What grade of gasoline should a 1.4T Sagitar use?
2 Answers
1.4T Sagitar should use 95-octane gasoline to prevent engine knocking. Generally, turbocharged engines require at least 95-octane gasoline to avoid knocking. Turbocharged engines operate with higher temperatures and pressures in the cylinders, making them prone to knocking if lower-octane gasoline is used. The Sagitar is a joint-venture A+ class sedan under FAW-Volkswagen, originally derived from the fifth-generation Volkswagen Jetta in Germany, positioned as a "German high-performance sedan". In terms of body dimensions, the Sagitar measures 4753mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1462mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2731mm.
My Sagitar 1.4T has been running for three years, and there's a recommended label for 95-octane fuel inside the fuel filler cap. The technical director at the 4S店 once confided in me that Volkswagen's EA211 engine has a high compression ratio, and the cylinder pressure is even greater when the turbo is working. Although the manual states that 92-octane can be used in a pinch, long-term use of lower-octane fuel can easily cause knocking, and you can hear a rattling sound during acceleration. Especially when climbing hills with the AC on in summer, the throttle response with 95-octane is noticeably quicker by half a beat. Old Zhang, the gas station attendant, reminded me that their two major oil companies offer a discount of 0.8 yuan per liter on 95-octane during Wednesday member days, making the price difference with 92-octane not that significant. Oh, and don’t be tempted by the low prices at private gas stations—last time I filled up with 95-octane at a small station, the engine light came on yellow immediately, and the diagnosis showed the octane rating didn’t meet standards.
