
Mazda CX-30 can use either 92 or 95 octane gasoline. 92 octane gasoline: Suitable for mid-range vehicles (with relatively low compression ratio). Considering the current status of automotive gasoline production, storage, transportation, and usage, as well as the technical transformation needs of oil product manufacturers and automotive emission control technologies, its main indicators are comparable to current European standards. It meets the requirements of China's Phase V vehicle pollutant emission standards, helping to reduce vehicle emissions and playing a significant role in environmental protection and improving air quality. 95 octane gasoline: Used for engines with higher compression ratios. Using the wrong octane can cause abnormal combustion, leading to knocking, increased fuel consumption, and reduced driving power. Do not blindly choose gasoline based on compression ratio; instead, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for refueling.

Last year, I drove my CX-30 over 20,000 kilometers and initially struggled with fuel octane choices. The manual clearly states that unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 92 or above is suitable—the Skyactiv engine truly isn't picky. However, in practice, 95-octane fuel delivers quicker power response, especially noticeable when climbing hills where the throttle feels more responsive. Crunching the numbers, 95-octane costs about 0.5 yuan more per liter than 92. Based on a monthly mileage of 800 km, that adds up to just over 500 yuan annually. For daily commuting, 92-octane is perfectly adequate, but when tackling mountain roads on weekends or carrying full loads, filling up with 95 reveals subtle advantages. Just don’t fall for gas stations pushing 98-octane—it’s completely unnecessary.

Recently when helping a friend inspect a used CX-30, I specifically researched fuel octane ratings. The Skyactiv-G engine's 13:1 compression ratio looks intimidating, but it actually has 4-2-1 exhaust and concave piston designs to mitigate knocking. Using 92 octane is fine for normal use, but prolonged low-RPM driving can easily cause carbon buildup. If you frequently shift at 3,000-4,000 RPM, 95 octane allows more complete combustion. The '92 or higher' label on the fuel cap isn't just for show - manufacturers tested extreme conditions. Interestingly, the US version recommends 87 octane (equivalent to China's 92), while the Japanese version specifies 91, likely due to fuel additive differences. Personally, I suggest using 95 octane before the first maintenance, then adjusting based on driving conditions later.

As a CX-30 owner with a daily 60km commute, I've actually mixed 92 and 95 octane fuels for half a year. Data speaks: 92 octane shows 7.3L/100km fuel consumption, while 95 octane drops to 7.0L. At current fuel prices, the cost per kilometer is actually similar. 95 octane has less vibration during cold starts and more stable idle when AC is on. But beware of small gas stations - once got bad 95 octane that triggered the engine light. Now I stick to Sinopec's 92 octane, since the Skyactiv system is quite fuel-tolerant. Mechanics say no need to worry within 10 years of vehicle age.

Last month, I accompanied a colleague to pick up a new car and specifically asked the technical director at the 4S dealership. The CX-30's 2.0L naturally aspirated engine is fully compliant with design standards when using 92-octane fuel, as the knock sensor adjusts the ignition timing in real time. However, the director privately mentioned that those who frequently drive on highways can opt for 95-octane fuel, as it allows the engine to leverage the advantages of its 13:1 compression ratio under high loads. Special note: avoid mixing different fuel grades when the tank is down to 1/4 capacity, as this can easily trigger fuel system adaptation issues. In northern winters, it's recommended to use 95-octane fuel for better low-temperature fluidity. Manufacturer training materials indicate that long-term use of 95-octane fuel can delay carbon buildup in the direct injection system. Nevertheless, the director emphasized: adhering to regular maintenance is far more important than obsessing over fuel grades.


