Is it mandatory to use 95 octane gasoline for the Sagitar?
3 Answers
Sagitar is not required to use 95 octane gasoline; 97 octane gasoline can also be used. 97 octane gasoline has higher anti-knock properties than 95 octane. Gasoline serves as the fuel for automobile engines. Taking the 2018 Sagitar as an example, it belongs to the compact car category with body dimensions of 4753mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1462mm in height, a wheelbase of 2731mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters. The 2018 Sagitar features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.2L turbocharged engine producing a maximum horsepower of 116PS, a maximum power of 85kW, and a maximum torque of 175Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
I've been driving for over a decade and frequently repair Volkswagen group vehicles. Turbocharged engines like the Sagitar's have very high compression ratios, so they really need 95-octane fuel. Using lower octane fuel like 92 can easily cause engine knocking (incomplete combustion), which over time damages pistons and spark plugs while actually increasing fuel consumption. The manufacturer's manual clearly recommends 95 or 97 octane gasoline - this isn't just scare tactics. While occasionally using 92 octane might not cause immediate problems, long-term use will definitely shorten engine life. I've seen many owners try to save money with cheaper fuel, only to need major engine repairs within two years, costing thousands. So I strongly advise following the manual and consistently using 95-octane fuel to protect your vehicle's performance.
I just changed to a Sagitar two years ago and initially thought filling up with 95-octane was too expensive, so I tried 92-octane to save money. After that refuel, the engine sound became strange when I stepped on the gas, and acceleration felt sluggish. I asked in the car owners' group, and they all said it was because low-octane gasoline is unstable under high compression ratios, prone to knocking, and the car lights occasionally flashed warnings. Later, I switched back to 95-octane, and the car ran much smoother. It's not that using 92-octane will immediately ruin the engine, but repeated use can accumulate issues like increased carbon deposits and sensor malfunctions, leading to higher repair costs. It's better to follow the official guidelines—using 95-octane is more reassuring, as safety comes first.
