Renault has opened bookings for the Duster Hybrid ahead of its October 17 launch in India. The SUV has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency rating of 29 km/l, exceeding the claimed figures of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrids by 1.03 km/l.Called the Hybrid E-Tech 160, the new variant uses a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors. The setup comprises a 20 BHP generator and a 48 BHP motor, producing a combined 168 BHP and 172 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels.The hybrid system uses a 1.4 kWh battery and an eight-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) with fixed gear ratios. It manages the petrol engine and electric motors based on driving conditions, allowing electric-only operation when suitable and recovering energy during braking and deceleration.The Duster Hybrid will join the existing 1.0-litre Turbo TCe 100 petrol engine, which produces 99 BHP and 166 Nm, and the 1.3-litre Turbo TCe 160 unit, generating 161 BHP and 280 Nm.The new variant will become the fourth strong-hybrid option in the mid-size SUV segment, alongside the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris. Bookings are available through Renault India’s website and authorised dealerships. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris comes closest to the Duster Hybrid’s claimed fuel efficiency, with a difference of 0.35 km/l.