Dacia, a brand part of the Renault group, presented an innovative engineering solution for the competitive compact SUV market with the launch of the new Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4. The model stands out for being the first in its segment to integrate a 48-volt mild-hybrid engine system, a dual-fuel power supply (gasoline and Gás Liquefeito of Petróleo – LPG) and a four-wheel drive system that uses an electric motor on the rear axle, redefining the standards of efficiency and versatility.
This pioneering configuration not only optimizes fuel consumption and reduces pollutant emissions, but also gives the vehicle remarkable multifunctionality. With both fuel tanks full, the SUV achieves a total range of up to 1,500 kilometers, a significant milestone that positions it as one of the most efficient and economical options in its category on the European market, meeting both urban needs and long-distance adventures.
The mechanical package is managed by a 1.2 three-cylinder turbo engine that develops 140 horsepower, coupled to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The system is complemented by a 31 horsepower electric motor at the rear, ensuring agile responses and on-demand traction on any type of terrain, combining the best of internal combustion with the agility of electrification for a superior and more conscious driving experience.
An innovative hybrid powertrain
At the heart of the new Dacia Duster is an advanced propulsion system designed to balance performance, economy and off-road capability in an exemplary manner. The 1.2 turbo gasoline engine, assisted by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, provides a transparent transition between the use of gasoline and LPG, allowing the driver to optimize operating costs according to fuel availability and price. Essa technology recovers energy during deceleration and braking, storing it in a small battery to assist the combustion engine in moments of greater demand, such as acceleration, resulting in a notable reduction in consumption and CO2 emissions. The integration of the dual-fuel system reinforces the brand’s commitment to pragmatic and intelligent solutions, offering flexibility that few competitors can match.
The choice of LPG as an alternative fuel is strategic, as this gas not only has a significantly lower cost per liter in many markets, but also emits fewer particles and nitrogen oxides compared to gasoline. The system was fully integrated at the factory, ensuring safety and reliability, with a selector on the dashboard that allows the driver to switch between fuels in a simple and intuitive way. The combination of the efficiency of the low-displacement turbo engine with the electrical support of the mild-hybrid system and the economy of LPG creates a robust and extremely efficient propulsion package, ideal for a consumer looking to reduce their environmental impact and fuel costs without giving up performance and the freedom to go further.
How the electric 4×4 traction system works
The all-wheel drive system of the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 operates completely electronically and instantly, abandoning traditional and heavy driveshafts.
Under normal road conditions and at cruising speeds, the vehicle operates in front-wheel drive to maximize fuel efficiency, behaving like a conventional SUV.
However, a suite of sensors continuously monitors tire grip, reading road conditions in real time to anticipate any loss of traction.
At the slightest sign of slipping, the electric motor on the rear axle is activated within milliseconds, providing a smooth and imperceptible transition to 4×4 traction, ensuring stability and safety.
Unprecedented efficiency and autonomy in the segment
The approved consumption figures for the Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 confirm its focus on economy and sustainability. Utilizando gasoline, the SUV records consumption that varies between 5.5 and 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers, a competitive value for the category. Quando fueled with LPG, consumption is between 7.1 and 7.2 liters per 100 km, a small difference justified by the lower energy density of gas, but which still represents a substantial financial saving in many markets. The combination of two tanks of 50 liters each, one for gasoline and the other for LPG, allows for an extended range of up to 1,500 kilometers in the WLTP test cycle. Essa feature eliminates “range anxiety”, allowing long journeys without the need for frequent stops to refuel. The model’s CO2 emissions are also controlled, remaining between 116 and 126 g/km, which makes it a more environmentally friendly option in the four-wheel drive SUV segment and reinforces its value proposition as a modern and conscious vehicle.
Versatility with multiple driving modes
To adapt the vehicle’s behavior to different scenarios, the new Duster offers multiple driving modes that adjust the response of the propulsion and traction system.
Auto mode automatically manages the balance between efficiency and performance, making it ideal for everyday use, while Eco mode prioritizes fuel economy, optimizing the use of the hybrid system to maximize range.
For specific situations, the Neve and Lama/Sand modes adjust traction control to optimize grip on low-friction surfaces, ensuring greater safety and control.
Off-road capability enhanced by electrification
Despite the addition of electrical components and a second fuel tank, the Duster maintains its renowned off-road capabilities, one of the pillars of its popularity.
Ground clearance remains generous, and entry and exit angles are preserved to make it easier to overcome obstacles on rough terrain.
The presence of the electric motor on the rear axle, however, provides a significant advantage in off-road conditions, as it provides instant torque, surpassing the performance of many traditional mechanical drive systems in low-speed, high-power-demand situations.
Modernized and functional cabin
The interior of the Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 has been modernized with more robust materials and a functional design, focused on durability and ergonomics.
The highlight is the multimedia center with a touch screen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which integrates connectivity and navigation in an intuitive way.
Digital panel and market positioning
The instrument panel is now digital and displays crucial information about the hybrid system in real time, such as energy flow, battery charge level and the traction mode in use. Isso allows the driver to monitor and optimize the vehicle’s efficiency in a practical way, having full control over the SUV’s technological resources.
Prices in Europe
On the European continent, the entry-level version Expression of the Dacia Duster Hybrid-G 150 4×4 starts at 28,500 euros.
The most complete configurations, such as the Extreme and Journey, cost around 30 thousand euros, adding equipment such as a 360-degree camera, parking sensors and lane keeping assistant.
