Renault Duster & Bigster: Hybrid Power Coming to India – What You Need to Know

Renault Duster and Bigster SUVs are set to launch with hybrid options in India

Renault is gearing up to launch its much-awaited Duster and Bigster SUVs, and guess what? They’re bringing hybrid power to the mix! While the first versions will run on regular petrol, the exciting part is that hybrid models are right around the corner. This shows Renault is serious about giving Indian car buyers more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly choices.

Hybrid Power: What’s the Deal?

Renault plans to offer different engine options for the Duster and Bigster, so there’s something for everyone. They’ll start with a standard petrol engine, which is great for those who want a more budget-friendly option. But here’s the kicker: within a year of the first launch, the hybrid versions will hit the market. Now, Renault hasn’t spilled all the beans on the exact hybrid system for India yet. But we can take a peek at what Dacia, Renault’s sister brand, is doing in Europe for some hints.

Over in Europe, the Dacia Duster Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter petrol engine that makes about 139 horsepower. It teams up with a 48-horsepower electric motor. This setup sends power to the front wheels and gets its juice from a small 1.2 kWh battery. This hybrid Duster is pretty good on fuel, getting around 20 kilometers per liter (km/l). There’s even talk of a 4x4 hybrid version, which would add another electric motor to power the back wheels, making it even more capable.

For the bigger Dacia Bigster Hybrid in Europe, it has a 1.8-liter petrol engine with about 154 horsepower, also paired with a 48-horsepower electric motor. This one gets its power from a slightly bigger 1.4 kWh battery. What’s cool is that even though the Bigster is larger and more powerful, it’s even better on fuel, getting about 21 km/l. Just a heads-up: the European Bigster is a two-row SUV, but the one coming to India will have three rows, giving more space for families.

More Than Just Hybrid: What About CNG?

Beyond hybrids, Renault is also thinking about offering CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) versions of the Duster and Bigster. CNG cars are becoming super popular in India because they’re cheap to run. Renault has already started offering CNG kits for its Kwid, Kiger, and Triber cars. For the Duster and Bigster, they might even offer factory-fitted CNG options, which would be a huge plus for buyers looking to save even more on fuel costs.

When Can We Expect These New SUVs?

Production of the brand-new Renault Duster is expected to kick off in September, and the car will likely arrive in Indian showrooms early in 2026. The Renault Bigster, which will go head-to-head with popular SUVs like the Hyundai Alcazar, is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. So, there’s a little wait, but it looks like Renault is planning a strong comeback in the Indian SUV market.

Why This Matters for India: My Take

Renault’s plan to bring hybrid Duster and Bigster models to India is a really smart move. The Indian car market is quickly moving towards cars that use less fuel and are better for the environment. While electric cars are still catching on, hybrids offer a perfect middle ground. They save you money on fuel and produce less pollution, and you don’t need to worry about finding charging stations everywhere, which are still few and far between in India.

For the Duster, which has always been known in India as a tough and reliable SUV, adding a hybrid option will make it even more attractive. It means you can get the strong build and adventurous spirit of the Duster, but with the added bonus of lower running costs and a greener footprint. This could help the Duster get back to its top spot in the busy compact SUV market.

The Bigster, on the other hand, will enter the popular three-row SUV space. Offering it with a hybrid engine right from the start, or soon after launch, will give it a special edge over its rivals. Indian families often want big cars that are also easy on the pocket, and a hybrid Bigster could be just the ticket. And if they bring a 4x4 hybrid Bigster, that would be amazing – combining off-road fun with great fuel economy, which is pretty rare!

Renault also thinking about CNG options shows they really understand the Indian market. CNG is super cheap, and lots of buyers, especially in cities, prefer it for daily driving. By offering both hybrid and CNG options, Renault is trying to reach a lot of different buyers, aiming to grab a big piece of the market by giving people what they want.

This plan to offer different kinds of engines for the Duster and Bigster clearly shows that Renault is serious about its future in India. By giving choices that focus on saving fuel and lowering costs, they are giving Indian customers exactly what they value. It’s a good sign for the brand and for anyone looking for a modern, efficient, and versatile SUV.