I agree to a point - much of the performance gains etc. will be almost un-noticable. There is one thing that cannot be denied though - good quality fuels are better for your engine. That is the reason I buy ultimate. It works out as an extra

I'd say with diesel the difference appears to be less noticable, whereas with petrol there is sometimes a difference.

Esso 'standard' diesel seems to be just fine, thanks, whereas with BP 'standard' diesel the car is a bit more smoked-up. Weird

That's like saying that Tescos value cornflakes are the same as kelloggs!!! Obvioulsy, Tesco are playing the competitive pricing game - their profit margins are maintained by buying lower priced goods, including fuel. You pay a premium for fuels from BP, Shell etc. because they are better - fact... 'you pays your money, you makes your choice....

The fuel comes from the same refinery! Tesco don't make their own fuel and can get a low forecourt price because they buy it in such large quantities. The only difference is that Tesco add less additives and detergents to the fuel as it is pumped underground in the forecourt. At the end of the day, it's your money .....

Chris

The majority of fuel in Scotland comes from the BP refinery in Grangemouth, any additives are added to the tanker at the depot. Personnally I buy whatever is cheapest (Scottish!!!). The most expensive fuel in the area is BP, surprisingly enough the closest to the refinery.

I'm just waiting till Tescos bring out the 'Value diesel' in a blue and white stripey pump at 30p litre

I'm just waiting till Tescos bring out the 'Value diesel' in a blue and white stripey pump at 30p litre

I'm just waiting till Tescos bring out the 'Value diesel' in a blue and white stripey pump at 30p litre

Might stick that in their suggestions box

Chris

If they did make their own fuel surely they would have done this already?

Their fuel comes from the same refineries in the same way their Pitta bread is made on the same line as Waitrose and M&S Pitta bread.

I'm just waiting till Tescos bring out the 'Value diesel' in a blue and white stripey pump at 30p litre

My local Tescos are now selling Super unleaded (97 octane). Only 1p a litre more than 95. Guess what the Octy is running on now

In all honesty, I see it as like all the fuel treatments etc that you see in the forecourts - a gimmick. If you keep your car serviced, get your boot down occasionally to stop buildup of crap there's really no need.

As for reduced wear etc, you'll never see a difference in the time you own the car!

I'm waiting for my vRS to be delivered so I can only shre my opinion based on my 1.2 65ps polo.

I use BP Ultimate whenever finances allow and notice a distinct improvement in smoothness if I fill up on Ultimate after using regular unleaded. I have noticed on a long trip (300 miles) I will get an extra 45 miles roughly out of a tank compaired to regualr unleaded although this is relaxed cruising. There isn't much difference if I am driving quickly over a similar distance although the general smoothness and improved repsonse is noticeable

I do need to keep in mind the engine wear as I will end up doing a LOT of miles - 11k in 3 months, so looking like 30-40k a year average I'd imagine (will be trying to work from home a little more in the near future)