Renault plans to introduce its new powerful SUV to the Indian market before the Diwali holidays. Although the company previously confirmed the release of this model in early 2026, details have now become more specific.
The Renault Duster Hybrid is expected to launch on October 17. Earlier this year, Renault released the Duster with 1.0-liter and 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engines. The version with the hybrid powertrain was announced earlier and is about to hit the market.
In a teaser post, Renault posted the phrase: 'Dear diesel, thank you for the ride, we'll take it from here.' This statement emphasizes the company's transition from diesel engines, which contributed to the initial success of the Renault Duster in the Indian market, to new technologies.
When Renault Duster returns in 2026, there will be no diesel engines in its lineup; instead, the company has focused on a hybrid system. The Duster Hybrid will be equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that will work together with two electric motors and a multi-mode automatic transmission.
This system will provide 160 hp and 172 Nm of torque and will include a 1.4 kWh battery. Renault has already confirmed this system for India. The company claims that in urban conditions, the car can operate on 80% of the battery charge, although some changes may occur depending on traffic, battery charge level, and driving style.
Since this is a hybrid powertrain setup, no additional charging will be required; the system itself will manage the operation of the petrol and electric modes. Thanks to regenerative braking, energy will be recovered when the vehicle slows down. Information on range and fuel efficiency will be available after the car's launch.
The company presents this car as a replacement for diesel variants, targeting consumers looking for vehicles with better fuel economy. While competitors to this car include the Hyundai Creta and Tata Sierra, the direct competition for the hybrid version is the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The success of the Renault Duster Hybrid will largely depend on its price.
At the beginning of the year, the Renault Duster returned to the market, and initial sales were high, but they have started to decline over time. In March, 1402 Dusters were sold, and in April, sales reached 2359 units, after which a decline began. In May, 1267 units were sold, in June—1011 units, in July—512 units, and in August—402 units. The current price of the Duster starts from 10.49 lakh rupees and reaches 18.69 lakh rupees including all charges.