"It’s the new diesel and it’s much better": Renault praises this technology that has already sold millions of units in Europe.

23/10/2026 14:00

Updated to

23/10/2026 14:00

What is the new diesel? Many drivers in Europe who currently own cars with this type of engine ask themselves the same question: are it plug-in hybrids, which offer better fuel efficiency... though real-world experience suggests otherwise, or electric vehicles, which are much more powerful and environmentally friendly?

Renault has set the record straight by stating that “the new diesel is the hybrid engine.” Specifically, this was said by Stéphane Deblaise, Renault’s CEO in the world’s largest potential automobile market, India; given its population of 1.47 billion... and where electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla have already failed miserably.

"It's much better than diesel," and it already sells far more in Europe.

Renault's CEO in India has gone even further in his criticism of diesel, expressing this view in this interview ahead of the launch of the new Renault Duster hybrid — the Dacia Duster hybrid that is already on sale in Europe. He not only called this technology "the new diesel" but also said it is "much better."

Sales figures from recent years in Europe — the main market for diesel over the past few decades — support these claims. For example, in the first half of 2026, cars and SUVs with hybrid engines accounted for 37% of new registrations in Europe, according to the European association of automakers ACEA; whose president has recently criticized the EU for its new industrial policy.

On the other hand, gasoline and diesel-powered cars together account for only 29.7% of total sales. Of course, Toyota, which has also voiced opposition to the EU’s policy, is the leader in this technology.

"Better in terms of fuel consumption and driving pleasure," says the CEO of Renault India.

In a market as large as Renault’s in India, fuel efficiency and costs are key factors for millions of buyers.

And while traditionally fuel efficiency was the biggest advantage for buying a diesel car, Renault’s CEO in this huge country already states that hybrid engines “are better than diesel in terms of fuel consumption,” but also “in terms of driving pleasure”; he attributes this to their lower NVH, or Noise, Vibration and Harshness.

This Renault executive also noted that this technology is what an “innovative customer base” like Renault’s seeks; a trait shared by the brand’s customers in India and Europe.

Furthermore, he advocated for introducing this type of engine across the entire Renault range, even in India: “I know we’re on the right track because we’re introducing new engines in our cars that we didn’t have before.”