Renault Duster hybrid mileage compared with strong-hybrid rivals

Renault Duster Hybrid claimed mileage compared with rivals

Around seven months after launching the new-gen Duster in India, Renault has brought the midsize SUV’s strong-hybrid version to market as well, at introductory prices ranging from Rs 16.99 lakh to Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Featuring what the French brand calls the ‘strong hybrid E-Tech 160’ powertrain, this version of the Duster is aimed at buyers who want good mileage without sacrificing performance. That said, let’s see how the Renault Duster strong hybrid compares in terms of claimed fuel efficiency to segment rivals.

Renault Duster hybrid vs rivals: Claimed mileage

The Duster strong hybrid’s 29kpl ARAI mileage gives it an upper hand over its strong-hybrid rivals

Renault Duster hybrid vs rivals: ARAI claimed mileage (kpl)
Renault Duster strong hybrid	29
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong hybrid	27.97
Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid	28.65
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrid	27.97

The Renault Duster strong hybrid’s ARAI-rated mileage of 29kpl is 1.03kpl higher than what its Maruti Grand Vitara strong hybrid and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrid rivals claim. Only the Maruti Victoris with its strong-hybrid powertrain comes close to matching the Renault’s figure, with a margin of just 0.35kpl between the two cars. Regardless, the Duster hybrid has the highest claimed mileage in its class.

The Renault Duster’s strong-hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s assisted by two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery pack, resulting in a combined output of 160hp. The Atkinson-cycle engine makes 110hp and 175Nm on its own. According to Renault, the electric motors of the Duster hybrid include a high-voltage starter-generator that also charges the battery, and a 50hp traction motor that drives the front wheels and produces 208Nm. While all models here offer an automatic transmission, the Duster strong hybrid features what Renault calls a ‘multi-mode automatic’ gearbox that it claims has been inspired by motorsports. Meanwhile, rivals come equipped with an e-CVT (electronically controlled continuous variable transmission).

The battery pack of the Renault Duster strong hybrid is over twice as large as the 0.60kWh lithium-ion unit fitted to the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrid, Maruti Grand Vitara strong hybrid or the Maruti Victoris strong hybrid. Renault claims the Duster hybrid can run in pure electric mode for up to 80 percent of city driving, which likely contributes to its higher claimed mileage. With a 50-litre fuel tank, Renault also claims a total driving range of over 1,400km. Lastly, with 160hp on tap, the Renault Duster strong hybrid is also the most powerful of the lot, as the rest have a combined output of 116hp. Renault claims a 0-100kph time of 9.61 seconds for the Duster hybrid, which it says is the quickest in the segment.