New Renault Duster, Bigster Hybrid Launch likely, Followed By Three-Row Version
Although it has been reported that the new Renault Duster and its three-row counterpart, the Bigster, were being evaluated for hybrid versions, we can now confirm that the Duster hybrid is anticipated to be on sale within a year of the petrol model. After the Duster launches, the Bigster is expected to follow, and it will also have a powerful hybrid drivetrain.
Production of the new Renault Duster will commence in September at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai facility, as we stated at the beginning of the year. This suggests that the Duster will only be available with gasoline engines and that its arrival is anticipated in early 2026. Within six to twelve months of their initial debuts, strong-hybrid versions of the Duster and, eventually, the Bigster will be available in addition to the conventional petrol and turbo-petrol options, according to Renault sources.
Read Also: New Hyundai Verna SX+ Trim Launched At Rs 13.79 Lakh, Borrows Features From Top-Spec
The hybrid powertrain that will be available in India is unknown, however the Duster that is sold elsewhere has a strong-hybrid option. Two electric motors (49-hp motor and a high-voltage starting generator) powered by a 1.2kWh battery are coupled with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, 94-hp petrol engine to produce 140 horsepower overall. According to the manufacturer, the configuration enables up to 80% of city driving to be powered solely by electricity, and an electric automatic transmission is standard. With a 1.4kWh battery powering a 108hp gasoline engine, 51hp motor, and starting generator, the larger Bigster hybrid produces 155hp.
Renault’s response to rivals controlling the Indian SUV market is the CMF-B platform, which serves as the foundation for the new Duster and Bigster. This architecture gives Renault options for the future by supporting electric, hybrid, and internal combustion powertrains. Two Nissan and two Renault vehicles will be available on the platform.
Read Also: Volvo Re-Invents Multi-Adaptive Safety Seat Belts With Smart Tech
Long-term trends and current market realities are balanced in Renault’s powertrain strategy. Given EVs’ small 1.5% market share in India, Venkatram Mamillapalle, CEO and MD of Renault India, states, “We’re not in an EV emergency.” By 2032, he believes, hybrids will overtake EVs, gaining a 15–18% market share, while EVs will still hold a smaller proportion of less than 10%. “The most volatile market is EV. It’s only 2% of the entire business volume, so anyone who claims to be in the lead today is lying,” he continues.
In order to accommodate India’s wide range of fuel preferences, Renault is giving compressed natural gas (CNG) and powerful hybrids priority while developing a new electric SUV. Changes in the market and regulations will be taken into consideration when evaluating CNG, which is managed through non-factory partnerships like Minda Westport.
This multi-fuel approach is informed by the distinct market dynamics of India. Given the infrastructure obstacles facing EVs and government subsidies for CNG and hybrids, Renault’s focus seems reasonable. As rivals expand their electric portfolios, the business must make sure its EV solutions don’t lag behind. For example, in order to compete with vehicles such as the Tata Nexon EV, the Kiger EV will need to balance price, range, and features.
