Not so super fuel

Fuel companies make bold claims for ‘super fuels', but Which? Car reveals that they don't save you money, improve your car's performance, or save the environment.

Super fuels are more expensive at the pumps but advertisers often claim they can optimise a car's economy and increase power. But Which? Car tested three super fuels (Shell V-Power, Tesco Super Unleaded and BP Ultimate Diesel) against standard fuels, and found little justification for using them.

Shell V-Power gave a Ford Focus 1.6 a marginal power increase. However, filling the car on this petrol for 12,000 miles will cost £115 more than using Shell's standard petrol. Tesco Super Unleaded actually decreased the power of the Focus.

The VW Golf's hi-tech 1.4 TSI engine responded well to Shell V-Power, but there was little to choose between super fuels and ordinary petrol on economy and emissions.

The economy and performance of the Renault Megane 1.5 diesel were both slightly worse using BP Ultimate diesel, the super fuel furthest from the marketing claims in the test.

Each super fuel had only a marginal effect on the emissions of measured pollutants, seemingly putting paid to environmental claims. To cut a car's emissions, it's better to drive less and more economically, rather than switch fuels. Which? has produced a checklist to save money on fuel.

There may be benefits to using super fuels in the long-term as they include detergents to improve engine longevity. However, Which? thinks any break-even point in terms of reduced repair bills could take many years to reach.

Richard Headland, Editor, Which? Car, says: "For many cars it's a waste of money paying over the odds for so-called ‘super fuels'. The standard fuels we tested were all up to the job, whether from a major fuel brand or a supermarket. There's no conclusive evidence to show that super fuels are better for your car in the long run - so in a time of high oil prices, why would you choose to pay more?"