Renault to debut Duster strong‑hybrid in India on Oct 17

UPDATE - follow-up to Renault Duster hybrid launch on October 17: Renault will bring a strong‑hybrid version of the Duster to India on Oct 17. The model adds a 1,789 cc four‑cylinder petrol engine to two electric motors. One motor provides 20 hp as a generator, the other delivers 49 hp to the wheels. Together they produce 160 hp and 172 Nm of torque. Power comes from a 1.4 kWh battery pack. The hybrid uses Renault’s E‑Tech system, which the company says is based on Formula 1 expertise. Power reaches the wheels through a multi‑mode automatic gearbox with fixed gear ratios, unlike Toyota’s e‑CVT. The setup may let drivers feel gear shifts as the system moves between electric, engine or combined drive. Renault claims the system can run 80 % of city trips in electric mode. The hybrid joins the existing 1.0‑litre and 1.3‑litre turbo‑petrol options, giving a third powertrain choice. It also fills the gap left by the lack of a diesel engine in the new Duster. The launch pits the Duster against Maruti’s Grand Vitara and Victoris and Toyota’s Hyder hybrid SUVs in the midsize segment.