Renault Duster hybrid vs Grand Vitara, Hyryder and Victoris: Which SUV gives better mileage?

Seven months after the new-gen Duster arrived in India, Renault has launched its strong-hybrid version. Prices start at Rs 16.99 lakh and go up to Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom). These are introductory prices. Renault calls the setup the E-Tech 160 strong hybrid. It targets buyers who want great mileage without giving up on performance. So how does it stack up against its rivals on claimed fuel efficiency? Let's take a look.

Renault Duster hybrid vs rivals: ARAI claimed mileage (kmpl)
-- Renault Duster strong hybrid: 29
-- Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid: 28.65
-- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong hybrid: 27.97
-- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrid: 27.97

Duster hybrid wins
The Duster claims 29kmpl mileage (ARAI-rated). That is 1.03kmpl more than the Grand Vitara and the Hyryder. The Victoris gets close. It trails by just 0.35kmpl. Still, the Duster has the highest claimed mileage in the segment.

Renault Duster hybrid powertrain
Here is how the powertrain works. A 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine does the main job. Two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery pack help it out. Together, they make 160hp. The Atkinson-cycle engine alone makes 110hp and 175Nm. Renault says a high-voltage starter-generator charges the battery and a 50hp traction motor drives the front wheels and makes 208Nm.

Gearbox, battery and performance
All these SUVs come with an automatic gearbox, but the types differ. The Duster uses what Renault calls a multi-mode automatic, which is inspired by motorsports. On the other hand, its rivals use an e-CVT instead. The Duster's battery is also much bigger. It is more than twice the size of the 0.60kWh lithium-ion unit in the Hyryder, the Grand Vitara and the Victoris. Renault says the Duster can run on pure electric power for up to 80 percent of city driving. That likely helps its mileage claim.

The fuel tank capacity is 50 litres. Renault claims a total range of over 1,400km on a full tank. The Duster is also the most powerful SUV in its category. Its rivals make a combined 116hp. Renault claims a 0-100 km/h time of 9.61 seconds, and says that is the quickest in the segment.