In the highly competitive compact SUV segment, engine performance is one of the strongest buyer triggers. With rising fuel prices and increasing demand for power-packed yet efficient SUVs, understanding base petrol engine specifications is essential before you make a purchase. The New Renault Duster has long been a strong contender in this space, combining rugged design with a capable drivetrain.
In this in-depth comparison, we analyze the base petrol engine specifications of the Renault Duster against its closest rivals—including Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Nexon. Our focus is on engine output, torque, fuel efficiency, transmission options, drive performance, and real-world usability.
🔹 Why Base Petrol Engine Comparison Matters
For many buyers, the base petrol variant is the most cost-effective and practical choice. It delivers:
- Lower purchase price
- Better fuel efficiency
- Smoother city driving
- Lower maintenance cost
- Good resale value
While high-end turbo options and hybrids are exciting, the base petrol architecture often defines value for middle-class and urban buyers who prioritize daily commuting and ownership economy.
🔹 New Renault Duster: Engine Overview
The New Renault Duster continues to be a rugged choice, especially among buyers seeking a balance of torque, power, and real-world performance.
📌 Base Petrol Engine Specs
- Engine Type: 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Displacement: 1461 cc
- Max Power: ~108 PS
- Max Torque: ~142 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Fuel Efficiency: ~14-15 km/l (city)
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive
The Duster’s base petrol engine may not be the most powerful, but it delivers smooth low-end torque and reliability—a bonus for buyers seeking longer engine life and lower service costs.
🔹 Competitor 1: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (Base Petrol)
The Grand Vitara has made waves with its modern platform and fuel-efficient engines.
📌 Base Petrol Engine Specs
- Engine Type: 1.5L Petrol
- Displacement: 1462 cc
- Max Power: ~103 PS
- Max Torque: ~137 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / Optional CVT
- Fuel Efficiency: ~17-19 km/l (city)
Maruti’s petrol engine does lean toward fuel economy, but it falls slightly short in torque compared to the Duster.
✅ Advantages: Better mileage, modern tech features
❌ Drawbacks: Lower torque output
🔹 Competitor 2: Hyundai Creta (Base Petrol)
The Hyundai Creta has been a segment king thanks to balanced performance and premium appeal.
📌 Base Petrol Engine Specs
- Engine Type: 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Displacement: 1497 cc
- Max Power: ~115 PS
- Max Torque: ~144 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / IVT (automatic alternative)
- Fuel Efficiency: ~16-18 km/l
Creta’s base petrol moves ahead in power and torque, making it one of the most well-rounded engines in this comparison.
✅ Advantages: Stronger power output, smoother highway performance
❌ Drawbacks: Slightly higher maintenance cost
🔹 Competitor 3: Kia Seltos (Base Petrol)
Being closely related to the Creta, the Kia Seltos inherits similar specifications with subtle differences.
📌 Base Petrol Engine Specs
- Engine Type: 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Displacement: 1497 cc
- Max Power: ~115 PS
- Max Torque: ~144 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual / IVT
- Fuel Efficiency: ~16-17 km/l
The base petrol engine in Seltos provides a balanced blend of performance and efficiency, mirroring Creta but with Kia’s signature design and interior layout.
✅ Advantages: Comfortable cabin, premium design
❌ Drawbacks: Costlier than basic Duster
🔹 Competitor 4: Tata Nexon (Base Petrol)
The Tata Nexon is one of the most value-driven SUVs in India and performs strongly in the petrol category.
📌 Base Petrol Engine Specs
- Engine Type: 1.2L Turbo Petrol
- Displacement: 1199 cc
- Max Power: ~120 PS
- Max Torque: ~170 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual / AMT
- Fuel Efficiency: ~17-18 km/l
Unlike others, Nexon’s turbocharged petrol engine delivers punchy performance and higher torque even in base trims—giving it an edge in real-world acceleration.
✅ Advantages: Best torque in base petrol class
❌ Drawbacks: Slightly higher fuel consumption in heavy traffic
🔹 Comparison Table: Base Petrol Engine Specifications
| SUV Model | Engine Type | Power (PS) | Torque (Nm) | Transmission | Mileage (km/l) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renault Duster | 1.5 NA Petrol | ~108 | ~142 | 5-spd Manual | ~14-15 |
| Grand Vitara | 1.5 NA Petrol | ~103 | ~137 | 5-spd Manual / CVT | ~17-19 |
| Hyundai Creta | 1.5 NA Petrol | ~115 | ~144 | 5-spd Manual / IVT | ~16-18 |
| Kia Seltos | 1.5 NA Petrol | ~115 | ~144 | 6-spd Manual / IVT | ~16-17 |
| Tata Nexon | 1.2 Turbo Petrol | ~120 | ~170 | 6-spd Manual / AMT | ~17-18 |
🔹 Performance Insights: Engine Power & Torque
When comparing engines, power and torque define how well a vehicle performs in real-world driving.
- Power (PS) affects acceleration and top speed.
- Torque (Nm) determines drivability at lower speeds and hill-climbing ability.
📌 Tata Nexon leads in torque due to turbocharging.
📌 Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos strike an excellent balance of power and overall refinement.
📌 Grand Vitara is the most fuel-efficient.
📌 Duster offers reliable performance but lags slightly in raw power.
🔹 Driving Experience: What to Expect
🚦 Renault Duster
- Ride quality: Confident but stiffer suspension
- City comfort: Solid, but engine responses are average
- Highway cruising: Stable at speed
🚦 Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos
- Ride quality: Plush, refined cabin insulation
- City performance: Strong low-end torque
- Highway comfort: Best-in-class stability and refinement
🚦 Grand Vitara
- Ride quality: Best mileage-oriented tuning
- City: Smooth commuter SUV
- Highway: CVT helps maintain effortless cruising
🚦 Tata Nexon
- Ride quality: Great due to turbo engine
- City: Punchy acceleration
- Highway: Controls well with ample mid-range torque
🔹 Which SUV Excels in Base Petrol Segment?
Each SUV has its strengths:
✔️ Best Torque & Quickest Pickup: Tata Nexon
✔️ Most Refined Ride: Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos
✔️ Best Mileage: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
✔️ Best Price-for-Power Balance: Renault Duster
🔹 Final Verdict
While the Renault Duster holds its own with dependable performance and rugged appeal, its base petrol engine is not as powerful or efficient as some rivals. Vehicles like the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Creta edge ahead with better torque, refined drivetrains, and broader appeal.
However, for buyers seeking a value-centric daily driver with trustworthy performance, the Duster remains solid—especially when matched against SUVs with higher list prices.
