Renault Duster, Boreal (Bigster) Hybrid SUVs: Launch Timelines Revealed
Renault is planning a strong comeback in the Indian market. The new-generation Duster and its seven-seater sibling- the Boreal will play key roles in defining the brand's future here. The duo is expected to come with conventional and hybrid powertrain choices. Details around the carmaker's powertrain strategy and launch timelines for these SUVs have now surfaced.
According to media reports, Renault India will launch the Duster first. The petrol version would come first, and be followed by the hybrid within 12 months. The seven-seater SUV- Boreal will follow later, and will also get a strong-hybrid powertrain. The petrol Duster is expected to be out by early 2026. Renault will start the production of this SUV at its Chennai plant, in September this year.
What Do We Know About The Duster (And Boreal) Hybrid?
In international markets, the new generation Duster is offered with a strong hybrid powertrain based on a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The engine alone is capable of producing 94 hp, and comes mated to two electric motors, powered by a 1.2kWh battery pack. One of these motors makes 49 hp and the other functions as a high-voltage starter generator. The combined output of this system is around 140 hp. The setup is paired with an electric automatic gearbox.
The Bigster-based Boreal will have a more powerful setup that will likely produce around 155hp- with 108 horses coming from the petrol engine alone. It will have a larger 1.4kWh battery pack for the hybrid setup.
The new Duster and the Boreal will be based on the carmaker's new CMF-B platform. This architecture is quite versatile and can support internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains. In future, we will get to see both Renault and Nissan models based on this platform.
Renault's Powertrain Strategy For India
Venkatram Mamillapalle, Renault India's CEO and MD, says that the company isn't in an EV emergency right now, and predicts hybrids to surpass EV sales by 2032. He hopes them to achieve a market share of 15-18 percent. The EVs could likely remain below 10 percent. "EV is the most unpredictable market. Anyone claiming leadership today is lying – it’s just 2 percent of total industry volume" he adds.
Renault plans to take a multi-fuel approach in the Indian market. Upcoming products like the Duster and the Boreal will be offered with a choice of petrol, CNG, and hybrid powertrains. This strategy seems to be smart and promising considering India's growing affinity towards CNG vehicles. Due to their fuel-efficient and environment-friendly nature, CNG vehicle adoption rose from 6.3 percent in FY20 to 19.5 percent in FY25.
The Indian government is likely to introduce attractive incentives and benefits on CNG and hybrid vehicles in the future, similar to what's offered on electric vehicles. If the recently proposed Delhi EV Policy 2.0 comes into effect, hybrids will enjoy massive cuts and benefits. In an evolving landscape such as this, Renault's decision to bank heavily on hybrids for revival makes much sense.
Renault's EV Game: Expectations
The upcoming years could also see all-electric forms of the Duster and Boreal rolling out. When launched, the Duster EV will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta EV and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX. Target price could fall in the 15 to 20 lakh range. The EV versions of the Duster and the Boreal will have heavy localisation gone into them. The carmaker could also have export intentions as well.
In addition to these, Renault could also launch products like the Kiger EV which could strike a balance between affordability, range and kit levels. When launched, it could compete with the likes of the Nexon EV.
Source: Autocar India