There was much talk about this so over the last 2 years I have conducted a test with my 2.0 Tdi DSG Octavia Estate. Basically I ran for 12 months using regular diesel (as I had used up to then) and noted how much fuel I used over that period then worked out an average mpg. This last year I used premium diesel whenever possible except for 3 fill ups while on holiday when I couldn't find premium so had to use regular. The results are interesting in that using regular diesel I averaged 46.2 mpg and using premium I averaged 48.5 mpg - a 4.98% improvement. However, the premium diesel was on average 7p more expensive per litre = 5.01% pricier. So more or less a wash. However, I did notice that the engine started more easily, most certainly ran smoother and more quietly and just seemed nicer!!

Now this was not scientific but I don't think I drove any differently and mileage was approximately the same so to my mind it has justified using premium diesel in future. I don't know if the "better" diesel has had an advantageous effect on injector/engine life but as the car runs smoother it can't be hurting it!!

Thanks for the info - glad you have done a test. I use 'premium' brand diesel but only occasionally use VPower. I use Shell Fuelsave which is the cheapest in my area (well same price as Asda anyway) and in 21 months of ownership have put one tank of Asda and one tank of Esso in. I noticed after a couple of days the Asda diesel just didn't seem as good, almost as if it wasn't burning correctly.

I have no doubt that FuelSave or VPower is good for the engine as i have seen the EGR valve on my Bora PD130 and my mates Polo GT PD130 which he has had to replace.....Both were on around the same mileage and bought within a month of each other brand new. The only difference is his was run on soley Tesco or Sainsburys diesel whereas mine had never seen a supermarket (until it was handed over to swmbo ). His EGR was totally blocked when it was replaced which made me wonder about mine, so i had a look and there was just a light coating of carbon around the inside.

Each to their own but i know which fuel i like to put in my car

I also only run mine on shell, this was carried over from the fabia. I found on the fabia that it ran better on the shell fuel, next choice would be BP. If I have to use a supermarket brand it will be the bear minium annd will then make the next tank V-Power diesel.

Is there really a difference? In my mind there is, which is good enough for me.

My PD TDi Vrs (Octavia) runs around on BP's Finest Derv, Ultimate

My PD TDi Vrs (Octavia) runs around on BP's Finest Derv, Ultimate

Just for completeness I used some BP Ultimate but mostly Total Excellium; there is a Total garage near where I live and a BP garage on a route I use frequently.

Thanks for the info - glad you have done a test. I use 'premium' brand diesel but only occasionally use VPower. I use Shell Fuelsave which is the cheapest in my area (well same price as Asda anyway) and in 21 months of ownership have put one tank of Asda and one tank of Esso in.

21 months of ownership and only ever used 2 tanks of fuel...

I am envious