Diesel Returns to Berlingo, Rifter, Combo in 2026

Stellantis has decided to reintroduce diesel on the Citroën Berlingo, Opel Combo, and Peugeot Rifter trio starting February 2026, after axing these engines in the name of the electric transition. The 100 hp BlueHDi unit is back first, followed by a 130 hp version offered with manual or automatic gearbox depending on the variant. The unofficial reason: the group's catastrophic 2025 results and a clear buyer disaffection for the electric versions of these practical vans.

"Deprived of diesel for a long time, which obviously had a catastrophic impact on their sales, the group's poor results convinced the decision-makers to reintegrate this engine block across multiple models." — Turbo.fr, February 16, 2026

Diesel Removed, Sales Collapsed

The story is simple. Stellantis removed diesel from its vans to push buyers toward electric. Buyers, however, turned to something else — mainly SUVs or competitors. The group posted disastrous results in 2025, and management changed tack. Since Antonio Filosa took the helm, several similar decisions have been made: the return of the V6 petrol on Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, the resurrection of the V8 Hemi under some Dodges, and now the BlueHDi on the vans.

The decision isn't trivial. The Berlingo, Combo, and Rifter are workhorses — large families, tradespeople, professionals. Not image cars. This audience wanted diesel for its running costs, flexibility, and range. They no longer had it. They left.

Three Combustion Engines in the Lineup, Including a Petrol Surprise

The diesel return on the Berlingo happened in two stages. First the BlueHDi 100 hp with manual gearbox, available on short and long versions. Then, announced on February 27, 2026, a BlueHDi 130 hp with a choice between a manual gearbox (only on the XL version at 4.75 m) and automatic (mandatory on the short version at 4.40 m).

The real surprise is the return of a petrol engine. A 1.2L three-cylinder turbo with 110 hp (derived from the old PureTech but with modifications) appears with a six-speed manual. This engine becomes the entry point, but according to Turbo.fr, it shouldn't capture the bulk of customers — diesel remains the natural choice for this type of vehicle.

The 136 hp electric version with its 50 kWh battery stays in the lineup. That makes five powertrain options total on the Berlingo — something not seen in a long time.

The CO2 Penalty: The Real Issue Nobody Talks Enough About

On paper, bringing back diesel is good. In practice, the emissions of these boxy vans don't do your wallet any favors. According to Turbo.fr, CO2 emissions for these models range between 138 and 152 g/km, triggering a penalty between €1,901 and €4,818 depending on the exact version.

Add the weight tax on XL versions — which doesn't exceed €1,000 on these trims, short versions are exempt — and the bill starts to sting.

Is It Still More Interesting Than Electric?

Yes, clearly. Even with both penalties combined, diesel versions remain more accessible than their electric equivalents, whose overall extra cost exceeds €10,000 compared to combustion, according to Turbo.fr. The ecological bonus reduces the gap but doesn't close it. On a family vehicle bought for its practicality-to-price ratio, diesel maintains a solid economic logic.

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