Were you under the impression that the Duster’s days are numbered in India? Think again! Renault has just given the SUV a new turbocharged engine and a couple of new transmissions options. Those new additions have renewed the model’s lease of life. How? Well, the story starts to unfold from the price list itself. Here it is:

First things first – prices for two 1.5 petrol MT variants (RXE and RXS) have risen by Rs 10,000. That’s when you compare them with ones announced in March this year. Then we come to the new variants – the ones equipped with the 1.3-litre turbocharged engine. The powerplant produces 154bhp/254Nm and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-step CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Renault claims that with the manual gearbox, the turbocharged Duster can 16.5kmpl. With the CVT, that figure drops marginally to 16.42kmpl.

Renault couldn’t keep itself from adding a bit more to the newly-introduced variants than just turbocharged powertrains. So, the RXE trim gets crimson red accents on the shiny black grille, fog lamp covers and black roof rails. Even the “Duster” lettering is in the same shade on the tailgate. Renault’s also included a “Smart Start/Stop” feature. The mid-level RXS trim gets a different grille, 17-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels, Electronic Stability Progam (with CVT only) and Hill Start Assist (with CVT only). The range-topping RXZ trim garners Forza Diamond-Cut 17-inch alloys, Remote Precooling, ESP and HSA.

The rest of the package remains unaltered. That means depending on the trim, the Duster comes with cruise control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view camera, a 6-speaker sound system, rear defogger, cooled storage and dual airbags.

Earlier this year, the Nissan Kicks received the same set of powertrain options. However, that SUV with a turbocharged engine costs between Rs 11.85 lakh and Rs 14.15 lakh. Sure, the Kicks offers more when it comes to features. But, if it is power and performance you are after, the Renault Duster makes a more compelling case.