Renault India is reportedly developing a new 1.3-litre MPFi turbo-petrol engine for the Duster SUV. The upcoming engine is expected to make the more powerful petrol variants more affordable, with prices potentially lower by up to Rs 1.5 lakh compared to the existing 1.3-litre TGDi versions.
The new powertrain is expected to be offered exclusively with the lower variants of the Duster. It will provide an alternative to the current direct-injection turbo-petrol engine while helping Renault expand the SUV’s options for buyers.
New 1.3L MPFi Turbo Engine Under Development
The upcoming engine will use Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFi) technology instead of the Turbocharged Direct Gasoline Injection (TGDi) system used by the existing 1.3-litre engine.
Renault has not yet disclosed the new engine’s power and torque figures. Its performance specifications will be important in determining how it compares with the existing turbo-petrol option.
The MPFi engine is expected to cost less to produce, allowing Renault to position it at a more accessible price point. According to current estimates, the corresponding 1.3-litre MPFi variants could be around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh cheaper than their TGDi counterparts.
Existing Renault Duster Engine Options
The current Renault Duster range is offered with two turbo-petrol engine options. The entry-level 1.0-litre engine produces 100bhp and 160Nm of torque, while the larger 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit generates 163bhp and 280Nm.
Both engines are available with a six-speed manual transmission. The 1.3-litre engine also gets a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The existing 1.3-litre turbo-petrol variants are priced between Rs 12.99 lakh and Rs 18.69 lakh, including the Iconic Launch Edition. The introduction of the MPFi version could bring the more powerful engine option within reach of a wider group of SUV buyers.
Renault Duster Also Gets a Strong Hybrid Option
Alongside its turbo-petrol engines, Renault has added a 1.8-litre strong-hybrid powertrain to the Duster lineup. Called the E-Tech 160, the system combines a four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery pack.
The hybrid system delivers a combined output of 110bhp and 175Nm of torque. It uses a multi-mode automatic transmission featuring two electric gears and four petrol gears.
Renault claims the Duster hybrid can cover up to 80 percent of its driving in pure electric mode and offers a claimed fuel efficiency of 29kmpl. The SUV is also claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 9.61 seconds.
Summary
Renault’s proposed 1.3-litre MPFi turbo-petrol engine could make the Duster’s more powerful variants up to Rs 1.5 lakh cheaper. While official performance figures and launch details remain undisclosed, the new engine would expand the SUV’s powertrain choices alongside its existing turbo-petrol and strong-hybrid options.
