Dacia Duster Hybrid G-150 4×4, the only LPG bifuel 4×4 hybrid SUV: what it looks like and how it works

 

In order to continue to attract compact SUV customers with all-wheel drive while freeing itself from the restrictions of CO2 emissions, Dacia has independently developed a solution for the Duster and Bigster that has no equal. In fact, while it is true that electric four-wheel drive is nothing new, it is equally true that no other manufacturer combines it with a petrol/LPG hybrid powertrain system and that, when the facts are put to the test, it respects what Dacia claims because in some situations it even drives the Duster Hybrid G-150 4x4 electrically, which is on sale at prices starting at 28,000 euros. Loading...

Dacia Duster Hybrid G-150 4x4: la prova nel deserto del suv ibrido bifuel con la trazione integrale

 

Dacia Duster Hybrid G-150 4x4 Auto, not just LPG mild hybrid

 

Obviously, it is the electronics that orchestrates the operation of the sophisticated powertrain and the two gearboxes of this Duster, which presents itself as an all-round eco-friendly SUV, according to the car's configurations and driving parameters. In detail, the system that develops a total of 154 bhp and 230 Nm of torque is made up of the 1.2 litre mild hybrid turbocharged three-cylinder with 48 V with 140 bhp in dual petrol/LPG power coupled to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifts on the steering wheel (finally also available for other Dacia models) and a rear-mounted electric motor with 31 bhp and 87 Nm of torque with its own two-speed gearbox. One is short for boosting acceleration and acceleration recovery as well as managing traction on low-grip surfaces, the other is long to propel the car up to 140 km/h and, if conditions permit and the battery has an adequate charge level, even in electric mode.

The electric motor is powered by a 0.84 kWh battery which is recharged both when slowing down and, when necessary, by the motor-generator integrated in the thermal unit so that there is never any lack of all-wheel drive support when needed.