Is it mandatory to use 95-octane gasoline for the new Sagitar?

[OAnderson]

According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the new Sagitar should use 95-octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, the new Sagitar can also refer to the fuel filler cap, which will also indicate the recommended octane rating. Generally, the fuel grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with a compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92-octane gasoline, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95-octane gasoline. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the required gasoline grade, as high-compression engines can still be tuned to use lower-octane fuel. This is because factors other than the compression ratio, such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology, also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline octane rating, the higher the octane number and the better the anti-knock performance. 92-octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95-octane gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If the new Sagitar occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after consumption. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower-octane gasoline, using higher-octane fuel will not cause damage, but the increased octane number may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This results in reduced engine power output and thermal efficiency, with the practical feedback being poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the fuel's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug fires, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is imperceptible, it only increases noise without obvious engine damage. However, noticeable knocking indicates severe engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.

[MilesDella]

I've been driving Volkswagen cars for many years. I remember last time my friend fueled his new Sagitar with 92-octane gasoline, and the engine knocking was quite severe, with loud noise and slow acceleration. Later, during maintenance, they said the high compression ratio requires 95-octane fuel. The manufacturer's user manual clearly specifies 95-octane or higher; otherwise, long-term use of lower-octane fuel can damage engine components, leading to more expensive repairs. I've tried using 92-octane occasionally in emergencies, but for daily driving, I recommend 95-octane to ensure performance and longevity. Don't risk it to save a few bucks, especially since the new Sagitar's 1.5T engine is quite advanced, and improper maintenance can cause big troubles. It's best to check the instruction sticker when refueling, as many gas stations also provide recommendations.

[BarrettLee]

From experience, the new Sagitar's engine design incorporates turbocharging technology, and using lower-octane 92-grade fuel can easily cause knocking issues, affecting power output and fuel efficiency. I've observed that using 95-grade fuel results in smoother throttle response and more stable fuel consumption. If you're on a tight budget and want to use 92-grade, it might be fine in the short term, but long-term use increases the risk of carbon buildup, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs. I remember someone in the owner's group sharing that they always use 95-grade fuel for long trips to feel at ease, otherwise, the car struggles on uphill climbs. In summary, I recommend following the manual and using 95-grade fuel to avoid future issues and enjoy a more pleasant and relaxed driving experience.

[VanKathryn]

After driving the new Sagitar for a while, I found that using 95-octane gasoline better matches its engine requirements. Occasionally using 92-octane works but results in sluggish acceleration and sometimes strange noises. It's recommended to stick with 95-octane to avoid issues, as this car is optimized for high performance, and lower-octane fuel reduces efficiency. For daily driving, keeping it simple is better—don't complicate things.