New Delhi:Renault is set to widen the new Duster’s powertrain line-up with a strong-hybrid option in India on October 17. The hybrid will become the third
mill offered for the SUV. Renault had confirmed at its launch that a hybrid version would be joining the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol units. Renault has branded the new system E-Tech, drawing on technology and expertise developed from its Formula 1 experience.
The Duster’s E-Tech hybrid pairs a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. One motor makes 20hp and functions as a generator, while the second delivers 49hp and drives the wheels. The combined system develops 160 hp and 172 Nm of torque and is supported by a 1.4kWh battery pack.
Renault’s hybrid system is much different from the one used by Toyota in the Hyryder, Grand Vitara and Victoris. Toyota employs an e-CVT with a power-split mechanism to deliver a largely seamless, continuously variable driving experience. Renault, on the other hand, uses a multi-mode automatic transmission with fixed gear ratios.
As a result, the Duster’s engine speed can rise and fall more like that of a conventional automatic car. There will be noticeable gear changes as the system switches between electric propulsion, petrol-engine power or a combination of both. The Renault also comes with a bigger battery than Toyota’s hybrid models. Toyota gives its hybrids a 0.60kWh battery.
Renault Duster hybrid efficiency factor
Like other full-hybrid systems, the Duster’s efficiency advantage comes from using electric power at lower speeds. It can recover energy through regenerative braking and shutting off the petrol engine whenever conditions allow. Actual fuel economy will vary depending on factors like traffic, speed, temperature and driving habits.
Renault, however, claims that the E-Tech system will allow 80 per cent of city driving to be completed in EV mode.
The strong-hybrid powertrain also gives the Duster an alternative to the diesel engine that is absent from the new-generation SUV. It will rival midsize SUVs with strong-hybrid powertrains, including the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
With the E-Tech system joining the existing petrol engines, the Duster will offer buyers three powertrain options when the hybrid version arrives in India.
