It was the Duster that set the ball rolling for Renault as part of the Renault-Nissan alliance in India. Ever since the SUV was first introduced in 2012, it has received a couple of additions in its powertrain department, a mid-life update and a gradual reduction in its price list. For 2019, the Indian arm of the French carmaker has made a couple of more changes in the Duster’s portfolio.

The first change is sort of a downer. To the end-user, at least! Renault has discontinued the AMT-equipped, diesel-fed RXZ trim. In other words, if you want the Renault Duster with a diesel-AMT configuration, you will have to settle for the mid-spec RXS trim. That means in order to get the convenience of a two-pedal setup, you will have compromise on features like cruise control, speed limiter, height-adjustable driver’s seat, electrically foldable ORVMs, rear parking sensors, automatic climate control and a rear-view camera. Another variant that has been dropped is the petrol-powered RXL.

The second change is a positive one. The old-school 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which was shared between all the Renault products in India has been ditched for a new one. The standout feature of the new 7.0-inch infotainment system is that it supports smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As before, the display is mated to a 4-speaker sound system. The new infotainment system will soon find its way into other Renault products as well.

The Renault Duster is currently priced between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 13.1 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine (106PS/142Nm) which can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT (continuously variable transmission). For those who want a diesel-powered Duster, can get the 1.5-litre mill with either 85PS/200Nm on tap or a more powerful 110PS/245Nm state of tune. The engine, as standard, available with a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the options of an AMT and AWD can be had with the stronger state of tune only.

Renault is expected to introduce the all-new Duster in India by the end of this year. Once launched, it will not only renew its rivalry with the Nissan Kicks and the Hyundai Creta but also compete with upcoming products like the Mahindra XUV300 and the Kia Tusker (SP Concept).