Renault says the system automatically switches between electric, hybrid and combustion modes, and the battery charges while driving and braking, so the car doesn’t require external charging. It is said to have an ARAI-certified fuel consumption of 29 kilometers per liter, a city driving rate of up to 80% in pure electric mode, and fuel savings of up to 29% compared to diesel. Renault claims it has the best displacement, battery size and fuel economy in the segment.
The company says E-Tech draws on more than a decade of electric mobility research and its Formula 1 program. Its patented multi-mode transmission manages the flow of energy between the engine and electric motor. The Duster also features ‘B Mode’ for stronger regenerative braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator, E-Save mode to conserve battery energy for later use, frequency-dependent damping to improve ride comfort and what Renault calls a segment-first battery cooling solution. There is an illuminated DUSTER logo on the grille.
Inside, the Emotion version features Dune Brown leatherette upholstery with ventilated front seats and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Techno version comes with desert beige semi-leatherette seats. Both have new headrest designs.
M. Stéphane, CEO, Groupe Renault India Deblaise said: “With more than 1 million units sold globally since 2020, the E-Tech Strong Hybrid is proven Renault powertrain technology. Now, we are bringing it to India as part of our futuREady India roadmap. Our approach is to bring the best of Renault’s global technology to Indian customers while developing the car, powertrain and features specifically for Indian needs through our engineering and design centres. In Chennai, we have Duster Strong, our largest factory outside Europe. The Hybrid E-Tech 160 is a clear example of this approach.”
Renault is positioning the car as an alternative to diesel vehicles. Mr. Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Groupe Renault India, said, “In the Duster segment, nearly half of the diesel cars are sold in the price range of Rs 17-20 lakh, and this rises to over 90 per cent with diesel automatic transmissions. This is where the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech comes in That’s where the 160 comes in. With a starting price of Rs 16.99 lakh, it sits at the heart of the segment and we believe it is the smarter choice for customers considering diesel, combining significantly lower fuel consumption with a quieter, smoother and more sophisticated driving experience without requiring customers to change how or where they drive.”
Renault has also launched Renault Forever Protect 360, an ownership plan starting at Rs 89,900. It includes zero-depreciation car insurance for three years, a maintenance contract for three years or 30,000km per year, and a guaranteed resale value of 60% after three years. Financing options are available through Renault Financial Partners.