Renault India Reveals Fuel Efficiency Figures for New Duster's Turbo TCe 160 Engine

Renault India has announced the official fuel efficiency ratings for the new Duster SUV, powered by its Turbo TCe 160 petrol engine. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has certified figures of 18.45 km/l for the DCT automatic variant and 17.75 km/l for the 6-speed manual variant. The announcement was made on March 25, 2026, from New Delhi.

The figures place the new Duster in a notable position within the competitive mid-size SUV segment in India, where fuel economy is a significant factor in consumer purchasing decisions. Renault states that the Turbo TCe 160 is the most powerful turbo-petrol engine currently on offer in its segment, and the certified efficiency numbers indicate the company has achieved this output without a significant trade-off in fuel consumption.

Dr V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering at Renault Group India, attributed the efficiency figures to specific engineering choices built into the powertrain. "The ARAI-certified figures highlight the strength of our technology and our commitment to delivering superior all-round value," he said. He noted that the engine incorporates low-friction coatings and high-pressure fuel injection systems designed to optimise combustion. According to Vikraman, the DCT automatic transmission further contributes to the efficiency outcome through fast and seamless gear shifts, while keeping the driving experience responsive.

On the performance side, the Turbo TCe 160 engine produces 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque. Renault says the vehicle has been developed with Indian road and driving conditions in mind, with an emphasis on ride quality and handling in addition to outright performance. The combination of a high-output engine with comparatively strong efficiency figures is central to how Renault is positioning the new Duster in the market.

The new Duster represents a significant model for Renault in India. The original Duster, launched in the country in 2012, played a substantial role in establishing Renault's presence in the Indian market and helped define the affordable SUV segment at the time. The latest iteration carries forward the nameplate with updated engineering and a more powerful powertrain, as the brand looks to remain competitive in a segment that has grown considerably more crowded in the years since.

ARAI, or the Automotive Research Association of India, is the government-recognised body responsible for independently testing and certifying vehicle performance metrics, including fuel efficiency. Its certified figures serve as the standard industry reference that automakers use when communicating efficiency data to consumers and regulators. The certification lends the announced figures an official standing beyond manufacturer claims alone.