New Delhi, October 9: Renault India has opened bookings for the new Duster strong hybrid E-Tech 160, positioning the SUV as a fuel-efficient alternative in India’s competitive utility vehicle market. The company announced an ARAI-certified mileage of 29 km per litre ahead of the model’s official market debut on October 17, 2026. Bookings opened on October 9 at ₹21,000 through Renault India’s website and authorised dealerships nationwide.
The new model combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery to deliver 160 PS of combined power. Its intelligent multi-mode transmission automatically switches between electric and combustion power depending on driving conditions. The system also recovers energy during braking and deceleration, while the battery charges during driving without requiring an external charging connection.
The strong-hybrid offering targets SUV buyers seeking a balance between performance and fuel economy, including customers considering alternatives to diesel vehicles. Its mileage claim could strengthen Renault’s pitch in a segment where running costs and power output remain key purchase considerations.
Francisco Hidalgo, vice-president, sales and marketing, Renault Group India, said the introduction of the company’s E-Tech technology from Europe marked a significant step in its Indian electrification strategy.
The Duster strong hybrid E-Tech 160 will be Renault’s first E-Tech model in India under its futuREady roadmap. The SUV’s full reveal and official market debut are scheduled for October 17.
