Renault Duster May Get Cheaper 1.3L Turbo Engine: Expected Price Cut and Key Details
Renault is reportedly developing a more affordable 1.3-litre MPFi turbo-petrol engine for the Duster in India. The new engine could reduce the SUV's price by ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh. Here is what we know about its expected performance, possible CNG option and launch plans.
November 11, 2026: Renault is adopting a new strategy to increase Duster sales in the Indian market. The French automaker has reportedly started working on a more affordable 1.3-litre MPFi turbo-petrol engine for the SUV. According to reports, the price of the Duster's turbo-petrol variant could be reduced by around ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh with the introduction of this new engine. However, Renault has not yet made an official announcement about the powertrain.
Reports suggest that the new Duster has not gained the expected sales momentum since its return to the Indian market. In particular, the Strong Hybrid variant took around six months to arrive after the initial launch. As a result, Renault may have missed an opportunity to introduce multiple powertrain options at the same time.
Meanwhile, Renault has recognised the demand for different engine options among Indian buyers, based on the initial bookings and market response to the Duster E-Tech Hybrid. The company is therefore reportedly planning to introduce a more affordable turbo-petrol variant to attract a wider range of customers.
MPFi Technology Instead of TGDi: Aiming to Reduce Costs
According to reports, the new engine is being developed using the existing 1.3-litre HR13 four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as its base. However, instead of the TGDi direct-injection technology, the new version is expected to use an MPFi (Multi-Point Fuel Injection) system.
The current TGDi engine uses a high-pressure fuel rail and a complex injector system. The proposed MPFi engine will not require these expensive components. There may also be scope to eliminate the complex dual-mass flywheel used in the current GDi setup. These changes could help Renault reduce production costs.
Another potential advantage is that MPFi technology generally produces lower particulate emissions than direct-injection systems. This could reduce the need for an expensive Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) in the exhaust system.
With these changes, the Duster equipped with the new engine could be priced around ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh lower than the current TGDi variant. This would give buyers a more affordable alternative to the existing 1.3-litre turbo-petrol version.
New Turbocharger Could Reduce Turbo Lag
Renault is reportedly looking beyond production cost reductions and is also working on improving the engine's performance. According to reports, the MPFi engine could feature a newly designed turbocharger. The main focus is expected to be on improving low-end tractability and delivering better pulling power at lower engine speeds.
One of the limitations of the current 1.3-litre TGDi engine is turbo lag. Although the engine delivers strong performance at higher speeds, its response may not be as consistent when driving through congested city traffic, where vehicles frequently slow down and accelerate.
The company is reportedly looking to deliver more torque at lower engine speeds through the new turbocharger. However, the change in fuel-injection technology could result in slightly lower maximum power and torque figures.
| Engine | Maximum Power | Maximum Torque |
|---|---|---|
| Current 1.3-litre TGDi | 163 hp | 280 Nm |
| Expected 1.3-litre MPFi | 140 hp | 250 Nm |
Note: Renault has not officially announced the performance figures of the proposed MPFi engine. The figures of 140 hp and 250 Nm are estimates and have not been confirmed.
Possibility of a CNG Variant Also Increases
Another important aspect of the proposed MPFi engine is its potential compatibility with CNG technology. Integrating a CNG system into a direct-injection TGDi engine can be relatively complicated. In comparison, the port-injection MPFi system offers certain technical advantages for developing a vehicle that can run on both petrol and CNG.
Reports also suggest that the Duster's CMF-B platform is suitable for accommodating a CNG tank. This could create the possibility of introducing a factory-fitted CNG variant in the future.
Demand for CNG vehicles is growing in the Indian market, particularly among buyers looking for better running costs and the practicality of an SUV. If Renault enters this segment with the Duster, it could attract a new group of customers. However, the company has not officially confirmed any plans for a CNG version.
Indian R&D Team Is Developing the New Engine
Renault's Indian research and development team is reportedly leading the engine project. The new powertrain is being developed with the requirements of the Indian market in mind, using the engineering facilities of the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI) in Chennai.
Developing engines and technology specifically for India could help Renault respond more quickly to local customer preferences and market requirements.
However, introducing a new engine alone may not be enough to increase Duster sales. To compete effectively with rivals, Renault will also need to strengthen its dealership network, improve after-sales service and focus on the overall customer experience. The launch timeline for the proposed MPFi engine has not yet been announced.
