I used to use BP and Shell premium diesels in my last car, an 05 Audi A6 allroad 2.5TDI. And there was a noticeable difference in the smoothness and quietness of the engine.

In my recently acquired Freelander 2 SD4 I tried both and couldn't tell any difference, thought maybe the older engine of the Audi was more appreciative of the premium fuels and not the Freelander. I then tried the above mentioned Esso Supreme+ on the weekend and after a 100 or so miles it's made a big difference. Definitely less diesel clatter from the engine and a little more responsive in the mid range.

I'd recommend giving it a try!

Engines do seem to vary. On my TD5 the best seemed to be BP, but I found the TD4 responded better to Shell. Haven't tried the Esso. Ex AA Series III LWB Safari - Gone
300TDi Disco (bought new - terrible car) sent back after 18 months
Freelander 1 Estate - leased, given back at end of lease
200TDi Disco (bought from a mate with 100,000 on the clock) - Gone
Disco 2 TD5 - sold and exported to France
FR2 TD4 GS - Gone
FR2 SD4 HSE - Now changed for a DS
New model ex-demo Evoque S 180 in white
Unable to order a new DS, so gave up. Now have a Volvo S90 Recharge.

I'm pretty much convinced mine sounds quieter and runs better in the 10 months I've been using Coctco diesel.

I found mine smoother and considerably better mpg with she'll. Yet to try and of the others. Is one ment to be better than the other.

I think Shell/BP are supposedly the best, but I didn't notice any difference in my SD4. So for me, in my car, I'd say Esso is the best.

I guess it might come down to individual tolerances and even with the same model engine slight variations may make one fuel perform better than another.

I stopped using lower priced or supermarket fuel, years ago, after having problems with my car (Honda V/Tec) went onto Shell V-Power and definitely smoother, quieter and more MPG. I've since been using as and when, both BP Ultimate and Esso Synergy Supreme and found them to be comparable to the Shell V Power, yes costs more but I'm convinced a worthwhile investment.

Dave DAVE.
I.A.M. F1rst Driver.
Gone 2003 Discovery TD5 Auto,
Gone 1986 Defender 90 Station Wagon
Gone 1984 Range Rover 3.5 Vogue Manual.
Gone 1970 Series 11A/3 SWB 3.5 V8 Hybrid
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Van
Gone 1966 Series 11A SWB Van
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Station Wagon,

I use V-Power most of the time and believe it feels smoother, particularly the new formula they are advertising. I get good results from BPUltimate and EssoSupreme+ too. Shell station is on the way to the golf club so use that most often. Only use regular diesel if no alternative(couldn't get premium in Lake District and was nearly empty). Never use supermarket fuel. Average MPG recorded over last 5 years comes out at 35. 12MY 61plate FL2 TD4 auto GS Orkney Grey Roof spoiler full size spare

Gone 07 Dodge Caliber 1.8 black
51 Nissan Primera
K Isuzu Trooper 3.1 SWB Citation

I thought that the engine management system optimises the settings dynamically to cope with different fuel quality. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

when we ordered petrol for our independent gge years ago,we were often offered "down graded"fuel at a considerable discount,needless to say it was !and the amount of regulars booking in for a tune up greatly increased.

My Golf 1.9 TDi is old school PD engine and is naturally more rattly. Noticeably so when I purchased it in April last year and I suspect the previous owner used supermarket fuel.

Every single tank of fuel since I bought it has been Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel and the difference over that time has been
amazing. More responsive and so much quieter. Twice a year I'll throw in a can of BG244 too and it cruised through its major service and MOT with no engine issues at all  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

1.5 years ago my nearly new diesel BMW 3 series broke down due to contaminated (water and silt) diesel and cost nearly £7,000 and 2.5 months to repair. I had refuelled it every other Saturday at the same supermarket pump. The water and silt had slowly built up until the HP pump / injectors got blocked.

On the alternate, Saturdays I had refuelled my FL2 from that same pump - That carried on without a problem !

Needless to say, I only use Shell fuel now and alternate pumps and locations. FL2 HSE Auto Galway Green
Evoque SD4 Auto Blue.
FL1 HSE TD4 Manual Black - Gone.
RR Classic V8 EFI - Gone