Renault And Nissan's Big Shift Away From Diesels: 6 Hybrid Alternates Lined Up
When Renault launched the new Duster in March this year, many asked why it steered clear of having a diesel powertrain. More recently, in an interview with Autocar India, Renault Group CEO Francois Provost explained why the company’s new-age game-plan doesn’t have a diesel engine and what the alternative would be. Strong hybrids will serve as the alternatives of diesel engines. Renault and Nissan intend to launch six strong hybrids in the coming years.
In the interview, Hormazd Sorabjee of Autocar India asked Provost about the direction Renault plans to take with diesel engines. The K9K, Renault’s 1.5-litre straight-four diesel, continues to enjoy a strong reputation among enthusiasts. Responding to the question, the CEO made a bold statement: “I think diesel is an old technology. I don’t want to go backwards. I am moving forward."
In the interview, Provost also highlighted Renault’s confidence in its hybrid systems. “ We have the best full-hybrid in the world. I want to localise it in India.” - he said.
Renault’s new-age RGMP ( Renault Global Modular Platform) will form the base for all the upcoming hybrid models- at least in the near term. These will include three key models- the Duster, a seven-seater C-segment SUV and the recently-revealed Bridger. The RGMP is a multi-energy platform, capable of supporting various electrified and non-electrified powertrains.
The Bridger will be a sub-four-metre SUV based on the RGMP Small platform. Expected to arrive in 2027, it will get a strong hybrid powertrain based on a 1.2L petrol engine. This is likely to be the production form of the Horse H12 prototype showcased recently. This concept engine is, again, a derivative of HR12- a plug-in hybrid powertrain based on a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine, developed by Horse.
Horse Powertrains is a joint venture between Renault, Chinese automaker Geely and Saudi Aramco. They hold 45%, 45% and 10% stakes respectively. The H12 concept engine is claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of up to 30 kpl. This three-cylinder turbocharged engine features a 17:1 compression ratio and can even run on 100% renewable fuel. It is thus significantly cleaner than normal engines. We lack clarity on the battery size or number of electric motors that are to be expected on this setup.
The Duster and the seven-seater SUV will be powered by a larger hybrid setup. At its core will be a 1.8L naturally aspirated petrol engine. It will be paired with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery pack (BTA Gen2 lithium-ion unit). The combustion engine alone makes 106hp and 172Nm. The whole setup is claimed to produce around 160hp and will coke mated to a clutchless, high-torque transmission, capable of handling up to 436Nm.
This powertrain is expected to deliver impressive fuel efficiency figures. It too is a Horse product that entered production in mid-2025. The sixth-generation Renault Clio hybrid sold abroad already offers it.
Renault plans to introduce this engine on the Duster by Diwali this year. It had previously started taking reservations for the same. Due to immense demand, the hybrid versions got sold out and bookings had to be halted following the same.
From what we know, six models from the Renault-Nissan alliance will feature hybrid technology. They are the Brigder, Nissan’s version of it, Duster, Tekton, Renault’s seven-seat C-SUV and its Nissan version. Data from the R-Pass program indicate strong demand for these hybrids. If the products actually manage to live up to expectation, we may even see Renault (and Nissan) dominate the hybrid space in near future.
Interview source: Autocar India