New 'affordable' RAV4 hybrid challenger which isn't from China? Next-gen 2025 Dacia Duster to introduce new hybrid system as Skoda-rivalling brand remains on the cards for Australia

Romanian value brand Dacia announced a new plugless all-wheel drive hybrid system to rival Toyota's synergy drive to launch in new Duster family SUV.

As reported by Autocar, the brand’s CEO Denis Le Vot said the incoming Duster 4x4 will debut with this new hybrid system before the end of 2025.

“We will electrify the rear axle with an e-motor on it” he said, “The car will be hybrid and automatic and there will be an LPG version. We will make it available at an affordable price, as is the Dacia way.”

The new hybrid all-wheel drive system will add to an existing range-topping plugless ‘Hybrid 140’ drivetrain for the Duster which Renault Group is introducing across its brands. Developed separately from its Nissan partner’s ‘e-Power’ EV-first systems, Renault Group’s Hybrid 140 drivetrain combines two electric motors with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine via a four-speed clutchless automatic transmission. 

Rather than using a transaxle assembly like the Toyota hybrid system, or a locked-ratio three-speed system to synchronise electric drive like MG’s new hybrids or Mitsubishi’s PHEVs, the Renault system uses a gearbox which has two electric motors — one for driving the wheels, and another smaller motor which can synchronize the gear speed upon changes — eliminating the need for a clutch or synchro mesh. 

Renault claims this system can allow up to 80 per cent of urban driving to be done on electric power with 40 per cent less fuel consumption compared to equivalent petrol engines.

However, the new system — set to launch on the Dacia Duster before the end of 2025 — adds an additional electric motor for the rear axle which has no mechanical connection to the engine, in a similar set-up to Toyota’s current ‘e-four’ all-wheel drive hybrids.

Renault has yet to introduce any of its new hybrid powertrains in Australia, with its importer choosing to focus on the dated Koleos and Arkana combustion SUVs alongside the Megane E-Tech fully electric hatch and the Kangoo E-Tech electric small van.

Speaking to CarsGuide earlier this year, the brand’s local boss Glen Sealey even expressed resistance to the idea of introducing the brand’s hybrid range to Australia.

“From a Renault perspective, our internal combustion engines are very clean, very efficient, so we don’t actually need hybrids today,” he said.

“We are in a market where people are looking for value as opposed to looking for aspiration, so to speak. So to add cost into that, which a hybrid drivetrain would do, it’s probably not the right moment.”

As it stands, the brand can continue with its current range in 2025 under Australia’s new vehicle efficiency standards, which look set to shake things up for some automakers over the course of the next two years, as its range is already largely Euro 6 compliant.

However, Sealey also said it will need some hybrids to be introduced in 2027 or 2028 under the new rules.

Dacia could be a way for Renault Australia to launch the tech. While the Skoda-rivalling Romanian marque isn’t yet sold in Australia, it is available in right-hand drive globally, and Renault’s importer has expressed interest in getting its hands on the rugged value-focused range which has risen to success in Europe, although they might wear alternate Renault badging.

As Sealey told CarsGuide in September of 2024, “It’s going to happen”

“We’ve just got to do it correctly. So Australia is unique in its requirements, not just in terms of ADRs. We’re a hot country, if you go up to Cairns, Townsville, if you’re in Darwin etc, you’ve got some high temperatures, so you need to look at your air-conditioning capability.

“So there are certain things that are unique to this market that we need to get right for Duster.” he continued.

Stay tuned for more news on Renault’s renewal plans in 2025. Not only could they include Renault-badged Dacias, but the brand is also looking at the sharply-designed all electric Renault 5 city car to add to its line-up.