Renault Duster, Bigster Strong Hybrid confirmed for India

Together with the petrol and hybrid PowerTrain options, the New Gen Duster CMF-BB platform also supports fully electric and CNG engines

In a previous interaction, Venkatram Mamillapalle, CEO and MD of Renault India, had mentioned the possibility of offering strong hybrid options with the new generation Duster and Bigster (Duster/Boreal at 7 seats). According to the latest information from India Autocar, it is now confirmed that strong hybrid options will actually be available in India. Duster Hybrid and Bigster Hybrid are scheduled for launch after the petrol variants. We receive further details on these developments.

New generation hybrid PowerTrain and Bigster

Exactly which strong hybrid engine will be available with the new generation Duster and Bigster in India has not yet been revealed. In Europe, the new Dacia Dacia has a 140 hybrid hybrid engine, as one of the options. This strong hybrid configuration includes a 1.6 -liter petrol engine, with four cylinders and naturally aspirated which generates 94 HP. There are two electric motors, a 49 HP unit that drives the wheels and a high voltage start generator. A 1.2 kWh battery is used to power these engines. The combined power output is 140 HP.

This strong hybrid engine uses an automatic transmission in multiple modes. Up to 80% of urban driving needs can be met in electricity only. The strong hybrid engine of Duster also guarantees seamless transitions between electrical and petrol modes. The variants with this engine are available only in the front -wheel drive format (FWD).

Dacia Bigster (7 -seater Duster / Boreal in Europe uses a more powerful hybrid hybrid configuration 155. It includes a 1.8 -liter petrol engine, with four cylinders and naturally aspirated which generates 107 HP. The primary electric motor that drives the wheel generates 50 HP. Powering the primary engine and the high voltage start generator is a 1.4 kWh battery. The combined power output is 155 HP. The torque exit is 170 Nm with the petrol engine and 205 Nm with the electric motor. This engine has an automatic transmission and is available in FWD format.

New Duster Renault, Duster Hybrid – Start of the time sequence

Renault planned to launch the new generation Duster in India in early 2026. Production should start in the Renault-Nissan plant in Chennai in September. Pre-prizes could be announced in this period, probably in the November-December period. The 7 -seater Duster or the Boreale is scheduled for its global debut on July 10, 2025. It will be launched in India after the new Duster.

Initially, both the new Duster and its 7 -seater version will be offered with only petrol and turbo powerstrain options. The strong hybrid engine options will be introduced after a gap of about 6-12 months. This means that users should be able to access the strong hybrid options in the second half of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.

In a later phase, Renault could also add other options such as CNG and EV versions with the new Duster and the 7 -seater model. These are supported by the CMF-B platform which is the basis of the new Duster. Nissan will have its derivatives of the new Duster Renault and its 7 -seater version. These should be launched in 2027.

Hybrids to overcome EVS

Elaborating his previous declaration, Venkatram Mamillapalle said that hybrids will be in advance on electric vehicles by 2032. While hybrids will have a market share of about 15-18%, the contribution of electric vehicles in total cars sales will be less than 10%. With its new models, Renault will focus on strong hybrids and methane in India. The CNG option will be provided at the level of a dealer in association with third party suppliers approved by RTO as Minda Westport.