With the launch of the Duster in the country, Renault India has raised eyebrows among Indian car enthusiasts and SUV buyers alike. The 2026 Duster had big shoes to fill and it doesn’t disappoint in terms of looks, performance, ride quality and handling balance, design, features and equipment, cabin ambience and safety.
The missing piece in the puzzle was the ARAI mileage figures, which have now been announced. The 2026 Renault Duster continues its winning streak as it gets good mileage figures certified by ARAI. The fuel efficiency numbers increase to 18.45 km/l with the higher performance 1.3L TCE 160e turbo petrol engine. let’s take a closer look.
ARAI mileage of Renault Duster revealed
Very few manufacturers quote ARAI certified fuel efficiency numbers these days. Although this is only half the story, some OEMs hide ARAI fuel efficiency figures behind attractive figures obtained in controlled environments. It took some time since the launch for Renault India to announce the ARAI fuel efficiency numbers and we are glad they are finally out.
As of now, only the fuel efficiency numbers of the TCe 160 (1.3L turbo petrol) engine have been announced. Despite having only 1.3L displacement, this engine gives the highest power and torque output in this segment. The rated output figures are 163 PS of maximum power and 280 Nm of maximum torque, mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed DCT.
With the DCT option, the ARAI certified fuel efficiency number of the Duster is 18.45 km/l and with the MT option it is 17.75 km/l. Considering the performance of this engine, these ARAI certified fuel efficiency numbers are quite impressive. The combination of a higher performance bracket and higher fuel efficiency numbers is likely to bode well for the target demographic.
The USPs of the 2026 Renault Duster are many and we experienced them in Dehradun a few days ago. We were thoroughly impressed with the Duster as an overall package and you can read more about it in our first-drive review. Renault Duster prices range between Rs 10.29 lakh (ex-sh) and Rs 18.09 lakh (ex-sh) with the R Pass valid till March 31.
Renault India’s statement
Speaking on the development, Dr V Vikraman, Head of Renault Engineering, Renault Group India, said, “The ARAI-certified figures highlight the strength of our technology and our commitment to deliver better all-round value. The Turbo 160 engine of the new Renault Duster integrates advanced solutions such as low-friction coatings and high-pressure fuel injection to optimize combustion and efficiency.
Combined with Renault’s latest DCT automatic transmission, which ensures fast and seamless gear shifts, the powertrain offers an excellent balance of performance and fuel efficiency while remaining strong and responsive on the road.
