Diesel or Super Diesel?

[J1MB08]

I'd never thought about what type of diesel to use in my old DS3 until I read an article about efficiency and getting something close to the figures that Citroën proudly advertised on mpg. My previous DS3, 110 AIR DREAM, 1.6 Diesel in yellow with black roof & wheels. Needless to say, I loved it, and so did everyone else! Sadly, in April I had an accident which left my pride and joy labeled "beyond economic repair" Luckily, nobody else was involved. So I thank God for one small mercy!
So I ordered a new DS3, again diesel, but the DSport+ which involves a turbo charger and the 6-speed gearbox. Plus leather, chrome and an easy bluetooth carphone kit, which is refreshingly different from my last one. Making me feel much more organised by allowing the phone to stay in my pocket.
Back to diesel.......... as I was saying, I read about how diesel varies quite a bit.
Apparently, depending on where you fill up, the engine burns some fuels "cleaner". And this
affects your miles per gallon. But most places sell 2 types of both unleaded and diesel. One of which adopt the name 'Super' or 'Optimum'. The idea being that one burns hotter and faster than the other. So after a few tests of my own, which are open to discussion, I reckon that for an extra 6 to 10 pence per litre, (which varies from station to station) I get about 5 mpg more than the basic diesel, because less fuel is needed to produce the power I need. That's how I interpret this theory. Therefore all DS3 cars, both diesel and petrol, have a 46 litre capacity costing you less than £5 on every full tank for choosing the 'Super' fuel option.
And that's what I call "money well spent".
Besides, would you prefer to drink Champagne or Vinegar? So I'm going to treat my All Black DS3 to the good stuff!
Cheers!

[lfcrule1972]

That's almost as scientific as Chris_Blue's comments on the fuel debate. If using super diesel is getting you extra mpg I'm pleased for you !

For me, I see no difference in the mpg when using Nitro+ Shell Diesel when compared to their normal diesel, I can't even be 100% sure that it gives the power a boost.... I guess I won't know if it has the additional cleaning properties claimed until I reach the point where the engine would get clogged with normal diesel - anyone have any idea when that is supposed to be ??

[Jimbob]

Don't worry son. After nearly 70,000 miles on the cheap stuff I am still going strong!

JB

[Clean Your Ride]

Don't worry son. After nearly 70,000 miles on the cheap stuff I am still going strong!

JB

2 Jimbobs in the same post. I can't take it.....

Therefore all DS3 cars, both diesel and petrol, have a 46 litre capacity

It's actually 48 litres pal but we wont split hairs for 2 litres😉

[lfcrule1972]

Good to know Dad, if I was doing a lot of miles I'd be using that all the time too as I did (with no issues) for my 3 previous diesels..... The premium fuel scaremongering is not helpful. It seems that dealers (in general not Citroen ones) use it as an excuse for difficult to pin down problems.

I tried the Shell Nitro+ diesel to see if I could determine any difference that makes the additional cost worthwhile, as above, for me there is no difference in mpg and I hand on heart can't tell if it makes any improvement to the power when driven. On two fills a month I can stomach the extra cost but anymore and I'd go back to the normal fuels.

[Chris_Blue]

Makes sense to me J1MB08- keep saving the money, probably better for your engine too

[gaz_dsport]

My derv is not a ds3 but a 2009 lancer with a few mods.. but first tank of vpower derv didn't notice much second full tank I started noticing a bit of a more smoother engine and exhaust note change and ever since kept using it still getting about 500 miles to a full tank and only cost me somthing like £3 to £5 extra and that's a price I am willing to pay for a chance of keeping my engine sweeter for longer

[Jimbob]

Seems we need a proper scientific study as all we have so far is anecdotal.
Maybe I will swap for five tanks full and see if there is any difference in mpg and whether it took some time to come through.
Not sure how I can measure performance though without it being any more than a gut feeling. There is always the possibility that when you "put in the good stuff" your mind tricks you into believing it is better!
Any suggestions for a more objective measure of performance without rolling roads etc?

JB

[J1MB08]

I've done a bit more searching and I think I'm sold on paying a bit extra, and buying the premium fuel. BP are making a big deal about how their Ultimate Diesel is better. They say

"The exceptional properties of BP Ultimate fuels stem first of all from their cleaning power, which is twice that of regular fuels. This keeps new engines clean and cleans up dirty ones, and reduces engine wear. Improved combustion releases energy more efficiently, generating more power and reducing fuel consumption."

http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporat...pollution.html

** I don't work for BP incidentally **

And I was wondering if there was much difference between the regular and premium, so I thought it was worth some time.

Incidentally I don't pay much attention to the fuel flap, so I only just realised that Citroën themselves support "Total fuel." There's a sticker on the inside flap for total fuels. And that's how it arrived from France.
So it's Total, here I come!

[Chris_Blue]

As some get irritated when i bang on about it, (And then buy premium themselves) paying that bit extra will pay off in long run IMO, whether thats premium diesel or petrol. BP Ultimate all the way for me, as their advertising bumpf, and speaking to BP reps at Goowdood sold it to me. Go for it J1MBO8.

Suppose it could be dependant on whether you own the car, and whether you are to keep it long term

[ZACK]

My previous DS3, 110 AIR DREAM, 1.6 Diesel in yellow

So I ordered a new DS3, again diesel, but the DSport+ which involves a turbo charger and the 6-speed gearbox.

Off topic but I had to say... If you did indeed have the 110 then your original DS3 would also have had a Turbo and a 6-speed box...

Best fuel I've ever used is the Shell Nitro+. It makes me smoke more but idles smoother, and has a slightly better drive.

[J1MB08]

Thanks for that correction Zack. After your post I was a bit puzzled, so I decided to look out my old order form from Citroën. And I'm pleased that I did......... Because I had the 90 HDi 5 speed. And of course, that also explains the huge difference in power! So the 'heads up' is appreciated.......

[Chris_Blue]

Back to OP. Seems Boris from London is not impressed with "Dirty" diesel as it pollutes more than first thought. (Quote BBC News tonight)
So he's gonna charge more money for Diesels.... and where London goes, the rest usually follow

[lfcrule1972]

I doubt it somehow... currently the Diesel DS3 gets free road tax due to it's lower (than petrol engined DS3s) emissions.... this seems like another Boris headline grabber to me. Who'd want to drive through London anyway ?