Renault relaunches Duster, bets on hybrids to drive India comeback

NEW DELHI: Renault on Tuesday relaunched the Renault Duster in India, marking not just the return of a once-popular SUV but a broader strategic reset built around hybrid technology and a multi-powertrain approach.
Priced from around ₹10.3 lakh (ex-showroom), the third-generation Duster re-enters one of India’s most competitive segments, taking on rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
But beyond pricing and features, the launch signals a shift in Renault’s India playbook. At the heart of it is electrification, which will be delivered not through a full-electric pivot, but via hybrids.
“It is still a small market because there is no offer. But we are coming strong and the results are very encouraging,” Francisco Hidalgo, VP Sales & Marketing, Renault India told journalists about the market for hybrids in the country.
The new Duster will be offered with multiple powertrains, including conventional turbo-petrol engines and a strong hybrid system. The hybrid variant is expected to be introduced later this year around the festive season and will serve as the technological flagship.
“Our experience in many parts of the world shows that the perfect replacement for diesel is hybrid. Hybrid will be super efficient on city driving,” Mr Hidalgo said while explaining Renault’s hybrid impetus.
While the platform is also EV-ready, Renault will bring electric cars to India when there is a “natural demand.”
“Today it is not the time for us when EVs are selling at only 4%,” said the top executive. The German car maker is aiming for 4-5% of market share till 2030, while it is currently at under 1%