New Renault Duster 4X4 LPG Hybrid Spied Testing – A Game-Changer in the Making?
Ever since Renault revealed the new Duster, excitement has been building, particularly in India, where the SUV has enjoyed a loyal fanbase. While India is already anticipating the next-gen Duster, a new test mule spotted abroad has sparked fresh curiosity. This version, featuring an LPG-powered hybrid system with all-wheel drive (AWD), marks a bold step forward in hybrid SUV technology.
Renault and its subsidiary Dacia have been pushing innovation in hybrid mobility. The recently spotted test mule is unlike anything seen before. It integrates:
A 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo-petrol ECO-G engine powering the front wheels
A dual-fuel setup, allowing the engine to run on both petrol and LPG
A 48V mild-hybrid system that provides additional power and efficiency
A rear axle-mounted electric motor, effectively making the SUV an AWD hybrid
This unique combination enables the Duster to operate in multiple driving modes, using electric power for efficiency, petrol for performance, and LPG to reduce emissions. The estimated system output of 150 bhp ensures capable performance without compromising fuel efficiency.
The ECO-G MHEV 4X4 system uses:
The front wheels powered by the petrol/LPG engine
The rear wheels driven by the electric motor, allowing AWD capabilities
A self-charging hybrid system, ensuring the battery gets recharged while driving
This setup is similar to what we’ve seen in the Jeep Avenger 4Xe, but Renault adds the LPG component, making it an industry-first innovation.
Reports suggest that this hybrid powertrain will be unveiled by late 2025 or early 2026, potentially debuting in:
The Dacia Duster for European markets
The Renault Duster for global markets
The Bigster, a 7-seater SUV based on the Duster platform
While this cutting-edge hybrid is unlikely to launch in India, Renault could still introduce the Duster 4X4 with AWD, competing with SUVs like the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. A CNG variant could also be in the pipeline, but not as part of the same hybrid setup seen in global test mules.
The next-gen Renault Duster is expected to launch in India by 2026, marking Renault’s comeback in the compact SUV segment—a category that the Duster itself pioneered in the Indian market.
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