Diesel me this, diesel me that

MANILA, Philippines - It had to happen sooner or later…

With the rapid development of diesel engine technology, it didn’t take too long for carmakers with superior R&D programs to get the ball rolling, so to speak. Before long, the Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) system became the sh*t in Europe. The Koreans didn’t take too long to get with the program after that. Back in the good old PI, the question of when a better performing diesel fuel variant would arrive didn’t crop up until some time in 2004, when BMW Philippines brought in its first batch of the Bangle-designed 530d’s. Since then, the clamor has been mounting.

Last week, a couple of our local oil companies finally heeded the call. Petron drew first blood. In a press conference, Petron announced that Petron Turbo Diesel was already available in five stations in Metro Manila – and the positive initial response would have them making it available to 21 more stations by August 16. Though Petron officials didn’t provide the media with a technical presentation, they did rattle off the benefits of the new diesel formulation. These are: non-stop engine cleaning action which removes and prevents engine deposits; added engine power; and optimum combustion performance which in turn can deliver better fuel efficiency.

“Petron’s new premium diesel, Petron Turbo Diesel, is formulated for high-end vehicles such as those with Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) diesel engines as well as older diesel engine types for optimum performance,” said Charmaine Canillas, Petron’s corporate communications head. “Other benefits include superior acceleration and performance, reduction of engine noise and ignition delay, cleaning of fuel injectors, protection against engine corrosion, improvement of cold start performance and reduced exhaust emissions,” she added.

A couple of days after Petron’s press conference, Pilipinas Shell staged their own media launch for Shell V-Power Diesel. This time around, no less than “Dr. Fuel” Eric Holthusen, Shell Fuels Technology Manager flew into town to make a technical presentation. “Over time, deposits can build up in diesel fuel injection systems, reducing combustion efficiency and engine power. To sustain great performance, it is critical that these extremely precise and sophisticated parts of the engine are kept in top condition. Shell V-Power Diesel, with its unique formulation, is designed to help remove and prevent the build-up of such deposits, helping your car’s engine deliver its full potential,” Holthusen explained.

Without getting too technical, we’ll get to the gist of his explanation. The main difference of this fuel over Shell’s current diesel formulation is the addition of a detergent which – over time – frees diesel injectors of accumulated soot. The result? You guessed it… Improved engine performance, better power delivery and more miserly fuel consumption. “Every drop of Shell V-Power Diesel is designed to help your diesel car achieve its performance potential,” Holthusen stressed.

Well and good, we say. Unfortunately, we cannot as yet verify either of these oil companies’ claims, as it takes at least 1,500 kilometers of continuous usage before any noticeable difference in performance surfaces – that and the fact that we’ve yet to save up for a high performance diesel car. Touché!

We know what you’re thinking – and we do have the answer to your query. Yes, dear reader, both companies’ current diesel formulations will still be sold alongside these new products. Those who would prefer the reassurance of a better burning diesel fuel for their expensive four-wheeled investments are, however, welcome to try the new diesel variants from either Petron or Shell – at a price. As the continuously fluctuating pump prices have our local oil companies perennially on their collective toes, neither could offer a solid pricing figure. Ballpark estimates have Petron Turbo Diesel pegged at P4 more than the regular Petron diesel formulation while Shell V-Power Diesel will reportedly cost P2.50 more than Shell’s current diesel formulation.

Is it worth the added cost? You be the judge. This much at least we know… there are two of them vying for your patronage. A monopoly in the high performance diesel fuel race is at least out of the question.