The inexorable decline of the former favorite fuel of the French ! Diesel, which accounted for 73% of new car sales here ten years ago (when the state still gave them generous bonuses!). fell by 15.3% last year! Even in the second-hand market, getting rid of fuel oil is becoming increasingly difficult, as the expansion of low-emission zones (ZFEs) forces owners of the oldest diesels, which are considered inefficient, to stay outside the big cities.

Just to finish the price of a diesel is now well above the price of an SP95-E10 at the gas station, eliminating any economic interest in knowing that cars running on this fuel are also more expensive to buy. Therefore, unless you drive 24 hours a day to benefit from its lower consumption, making diesel profitable in the short term compared to its petrol equivalent has become mission impossible… So if you, like many French people, are thinking about trade in your diesel SUV for a new model, what options are available to you?

City SUV: Ford Puma

The first small SUVs, presented on the market a dozen years ago, still gave pride of place to diesel. But now they are allocated in some of our metropolises… Today, most small SUVs abandon fuel in favor of solutions that are considered healthier for health, such as hybridization of gasoline (Toyota Yaris Cross, Honda HR-V, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke), LPG (Dacia Duster) or super ethanol E85 that Ford has made special.

Fuel from agricultural production and tax-free (only 1.02 euros per liter). Thanks to this, Puma 1.0 Flexifuel has become unbeatable in price per use, despite the excessive consumption associated with this fuel, with its lower energy capacity. On the other hand, we are happy to find the qualities of this SUV, practical and still enjoyable to drive thanks to the brilliance of its three cylinders and its excellent “road feel”.

Premium compact SUV: Mercedes-Benz GLA

Due to the fact that high-class diesel SUVs with a power of about 150 hp. already settled for an average of 7L/100km in the 2010s, it’s hard to find an equivalent with a petrol engine these days. Unless you choose the hybrid version. And again… In the Mercedes GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid (218 hp), one of the least economical of its kind, it does not fall below 7.7 liters, while “simple” GLA 200 (163 hp), can withstand 7.1 l/100 km.. Without compromising your trunk with a 250 kg battery. A rational choice and even more so recommended that the Audi Q 3 35 TFSI and the BMW X1 18i, its two main rivals, are neither as sober nor efficient.

Compact SUV: Ford Puma

High-torque diesel engines are ideal for compact SUVs, which have continued to increase in size and weight over the generations. But at a time when the price of diesel remains close to 2 euros per liter (that is, up to a hundred euros per filling), you today Many people are looking for an alternative to their old 3008, Koleos, Tiguan, Rav 4 or Qashqai. Ford seems to have found an amazing solution, converting the Kuga’s big 2.5 Duratec engine to ethanol and putting it next to an electric motorpowered by a small 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery that charges while braking.

This conventional hybridization obviously contributes to consumption and therefore autonomy close to that of a diesel SUV of equivalent power: 680 km. In addition to the significant savings, this Kuga attracts with its driving pleasure its lightning fast restart and smooth operation. Some regrets, despite everything about the transmission (the CVT sometimes makes the engine screechy), the handling (a bit clumsy) and, above all, the comfort (the suspension is too stiff for a family car)…

Family SUV: Peugeot 5008

Just like the 3008, for which it is an extended version (+ 20 cm to accommodate two additional rear seats), The 5008 doesn’t need overly powerful mechanics to shine. THE modest 1.2 PureTech with 130 hp, coupled with the responsive EAT8 gearbox, is enough to provide ample torque and enjoyment, whatever the road profile. In addition to the excellent level of comfort and amazing dynamism in terms of connection to the ground, the French SUV stands out for its fuel economy: with an average consumption of 7.5L/100km, it uses less fuel than our old diesel minivans (Citroën C4 Picasso HDi 138 BMP6, Renault Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi 130 BVA) …

Premium family SUV: Lexus NX

Upscale cousin Toyota Rav 4, The NX 450h is Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid SUV. Thanks to 309 hp. (two electric units supporting a large 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine), it offers an average range of 54 km on 100% electric power, and maintains fuel consumption at the level of 7.2 l/100 km in hybrid mode. In addition, the Japanese demonstrates an amazing smoothness of work (especially in a city where there is silence on board), being able to be energetic if necessary, especially on certain occasions.

And that’s despite a continuously variable transmission that still struggles to keep the engine running at high revs under hard acceleration. Passengers who do not lack space on board will appreciate it excellent level of comfort, its generous equipment and the quality of its finishing. The trunk also looks good for a battery model with a bulky battery. On the weak side, Pay attention to the ergonomics of the controls, which are not very intuitive and the price is quite ambitious.

Read also:

Mercedes EQE: here are the prices for the new SUV

Renault Scénic: no more minivans, make room for crossovers

Volkswagen Tiguan III: everything we already know!