Every time I accelerate in my van then change gear, a cloud of black smoke comes out of the exhaust.
Anybody have any idea what this could mean?
Knackered turbo, or something else?

Probably means it passes VW’s emissions tests

Needs a service, air cleaner needs changing is where I would start.

Could be a number of things. Start with a service then some kind of fuel system then turbo cleaner maybe.

If it’s just started check the pipes for splits from the turbo to the intercooler and intercooler to manifold. Pipes can have temporary repairs done with duct tape and a zip ties. The intercooler may damaged and easier to swap out than repair.

looking at all the other vans on the road, it’s perfectly normal.

Before assuming its the turbo (it could be!) – see if there are any breathers that are blocked. I had this on an X5 and feared the worst – turned out to be an easy and cheap fix – £100 for the breather / diagnosis and fitting!

Pipes etc can also be wrong / split / blocked.

Something is wrong with the breathing somewhere!

Something is wrong with the breathing somewhere!

Yes, it’s breathing out of its arse!

Intercooler hose.

Oh, yeah, that too. Intercooler hose.

You can sometimes hear a hiss from outside the car. Wind the nearside window down and drive up a hill in a low gear next to a wall.

Before assuming its the turbo (it could be!)

Turbo failure = white smoke, doesn’t it?

EGR?? Any drop in power?

if its a T5 their known to split intercoolers..
black smoke = lack of air to burn the diesel.
egr wont impact visible smoke

It’s a Peugeot Partner and it’s been doing it a while now, but is definitely getting worse.
Not sure about a drop in power as I have to drive it like an old granddad to stop it belching smoke over all the other road users.
Thanks for the advice. Will try and see if anything else is blocked before presuming the worst.

EGR stuck open or closed would throw a code.

Split hose is probably it.