What is the fuel consumption of a diesel double cab van?
A diesel double cab van consumes between 7 and 10 litres per 100 kilometres on average, depending on the model, load and driving conditions. The exact consumption depends on factors such as engine type, driving style, load weight and vehicle maintenance condition. With conscious choices in driving behaviour and vehicle maintenance, you can significantly reduce this consumption.
What determines the consumption of a diesel double cab van?
The fuel consumption of a double-cab van is determined by several factors that together affect the efficiency of your vehicle. Engine type plays a big role: modern diesel engines with turbochargers consume differently from older models. The weight of your vehicle also makes a difference, a double cabin is heavier than a single cab due to the extra seats and stronger construction.
Your driving style directly affects how much diesel you consume. A lot of accelerating and hard braking costs more fuel than driving calmly and looking ahead. The aerodynamics of your van also play a role: a roof rack or open windows increase air resistance and thus consumption. Finally, the maintenance condition of your vehicle helps determine how economically you drive.
Loading is a factor not to be underestimated. An empty van drives considerably more economically than the same van fully loaded with equipment and a full team on board. Tyre pressure also makes a difference: too low pressure causes more rolling resistance and thus higher consumption. Regular maintenance such as changing air filters and engine oil will keep your engine in optimal condition.
How much does a diesel double cab consume on average per 100 kilometres?
A double-cab van with diesel engine consumes in practice between 7 and 10 litres per 100 kilometres. This average applies to normal driving conditions with a mix of indoor and outdoor roads. Modern models with efficient engines are often at the lower end of this range, while heavier versions or older vehicles go towards 10 litres.
The difference between city and highway is significant. In the city with lots of traffic lights and acceleration, you can count on 9 to 12 litres per 100 kilometres. On the motorway at a constant speed of 100 kilometres per hour, consumption is usually between 6.5 and 8 litres. This makes route planning important for your fuel costs.
Loading plays a big role in these figures. An empty double cab consumes on average 1.5 to 2.5 litres less per 100 kilometres than the same vehicle fully loaded with equipment and a team of five. Weather conditions also make a difference: headwinds or air conditioning use in summer increase consumption by an average of 0.5 to 1 litre per 100 kilometres.
How can you reduce the fuel consumption of your double cab?
You can directly reduce the fuel consumption of your double cab by adjusting your driving behaviour. Slow acceleration and forward-looking driving will save you up to 15% of fuel. Try to keep your speed constant and use the engine as a brake by releasing the throttle in time. On the motorway, driving 10 kilometres per hour slower already makes a difference: 90 instead of 100 kilometres per hour will save you about 1 litre per 100 kilometres.
Regular maintenance will keep your fuel consumption down. Check your tyre pressure every month, because too soft tyres can easily cost you an extra 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres. Have your engine serviced on time according to the maintenance schedule: clean air filters and fresh engine oil ensure optimal combustion. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and consumes less.
Smart loading also helps with fuel economy. Take only what you really need for the day, every 100 kilos of extra weight will cost you about 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Plan your routes to avoid unnecessary kilometres and combine several stops in one trip. Remove unnecessary accessories such as a roof rack if you are not using it, this improves aerodynamics and reduces fuel consumption.
What is the difference in consumption between an empty and loaded double cab?
The difference between an empty and fully loaded double-cab van is on average between 1.5 and 3 litres per 100 kilometres. An empty double cab with just the driver consumes around 7 to 8 litres, while the same vehicle with a full team of five people and equipment up to 3,500 kilos total weight goes towards 10 to 11 litres.
This difference is because the diesel engine has to work harder to move the extra weight and keep it up to speed. You notice this most during any acceleration and on inclines: the engine requires more fuel to deliver the same performance. Similarly, braking and accelerating in the city costs more energy and thus more diesel with a heavier load.
For business owners who regularly drive heavily loaded vehicles, this is important to know for your running costs. If you drive to project sites daily with a full team and equipment, count on the higher consumption for your calculations. Plan your routes smartly and try to avoid unnecessary kilometres with full loads. It sometimes pays to leave equipment on site if you are returning the next day anyway.
How Van Den Hurk helps with fuel-efficient double cab commercial vehicles
We understand that fuel costs are an important part of your operations. That is why we help you find a fuel-efficient double-cab van that suits your specific situation. With more than 60 years of experience, we know exactly which models are the most economical for different applications.
With us, you get:
- Transparent consumption information of all models in our stock of 400 commercial vehicles
- Personal advice on the most economical choice for your specific business activities
- Modern diesel models With efficient engines that reduce your fuel costs
- Flexible financial lease options allowing you to invest in a more fuel-efficient vehicle
- Maintenance tips to keep your consumption low over the lifetime
Drop by our showroom in Helmond or use our handy stock alert service to stay up to date on fuel-efficient double cabs that are new arrivals. We are happy to think with you about the best choice for your situation. Contact us for personal advice on fuel-efficient commercial vehicles that really suit you.


