In a turnaround that grates on the nerves of electric enthusiasts, Stellantis has decided to relaunch diesel across several models, particularly those aimed at families. At a time when the energy transition is on everyone’s lips, this strategy seems almost a nod to a bygone era, but it responds to a very real demand. So, what does the automotive giant have in store for us?
The Unexpected Return of Diesel
Who would have thought that the stealthy return of diesel on certain models, such as vans and large MPVs, was just the first step in a broader strategy? Stellantis recently confirmed that it would reduce its commitment to electric vehicles in certain ranges while reviving its diesel offerings. Models like the Citroën C4 and Peugeot 308 could soon see the diesel engine back in their catalog. One wonders if the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 will follow suit.
The Peugeot 308 will regain diesel © Peugeot
Let’s remember a not-so-distant time when buying a city car with a diesel engine was common. The Renault Clio, for example, still offered this option last year, but for its competitor from Peugeot, we have to go back further. The higher ranges, for their part, were stripped of this engine even more quickly. No more dCi or HDi on models like the 308, the Mégane, or the Austral. These vehicles, once favored by families, have been replaced by hybrid or electric versions. It is almost ironic to note that a model like the Peugeot 3008 now comes with a small three-cylinder 1.2, when it could have accommodated a robust 2.0 HDi with 180 hp, offering generous torque over a wide range of use.
Stellantis Bets on Thermal Again
This turnaround by Stellantis since the departure of Carlos Tavares is worthy of a dramatic movie script. Tavares had bet on a strategy of electrification at all levels, even for iconic models like those from Dodge. But with the arrival of Antonio Filosa at the helm of the company, it’s a complete reversal: the V8 Hemi is back in vogue and diesel is making an unexpected return in Europe, in a market where it had fallen completely out of favor. In France, it represented only 3% of new car sales last month… so why this resurgence?
A Diesel Making a Grand Comeback
Clearly, Filosa and his teams are not burdened by doubts. Limiting vans and large MPVs to electric seemed exaggerated, especially given the prices of these models and their limited range. Versatility is a strong argument for diesel. But that’s not the only one. Stellantis wants to “respond to customers,” and to all customers. However, it’s a balancing act: reviving diesel could harm Stellantis’s compliance with European directives regarding CO2 emissions reductions by 2035, which impose a growing percentage of electric vehicles in their fleet.
Which Stellantis Models Will Have Diesel?
As mentioned earlier, MPVs such as the Opel Zafira, the Fiat Qubo L, and the Peugeot Traveller will see a diesel offering with rather comfortable engines. But Stellantis is going even further: “We have decided to maintain diesel engines in our portfolio and, in some cases, to increase our engine offerings.” According to Reuters, the upcoming DS 7 and its Italian derivatives will also be offered with diesel, as demand is still present. And surprise: more compact models like the Peugeot 308, the Citroën C4, and the DS 4 will see a diesel engine reintegrated into the catalog! This remains to be confirmed, as these models are not yet listed on the configurator at the time of writing. It is likely to be the 1.5 BlueHDI, hoping that the issues recently encountered with this engine (Adblue, timing chain) are definitively resolved. Unless Stellantis is preparing another engine to comply with Euro 7 standards…
