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Renault has started supplying its first hybrid vehicle in the Indian market—the Renault Duster. This hybrid car, which was introduced last month as the Renault Duster Hybrid E-Tech 160, is now available to buyers.

The vehicle, launched on October 17, claims the highest fuel efficiency in its class. The first customer received this car at a new showroom in Hyderabad, and according to the company, Hyderabad shows the greatest interest in booking the Duster Hybrid. However, the company has not disclosed the exact number of orders placed.

The price of the Renault Duster Hybrid E-Tech 160 starts from 16.99 lakh rupees for the Techno version, while the Emotion version costs 19.49 lakh rupees including export duties. Direct competitors to this vehicle include the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Furthermore, in the mid-size car segment, it will compete with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, with the Creta being one of the best-selling models in its class.

Despite the fact that sales of the basic Duster model were not very high at the beginning of this year, the release of the hybrid version gives the company hope for an improvement in the situation. The main advantage of the Duster Hybrid is its fuel economy; the company claims that the car can achieve a fuel consumption of 29 kilometers per liter.

This hybrid system is equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine, which works together with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. The total power of this system is 160 horsepower. Renault offers the car with an automatic MultiMode transmission, and the company states that with a full tank, the car can travel up to 1400 kilometers. According to Renault, up to 80 percent of city trips can be made in electric mode.

Other features of the Duster Hybrid include frequency-sensitive dampers, an illuminated grille, and an updated interior color palette. The company provides a 7-year warranty on the vehicle itself, and the battery has an 8-year or 1.6 lakh kilometer warranty.

Lexus has begun selling the new ES 500e in Brazil, marking the arrival of the brand's first fully electric sedan. This top version of the eighth-generation ES is available at all dealerships for the price of R$ 549,990.

This price represents an increase of R$ 150 thousand compared to the ES 350h, a hybrid model launched in August for R$ 399,990. Lexus emphasizes that the ES is the best-selling car in its world history.

Previously, the company had already made the electric SUV RZ 500e available in the Brazilian market, which was launched in May for R$ 499,990.

Built on a renewed platform, the sedan features larger dimensions compared to the previous generation, measuring 5.15 meters in length and 2.95 meters in wheelbase.

The electric system uses DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, combining a front motor generating 227 hp and 27.3 kgfm with a rear motor of 98 hp and 17.3 kgfm. The combined power reaches 343 hp.

With a battery capacity of 74.7 kWh, the vehicle offers a range of up to 378 km, according to the cycle established by Inmetro. Furthermore, on fast DC chargers, the recharge process from 10% to 80% is completed in just 28 minutes.

Among the innovative features, the Interactive Manual Drive stands out, allowing the driver to simulate gear changes; in M mode, the driver can control power delivery through the paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The ES 500e also incorporates the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 driver assistance package, which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering, in addition to being equipped with ten airbags.

Inside, the multimedia center features a 14-inch screen, the largest ever offered by the manufacturer, and the Mark Levinson audio system has 17 speakers.

Buyers have access to the LexusCare program, which extends the warranty at no additional cost for up to 10 years or 200,000 kilometers. This benefit is considered unprecedented among luxury brands in Brazil, according to Lexus itself.

To utilize this extension, the owner must perform maintenance at authorized dealerships after the expiration of the basic five-year warranty. Lexus has 15 dealerships in the country, and customers can also use the Toyota network for maintenance and service checks.

Maruti is working on creating a new seven-seater car model that was recently spotted during testing. This is not the first time a future seven-seater model from the company has appeared. It is assumed that Maruti is releasing an electric seven-seater MPV.

In the MPV segment, Maruti Suzuki dominates with the Ertiga model. However, other manufacturers have started offering electric vehicles in this segment, and Maruti intends not to fall behind, so the company began preparing for this project.

The latest spy shots allowed for a look at some details of the front end, side profile, and interior of the vehicle. The absence of an exhaust pipe in these pictures indicates that the car is electric. Additionally, signs of a battery pack under the floor and high-voltage cables are visible.

This upcoming electric seven-seater SUV is internally codenamed YMC (Maruti YMC). This will be Maruti's first electric seven-seater model. Currently, little is known about the car from Maruti Suzuki. The car's design features SUV characteristics, and its exterior appears inspired by the e-Vitara. It is possible that the company is using the Heartec-e/27 PL platform for this car, as the e-Vitara was developed on it.

The company could potentially introduce this vehicle next year, although Maruti Suzuki has made no official statements about it. The latest shots also showed the rear of the car, equipped with end-to-end LED taillights. The company may launch this model through Nexa showrooms. The car might be fitted with 18-inch wheels, as well as all LED lighting elements, body cladding, and other exterior options.

Furthermore, the car may be equipped with ADAS systems, a TFT instrument panel, and other features. This model could enter the market with a 61 kWh battery and a claimed range of 500 kilometers.