Renault India has introduced its strong hybrid E-Tech 160 technology in the country, with the new Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160. It is the first Renault vehicle in India to get the system. It comes in Evolution, Techno and Emotion variants priced at ₹16.99 lakh, ₹18.99 lakh and ₹19.49 lakh respectively (ex-showroom). Bookings are open at authorised dealerships and on renault.co.in.
The powertrain combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors, a 1.4 kWh battery and a multi-mode automatic gearbox, for a combined output of 160 PS. Renault says the system switches automatically between electric, hybrid and combustion modes, and that the battery recharges while driving and braking, so the car needs no external charging. It claims an ARAI-certified 29 km/l, up to 80% of city driving in pure electric mode, and fuel savings of up to 29% compared with diesel. Renault calls this the best displacement, battery size and fuel economy in the segment.
The company says E-Tech draws on more than a decade of electrified mobility research and on its Formula 1 programme. Its patented multi-mode gearbox manages energy flow between the engine and electric motors. The Duster also gets a “B Mode” for stronger regenerative braking when the driver lifts off the accelerator, an E-Save mode that preserves battery energy for later use, frequency-dependent damping for ride comfort, and what Renault calls a first-in-segment battery cooling solution. An illuminated DUSTER logo sits in the grille.
Inside, the Emotion variant has dune brown leatherette upholstery with ventilated front seats and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Techno variant gets desert beige semi-leatherette seats. Both have a new headrest design.
M. Stéphane Deblaise, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group India, said: “With more than one million E-Tech strong hybrid vehicles sold worldwide since 2020, the E-Tech strong hybrid is a proven Renault powertrain technology. Now, we are bringing it to India as part of our futuREady India roadmap. Our approach is to bring to the Indian customers the best of Renault’s global technologies, while developing cars, powertrains and features specifically for Indian needs through our engineering and design centres in Chennai, our biggest outside Europe. The Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 is a clear example of this approach.”
Renault is positioning the car as an alternative to diesel. Mr. Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Renault Group India, said: “In the Duster segment, nearly half of all diesel vehicles are sold in the ₹17–20 lakh price band, and that rises to more than 90% for diesel automatics. That is exactly where the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 comes in. Starting at ₹16.99 lakh, right at the heart of this market, 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 is also launching Renault Forever Protect 360, an ownership programme starting at ₹89,900. It includes three years of zero-depreciation motor insurance, a three-year or 30,000 km annual maintenance contract, and an assured resale value of 60% after three years. Financing options are available through Renault Finance partners.
