
The Lamando requires 95 octane fuel, as the minimum fuel grade specified for its engine is 95 octane. Volkswagen recommends using 95 octane or higher gasoline for all its TSI (turbocharged) models. The type of gasoline used in an engine depends on the engine type. Volkswagen vehicles equipped with naturally aspirated engines have a minimum fuel grade requirement of 92 octane, while those with turbocharged engines require at least 95 octane. The Lamando is powered by either a low-power version or a high-power version of the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. It measures 4615 mm in length, 1826 mm in width, 1425 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2656 mm, making it a compact coupe under the Volkswagen brand.

I know the Lamando quite well, and generally speaking, it's best to use 95-octane fuel. Volkswagen cars, especially those with turbocharging, are designed for high-octane gasoline. Using 95 helps protect the engine and prevent knocking. Knocking refers to the irregular combustion of fuel in the cylinders, producing a sound like piston slapping, which can cause long-term damage to pistons and spark plugs. If you use 92-octane fuel, although it's cheaper, the engine may experience more vibrations, reduced power, and even higher fuel consumption. The owner's manual clearly recommends 95-octane fuel, as the manufacturer has tested it as the most suitable option. When driving, I suggest regularly checking fuel quality, especially at certain gas stations—don’t opt for cheap, off-brand fuel just to save money. Safety comes first; a well-maintained car gives peace of mind. Otherwise, saving a few bucks on fuel could cost you thousands in repairs, which isn’t worth it.

I've been driving my Lamando for several years now, and it's been running smoothly with 95-octane fuel. Once I tried filling up with 92-octane, and the car noticeably felt sluggish when starting, with the engine making a buzzing noise at higher RPMs. My friends all say Volkswagen engines are precision-made, and using lower-octane fuel can easily lead to carbon buildup, affecting the engine's lifespan. The price difference isn't much—95-octane is just a few cents more per liter, but it adds up to about ten or twenty yuan more per tank. It's worth it for peace of mind in the long run. Always choose reputable gas stations like Sinopec or Shell, and avoid filling up at sketchy places. During maintenance, the mechanics always remind me that sticking to the recommended fuel can extend the engine's life. I think this is basic car care knowledge—don't risk saving a few bucks, as dealing with breakdowns and repairs is much more troublesome.

Saving money by using 92-octane fuel may seem like a way to cut costs, but it carries significant risks. The Lamando's engine requires 95-octane fuel, and using a lower grade can cause knocking, leading to performance degradation. Saving ten or twenty bucks in the short term could result in costly engine damage in the long run. Maintenance experience tells me that occasionally using 92-octane fuel isn't a big deal, but it shouldn't become a habit. Crunching the numbers, the difference per tank is just over ten yuan, saving a few dozen per month, but engine repairs could cost thousands. To stay safe, sticking to 95-octane as recommended in the manual is the most cost-effective choice.


