
For the Volkswagen Golf 7, the naturally aspirated engine uses 92 octane fuel, while the turbocharged engine uses 95 octane fuel. The type of fuel a car should use is related to the engine's compression ratio. Of course, naturally aspirated engines can also use 95 octane or higher gasoline, which is beneficial for engine performance and exhaust emissions. Gasoline octane rating: The gasoline octane rating is the ratio of the actual gasoline's anti-knock performance to that of standard gasoline. The higher the octane number, the stronger the anti-knock performance. Standard gasoline is composed of isooctane and n-heptane; the appropriate gasoline octane rating should be selected based on the engine's compression ratio. 95 octane gasoline: It consists of 95% isooctane and 3% n-heptane. High-octane gasoline should be used when the engine has a high compression ratio. If low-octane gasoline is used in a high-compression engine, it can cause abnormal combustion, leading to knocking, increased fuel consumption, and reduced driving power.

I've been driving my Golf 7 for nearly five years and always insisted on using 95-octane gasoline. The engine of this car is finely tuned, specifically designed for high-grade fuel. 95-octane fuel burns more completely, provides quicker power response, and delivers exceptionally smooth acceleration. If you try to save money by using 92-octane, you might cut costs in the short term, but over time, the engine is prone to carbon buildup and even knocking sounds, which can affect the car's lifespan. I once tried 92-octane and felt the car shaking during acceleration—switching back immediately restored normal performance. The manual clearly recommends 95-octane, especially for long highway trips, to avoid breakdowns and repair hassles. Regular maintenance is also crucial; periodic checks of the fuel system ensure clean fuel and more economical fuel consumption.

As someone who pursues driving pleasure, I'm very particular about the handling of the Golf 7, so I absolutely recommend using 95-octane gasoline. Higher-grade fuel prevents engine knocking, produces purer engine sounds during acceleration, and delivers strong acceleration force. This is especially noticeable when climbing mountain roads or speeding on highways - 95-octane fuel ensures higher combustion efficiency and smoother power delivery without hesitation. Compared to 92-octane fuel which performs noticeably worse (sometimes causing throttle response lag), I suggest consistently using 95-octane fuel along with proper maintenance. Regularly cleaning the fuel injectors will keep your car performing like new, ensuring a driving experience as smooth as floating clouds.

To save money, I did the math on fuel costs for my Golf 7. The 95-octane gasoline is the standard recommendation, and using it is the most cost-effective option. Although it's slightly more expensive per liter than 92-octane, it burns more efficiently, resulting in lower fuel consumption. I tried using 92-octane for a month and ended up burning 0.3 liters more per 100 kilometers, effectively canceling out the price difference. In the long run, the engine will have fewer issues, saving on repair costs. Don’t compromise by using lower-grade fuel just to save a few bucks—it can lead to carbon buildup and end up costing you more in the long term.


