Renault Duster And Boreal SUVs: Petrols First, Hybrids Next
The French automaker Renault has launched the latest iteration of the Duster mid-size SUV and elder sibling, the Boreal, in various international markets. Recently, it was confirmed that the company is planning to launch the Duster petrol by early 2026 and the Boreal petrol by the middle of 2026 in India. Now, as per the reports, the company, following the launch of these models, will be launching the hybrid versions of the Duster and the Boreal in India after 6–12 months of the launch of the petrol counterparts.
Renault Duster and Boreal to be launched after petrol models
Based on the Renault in-house developed CMF-B platform, the Duster and Boreal will both get hybrid powertrains in addition to the petrol options. What has also been highlighted is that this modular platform will be able to accommodate an electric powertrain as well. Now, coming to the Duster hybrid powertrain details, it has been reported that the company could bring the same engine setup which it offers internationally.
The hybrid Duster sold abroad comes equipped with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine which makes 94 bhp. This hybrid setup comprises a 49 bhp electric motor, high-voltage starter generator, and a 1.2 kWh battery pack. In total, this powertrain produces 140 bhp and comes mated to an electric automatic gearbox.
As per the company, it is capable of driving in pure electric mode for up to 80 percent of the time. In addition to this, Boreal, which is the Duster’s seven-seater counterpart, will also be getting the same hybrid powertrain setup. The only difference will be that the ICE engine in the Boreal will be able to produce 108 bhp of power.
Meanwhile, its electric motor and starter generator will produce 51 bhp. In total, the Renault Boreal will push out 155 bhp. Now, the company has not confirmed the exact powertrain setup which it will be offering in India.
Renault Duster and Boreal petrol engines
Coming to the details of the petrol-powered Duster and Boreal, the mid-size SUV is expected to get a 1.3-litre petrol four-cylinder engine which will be turbocharged. It could be offered with two states of tune, in which the lower power tune will offer 130 bhp and 240 Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the higher power tune will produce 150 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. As for the Boreal, it is also expected to get the same powertrain options. Both vehicles are expected to get 6-speed manual and 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes as options. Sadly, both SUVs will not be getting any diesel engine options, as Renault has pulled the plug on diesel mills globally.
In terms of features, the new Duster and Boreal will get a sunroof, wireless charging, driver-inclined touchscreen infotainment panel with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leatherette ventilated seats, powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and ADAS suite with features such as emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and many others.
In addition to the Duster and Boreal, Renault is also working on the development of the Kiger sub-compact SUV’s next-generation model. This new model has already been launched in South Africa and Latin America. It will get an updated exterior and interior design, but the powertrain options will remain the same.