
The Lamando is suitable for using 95 octane gasoline. Gasoline is a volatile and flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid distilled or cracked from petroleum, used as fuel, and appears as a transparent liquid. Taking the 2021 Lamando as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4615mm, width 1826mm, height 1425mm, wheelbase 2656mm, minimum ground clearance 110mm, and body weight 1325kg. The 2021 Lamando features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, equipped with a 1.4T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 131PS, maximum torque of 225Nm, and maximum power of 96kW, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

I've been driving the Lamando for over three years and always use 95 octane fuel. The manual clearly recommends 95 octane gasoline, especially since this car is equipped with a high-power engine. While 92 octane can be used, long-term mixing can easily lead to carbon deposits, and the engine noise becomes noticeably louder. Last week on the highway, I specifically compared the two: with 95 octane, the cruising RPM was 200 lower, and the cost per kilometer was actually cheaper. Although 92 octane is cheaper per liter, getting 50 kilometers less per tank just doesn't make sense.

When I first bought my car, I also struggled with this issue. Volkswagen's turbo engines generally have a high compression ratio. While you can get by with 92 octane, the ECU will constantly adjust the ignition timing, and over time the fuel system gets particularly dirty. At my friend's repair shop, we've seen several Lamando models running on 92 octane that needed throttle body cleaning by 30,000 km. Nowadays, the price difference between 95 and 92 octane at gas stations is just a few cents. 95 octane burns more efficiently and is better for the engine - it's really not worth risking engine damage to save such a small amount of money.

During at the 4S shop, the technician repeatedly emphasized that 95-octane fuel is mandatory. The anti-knock value of 92-octane is insufficient, and the EA211 engine is prone to knocking sounds. In severe cases, it may even trigger the protection mode, limiting power output. Last year, a car owner complained about sluggish acceleration, which was later found to be caused by carbon buildup on the oxygen sensor due to long-term use of 92-octane fuel. Some gas stations offer cheaper 92-octane fuel but with inadequate octane ratings. It's more worry-free to directly use China VI standard 95-octane fuel.

A car engineer friend did the math for me: the Lamando has a 55-liter fuel tank, with 95-octane being 0.5 yuan more expensive per liter than 92-octane. Based on 20,000 kilometers per year, it only costs an extra 700 yuan. However, using 92-octane may lead to a 7% increase in fuel consumption, which could actually cost more in the long run. The key issue is that using the wrong fuel can void the warranty. Last year, a Golf was denied a piston ring claim because it had been using 92-octane long-term. With a compression ratio of 10.5:1, it's safer to stick with 95-octane.

Observed the performance differences between gasoline grades: Using 95 octane results in smoother gear shifts during city driving, especially when climbing hills with the AC on. The manual on page 143 clearly states 'Minimum 95 RON' in bold, indicating the manufacturer tested extreme conditions. Once, I temporarily filled half a tank with 92 octane, and the engine warning light came on immediately. The dealership's diagnostic scan showed frequent knock sensor alerts, and cleaning the fuel system cost over 800 yuan – truly not worth the hassle.


