Suzuki Jimny rival gaining hybrid 4WD power: 2026 Dacia Duster receiving electric rear axle to further reduce emissions, but will it come to Australia?

Renault has just launched the global version of the Dacia Duster SUV in Australia, but there are big plans for the model over in Europe.

Renault Group New Duster Program Director Julien Ferry said the four-wheel drive version of this small SUV is set to gain more electrification in the form of an electric rear motor.

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“So when I say electric, it means rear axle electric will come to Europe.

“Only an enhancement, but not really for Australia at least for today.

“So it will launch on the market very soon.

“It will bring [better fuel] consumption because this is the main goal, but it will not change the 4x4 behaviour.

“We do consider [the Duster] to be at the right level [of off-road ability] for a non-specialist car, because we don’t want this car to be a pure 4x4.

“We want it to be a car that could bring you everywhere you want, in off-road, but is still usable in a city.”

Ferry went further into detail about how the powertrain in this further electrified Duster 4WD will work, indicating it’ll be a mild-hybrid and not a full hybrid.

“It’s a bit more complicated because it’s a mild-hybrid,” said Ferry.

“[But] due to the fact we have … [a] quite powerful rear-axle [electric] engine, we are also able to do pure EV mode not for long.

“At least the car can drive a little bit like a full hybrid.”

Globally the all-wheel drive version of the Duster already comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system that’s augmented with the 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.

This powertrain is offered in Australia along with a non-hybridised 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is exclusive to the global, Renault-badged Duster.

There’s also a full hybrid powertrain available in other markets, but it’s not offered in Australia. This is only front-wheel drive.

It’s unclear whether this forthcoming more electrified Duster 4x4 mild-hybrid will continue with a manual transmission or whether it’ll come with an automatic transmission.

As noted above, the Renault Duster has only just launched in Australia. It’s available with two powertrains in two trim levels.

While almost all the trims are available now, the flagship Techno 4x4 variant isn’t arriving locally until December 2025.

Pricing for the Australian Duster line-up currently starts from $31,990 before on-roads for the Evolution 4x2 and extends to $37,990 before on-roads for the Techno 4x4.