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No Diesel Engine For The New Renault Duster? Here’s Why Renault Made That Call
The Renault Duster has made a grand return to the Indian market. The iconic compact SUV returns with its familiar silhouette, muscular stance, aggressive bumpers, aesthetic grille, along with upgraded interior features and modern technology.
However, one key question remains among buyers: Why is the Diesel Powertrain Missing? Here are the top reasons why Renault has chosen not to reintroduce the diesel-powered Duster in India this time.
Hybrid Is the New Diesel
Instead of diesel, Renault has opted for hybrid powertrains, which it claims are among the most advanced hybrid technologies in the Indian market. The company offers a 1.3-litre petrol mild-hybrid and a segment-leading 1.8-litre strong-hybrid powertrain. Renault claims the strong-hybrid system can operate up to 80% of the time on electric power alone, delivering fuel efficiency comparable to that of a diesel engine.
The hybrid segment also lacks many players, apart from Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda. With Renault entering this space, we could also see a follow-up from Nissan with its upcoming Tekton SUV in the future. The hybrid engines are seen as replacements for traditional diesel powertrains.
Declining Global Demand for Diesel Engines
Globally, the automotive industry is gradually moving away from diesel powertrains due to their higher pollution levels. Countries across Europe and parts of Asia are increasingly shifting towards electric and hybrid vehicles.
Renault already exports vehicles from its Chennai plant to multiple global markets, and exporting hybrid-powered cars is easier than exporting a diesel car. This is one of the reasons why the India-spec Duster does not offer a diesel option.
Strict Government Norms
Government emission norms have also become stricter for diesel engines. Manufacturers must comply with strict regulations to reduce emissions, making diesel powertrains more complex and expensive to develop. These could also have been reasons for Renault's decision not to bring the diesel-powered Duster to India.
High Cost of Maintenance
Diesel vehicles typically have higher maintenance costs compared to petrol-powered cars. Regular DEF refilling, diesel particulate filter maintenance, and other related expenses add to the overall ownership cost. Considering these factors, Renault wanted to bring peace of mind to its customers and hence opted for hybrid powertrains, which are widely regarded as the future of the Indian automobile industry.
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