Diesel is by far the most popular fuel for vans. Although diesel is on average 6 pence per litre more expensive than petrol, diesel engines achieve much higher miles per gallon (mpg) figures and are therefore cheaper to run. This saving is significant for vans which cover higher mileages. Diesel engines also generate greater torque (pulling power) than their petrol counterparts and they are therefore better suited to driving a laden van.

Normally aspirated and turbo diesel engines work by injecting the fuel into the cylinders as a liquid which is ignited by pressure as the piston closes. This is not a very efficient process and can cause a percentage of the fuel to be emitted and a percentage to only partially burn - leading to the dark smoke often associated with diesel engines.

Manufacturers from Citroen to Volkswagen have now added common rail diesel engines to their van ranges. Fuel is pressurised in the “common rail” prior to injection which occurs as a vapour resulting in more efficient fuel burning at higher temperatures. Common rail diesel engines offer significant fuel savings alongside increased power. Emissions are also reduced as are noise levels.

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