The third-generation Renault Duster is arriving in India next year. Its production is likely to start in September, 2025 at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai manufacturing facility. Initially, the SUV will be offered with the naturally aspirated petrol and turbocharged petrol engine options, followed by a new strong hybrid powertrain. The new Renault Duster hybrid is expected to arrive within 6-12 months after the petrol-powered versions’ launch.
Also Read: 7-Seater Renault Duster Interior, Exterior, Specs & Launch Details
Renault might use a 1.0L NA engine for its lower variants, while the higher trims might get a 1.3L turbo petrol unit, delivering power worth 156bhp. If the same turbo-petrol engine makes its way to the new Duster, the SUV will become more powerful than the Hyundai Creta’s 103bhp, 1.5L naturally aspirated and Maruti Grand Vitara’s 103bhp, 1.5L petrol-mild hybrid engines.
Renault Duster Hybrid – What to Expect?
Official specifications of the new Duster hybrid are yet to be revealed. In global markets, the SUV’s strong hybrid version is offered with a 94bhp, 1.6L, 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors – a 49bhp and a high-voltage starter generator driving a 1.2kWh battery. The setup delivers a combined power output of 140bhp. An electric automatic transmission comes as standard. Renault claims that the strong hybrid configuration allows for pure electric driving for up to 80 percent of city commutes.
Competition & Pricing:
Once launched, the new Renault Duster hybrid will face challenge from the hybrid variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and the upcoming Maruti Escudo. In the midsize SUV segment, the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta will go hybrid with their respective generation upgrades in early 2026 and 2027, respectively. The Duster’s hybrid model is expected to be priced nearly Rs 2 lakh – Rs 2.50 lakh premium over its ICE counterpart.
CNG Under Consideration:
Renault is also evaluating a CNG (compressed natural gas) variant of the new Duster. Similar to models like the Kwid, Kiger and Triber, it might get a CNG retrofitment (depending on market demand).
