Renault Duster will get strong hybrid engine, production will start in September 2025

Renault India is working on hybrid variants of its popular SUV Duster and its 7-seater Bigster. Earlier, it was reported that hybrid variants of both these models are being considered, which has now been confirmed. According to reports, its hybrid variant will be launched within 12 months of the launch of the petrol model of the Renault Duster. This makes it clear that Bigster will be launched after Duster, and it will be given a strong-hybrid powertrain.

Production of the new vehicle will begin in the month of September 2025. Considering this, one can say that the vehicle can be launched at the start of the year 2026. The vehicle will be launched with petrol engines to begin with. Apart from normal petrol and turbo-petrol engines, an engine with the feature of being a strong hybrid will be introduced in Duster and subsequently Bigster after 6-12 months.

Until now, the company hasn't revealed what hybrid powertrain will be introduced to the Duster. Nevertheless, in the international market, the Duster comes with a hybrid powertrain. It features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 94 hp output, a 49 hp motor and a high-voltage starter generator as the two electric motors, and a 1.2 kWh battery. This system gives a total power output of 140 hp. The Bigster Hybrid has a 108 hp petrol engine, a 51 hp motor, and a 1.4 kWh battery pack with an output of 155 hp.

The new Duster and Bigster are being built on Renault's CMF-B platform. This platform supports ICE, hybrid, and electric powertrains. The company is also working on multi-fuel planning, keeping in mind India's many fuel preferences. The company is focusing on petrol, CNG, hybrid, and EV powertrain options. According to reports, the company can introduce CNG variants through non-factory partnerships like Minda Westport.