Renault Duster Techno Petrol Variants Discontinued; Hybrid vs 1.3L Turbo Features Compared

Renault India has finally added the highly-anticipated 1.8-litre E-Tech strong-hybrid powertrain to the Duster’s lineup, with prices starting from Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available in three variants: Evolution, Techno and a new Emotion variant. However, with its introduction, the mid-spec Techno variant is no longer available with the smaller 1-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine options.

Here’s a look at the revised variant lineup of the 2026 Renault Duster: –

As is clear from the above table, the Duster Techno is now available exclusively with the strong-hybrid powertrain, which is roughly Rs 3 lakh more expensive than the now-discontinued 1.3-litre Techno DCT variant.

Duster Hybrid Misses Out On Several Features

While the new Duster Hybrid powertrain claims to improve the SUV’s fuel efficiency, it misses out on some features offered with the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol variants, such as auto-dimming IRVM, side parking sensors, hill descent assist, 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring, and level-2 ADAS suite.

This means the premium of up to Rs 2.5 lakh you pay for the E-Tech Emotion variant over the Iconic trim is mainly for the added benefits of a hybrid powertrain in various driving conditions, and you will have to compromise on a few equipment and convenience features in exchange for better fuel economy.

However, it still retains key amenities like LED headlamps, powered tailgate, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, 6-way powered front seats with ventilation function, dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, 6 airbags, hill hold assist, cruise control with speed limiter, rear parking sensors with camera, and more, ensuring that customers don’t miss out on essential comfort, convenience and safety features.

In fact, the hybrid version also features an exclusive Frequency-Dependent Damping (FDD) for added ride comfort, illuminated “DUSTER” lettering on the grille, and new Dune Brown leatherette upholstery for a premium appeal.

Segment-leading Fuel Economy Promised

Powering the Duster E-Tech Hybrid variants is a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with a series-parallel, self-charging, strong-hybrid system.

This Atkinson-cycle engine produces 110hp and 175Nm, with a thermal efficiency of up to 41%. It comes paired with two electric motors: a 49hp traction motor and a 20hp hybrid starter generator, powered by a 1.4kWh NMC 622 High-Cobalt battery (247V) featuring direct refrigerant cooling. The combined system output stands at 160hp, which is the highest in the segment.

Transmission duties are handled by a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), which is essentially a specialised multi-mode clutchless transmission system.

Renault claims an ARAI-certified mileage of 29 km/l with the Duster Hybrid, making it the most fuel-efficient hybrid in the country. For reference, the Maruti Victoris Hybrid claims 28.65 km/l, whereas the Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid claim 27.97 km/l.

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