Renault cars India is reportedly developing a more affordable version of the Duster's 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, which could make the popular SUV more accessible to buyers. The upcoming powertrain is expected to use Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFi) technology instead of the existing Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDi) system.

According to recent reports, the new Renault Duster 1.3-litre MPFi turbo-petrol variants could be priced around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh lower than the equivalent TGDi versions. This could help Renault attract more customers looking for a powerful four-cylinder petrol SUV cars at a comparatively affordable price.

The development is particularly important because the current 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine is positioned above the entry-level 1.0-litre turbo-petrol option. A less expensive 1.3-litre engine could fill the pricing gap between these two powertrains.

However, Renault has not officially confirmed the new engine, its specifications or its launch timeline.

Renault Duster to Get a New 1.3-Litre MPFi Turbo Engine

The current Renault Duster is available with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, a more powerful 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1.8-litre strong-hybrid powertrain.

The proposed 1.3-litre MPFi engine will reportedly be derived from the existing HR13 four-cylinder turbo-petrol unit.

The major difference will be the fuel-injection technology. The existing 1.3-litre TGDi engine uses direct injection, while the proposed version will use a conventional port-injection arrangement.

This change could help Renault reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying the fuel delivery and exhaust after-treatment systems.

The new engine is expected to be positioned as a more affordable alternative rather than a replacement for the existing 1.3-litre TGDi motor.

New MPFi Engine Could Be Rs 1.5 Lakh Cheaper

One of the biggest highlights of the proposed engine is its expected pricing advantage.

According to reports, the Renault Duster 1.3 MPFi variants could cost approximately Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh less than comparable TGDi versions.

The current 1.3-litre turbo-petrol range starts at Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Evolution manual variant. The DCT automatic version starts at Rs 14.49 lakh.

If Renault introduces the new engine with the reported price advantage, it could make the four-cylinder turbo-petrol Duster more competitive against established midsize SUVs.

The expected pricing difference is not an officially announced discount or final price reduction. Actual prices will depend on the variants and equipment Renault decides to offer.

Expected Power and Torque: MPFi vs TGDi

The switch from direct injection to multi-point fuel injection could also affect the engine's maximum power and torque output.

The existing 1.3-litre TGDi engine produces 163hp and 280Nm of torque. The upcoming MPFi version is expected to produce approximately 140hp and 250Nm.
 

The MPFi engine is also reportedly being developed with a revised turbocharger to improve low-speed performance and reduce turbo lag.

This could make the SUV more responsive in everyday city traffic, where frequent acceleration and braking are common.

However, these expected power and torque figures are estimates from media reports, not official Renault specifications.

Why Is Renault Switching From TGDi to MPFi Technology?

The main reason behind Renault's reported move towards MPFi technology is cost reduction.

A TGDi engine injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure. This requires specialised injectors, a high-pressure fuel pump and additional fuel-system components.

In comparison, an MPFi engine injects fuel into the intake ports before it enters the combustion chamber.

The simpler fuel delivery arrangement could offer several advantages:

• Lower engine manufacturing costs.

• Simpler fuel injection hardware.

• Reduced complexity in the fuel delivery system.

• Potentially lower particulate emissions.

• Easier adaptation for alternative fuel technologies.

The switch to MPFi could also eliminate the need for some expensive exhaust after-treatment hardware, depending on the final engine calibration and emission requirements.

This could help Renault offer a more affordable four-cylinder turbo-petrol SUV without completely changing the existing engine architecture.

Renault Duster MPFi Engine Could Open Doors for a CNG Variant

Another interesting possibility associated with the proposed MPFi engine is a factory-fitted CNG version of the Renault Duster.

Port-injection petrol engines are generally easier to adapt for bi-fuel applications than direct-injection engines. This could give Renault an opportunity to introduce a petrol-CNG version of its midsize SUV in the future.

The Duster's underlying CMF-B platform is also reportedly capable of accommodating a CNG tank.

A factory-fitted CNG Duster could appeal to customers who want an SUV with lower running costs without moving to a smaller vehicle.

However, Renault has not confirmed any CNG launch plans. For now, this remains a possible future development rather than a confirmed product.

Current Renault Duster Engine Options and Prices

Renault India R&D Team Working on the New Engine

The development of the proposed MPFi powertrain is reportedly being led by Renault's Indian research and development team.

The Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), based in Chennai, plays an important role in engineering and developing products for local market requirements.

Local development could help Renault optimise the engine for Indian driving conditions, including heavy traffic, frequent acceleration and varying road conditions.

It could also help the company reduce costs through localisation and a simpler mechanical setup.

For Renault, introducing a more affordable 1.3-litre turbo-petrol option could be an important step towards strengthening the Duster's position in India's midsize SUV segment.

Renault Duster MPFi Launch: What to Expect?

Renault has not announced an official launch date for the new 1.3-litre MPFi turbo-petrol engine.

If the development progresses as expected, the new powertrain could expand the Duster's petrol lineup and provide customers with another option between the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre TGDi engines.

The company will also need to decide which variants and transmission options will receive the new engine.

A lower-priced 1.3-litre turbo-petrol variant could help Renault attract customers who want stronger performance but do not want to spend extra on the existing TGDi version.

Conclusion

The proposed 1.3-litre MPFi turbo-petrol engine could be an important addition to the Renault Duster lineup. With an expected price advantage of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, the new engine could make the four-cylinder turbo-petrol SUV more accessible to Indian buyers.

Although the expected power output may be lower than the existing TGDi engine, the revised turbocharger could improve low-speed drivability. The MPFi architecture could also create opportunities for a future factory-fitted CNG variant.

Renault has yet to officially confirm the engine, specifications, pricing or launch schedule. More information is expected as development progresses.