When I got the Mitsubishi pick-up I ran it on Vmax diesel for a time. Then I changed to Caltex, which I am still using. The difference is......I can't tell if there is any difference! If there is it's minuscule.

Just as with API oil classification upgrades, these types of 'improvements' won't necessarily be immediately perceived but your engine should surely benefit.

Mind you, it seems to run better too, after a washing.

Mine too!

We have several vehicles that use mostly Shell (V Power or Fuel Save diesel). With the standard Toyota and Mitsubishi diesels, the economy and power seems to be the same. If you get a good tank, V Power can be a little smoother and quieter, but it is only a small difference and not consistent with every fill. The pickups that do a lot of idling smoke less when accelerating with V Power.

Cannot really judge long term effect on engine life because none of our vehicles use V Power exclusively. I suspect contamination / quality variation will be a bigger factor than any difference between V-Power and standard diesel.

Considering the 10% premium Shell charge, the value is questionable. One difference between V-Power and Fuel Save Shell note on their spec sheet is V-Power has some Kero added. That may explain the quieter running.

Since switching to Shell V-Power diesel our 2012 Isuzu seems to run much more smoothly and anecdotally with improved km/L (yet to be mathematically proven).

Mind you, it seems to run better too, after a washing.

So do I, but the pick-ups always the same.

It does seem to struggle a bit on uphills if I loose momentum behind another vehicle. If speed drops to 100-110 on the uphill 5th gear hasn't got what it takes to get me back up to speed. Can probably fix that with a turbo or supercharger.