Author : Jagdev Kalsi
Published : 28 October 2026
Team V3Cars drives the Renault Duster Hybrid in Chennai and shares its first drive impressions in this video. We explain its unusual hybrid automatic transmission and assess its acceleration, engine response, ride comfort and efficiency, along with the changes over the petrol Duster. The Duster Hybrid combines a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with electric assistance to produce 160PS of combined power. Renault claims a 0-100kmph time of 9.61 seconds and a fuel efficiency of 29kmpl.
We share how this powertrain feels on the road and whether its electric-like acceleration makes it the most exciting Duster to drive. We also explain how its 2-speed electric motor transmission and 4-speed engine transmission work together to offer different driving combinations.
In this video, we call this setup a Combined Automatic Transmission, or CAT, and explain the reasoning behind the name. Additionally, we share our efficiency observations from the drive in rainy conditions, explain the B and E-save modes, and discuss the hybrid’s suspension setup, cabin colour theme and cosmetic changes. A detailed fuel efficiency test will follow to assess its real-world mileage and the distance required to recover its additional cost over the petrol version.

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