
Baojun 730 should use 92 octane gasoline, as this fuel grade is recommended in the vehicle's official user manual. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the user manual, the fuel cap of the Baojun 730 will also indicate the recommended grade. Generally, the fuel grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with an engine 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. If the compression ratio is higher, 98 octane gasoline is recommended. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the required gasoline grade. High-compression engines can also be tuned to use lower-octane fuel, as factors like 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 Baojun 730 occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after refueling. However, prolonged use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles designed for low-octane fuel, using higher-octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increased octane number may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This reduces the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. For vehicles designed for high-octane fuel, using lower-octane gasoline may cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the fuel may ignite prematurely during the compression stroke, creating resistance before the spark plug fires. This resistance makes the engine run very unevenly. Mild knocking may only increase noise without significant engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine issues, affecting driving stability and causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring.

Over the years of driving, I've learned that the fuel cap of the Baojun 730 clearly states that gasoline with an octane rating of 92 or above can be used. I usually fill up with 92-octane, but when driving on highways, switching to 95-octane noticeably reduces engine noise. A mechanic told me both types are fine, but mixing them isn't recommended—it's best to stick with one. Also, a word of caution: don't be tempted by cheap, unofficial fuel. I've seen cases where it damaged fuel injectors, and the repair cost could cover two years' worth of 95-octane fuel. With fuel prices fluctuating, upgrading to 95 only costs a few dozen extra per month—worth considering if you want to treat your car better.

My neighbor's Baojun 730 has run 100,000 kilometers in five years, and he's been using 92-octane fuel without any issues. The manufacturer's calibration is specifically for 92-octane, with an engine compression ratio of just 10.2:1. Using higher-octane fuel can actually lead to incomplete combustion. Last week, I checked the manual, and Baojun officially recommends using 92-octane or higher, with 95-octane mainly improving anti-knock performance. For regular city commuting, there's really no need to use 95-octane unless you frequently drive long distances or carry heavy loads uphill. Don't pay attention to gas station attendants pushing higher-octane fuel—just follow the manual for the most reliable advice.

After delivering goods with a 730 for three years, I've tried three types of fuel: 92 octane is the most economical for daily use; 95 octane provides slightly more stable power when carrying loads or climbing hills; occasionally mixing them didn't cause any issues. Once, during a gas station promotion, I filled up with 98 octane, which made the throttle feel lighter but actually increased fuel consumption. A mechanic told me that the spark plug gap in this car is designed to match the characteristics of 92 octane fuel, and using higher octane fuel actually prolongs the ignition time. He recommended sticking with 92 octane for normal road conditions and temporarily switching to 95 octane for continuous mountain roads. Be cautious as the 92 octane pumps at some gas stations might be contaminated with unofficial fuel, so choosing reputable stations is crucial.

Last month, I helped my cousin pick up the new Baojun 730. The technical manager at the 4S store specifically advised: the 1.5T engine has a compression ratio of 10.2:1, and 92-octane fuel is the most suitable. Although using 95-octane can increase power by a fraction, it costs an extra 6 cents per kilometer. The key is to look at the fuel quality—Sinopec's 92-octane is more reliable than private stations' 95-octane. If the engine knocking sound is noticeable at idle, then consider switching to 95-octane. Don’t be fooled by the claim that 'higher octane is cleaner'—nowadays, 92-octane fuel already contains cleaning agents.

Our fleet of 12 Baojun 730 vehicles has been consistently using 92-octane gasoline for six years, with all engines maintaining normal operating conditions. The primary advantage of 95-octane lies in its higher octane rating, which offers limited benefits for naturally aspirated engines. We conducted tests with both fuel types: under full load with air conditioning on during highway driving, 95-octane saved 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers, but cost calculations still favored 92-octane. Note: New vehicles should use 92-octane as specified in the manual during the first period to allow ECU adaptation—suddenly switching to higher octane may trigger warning lights. For northern owners in winter, using antifreeze gasoline is far more practical than obsessing over octane ratings.


