Your questions answered: Can I run my performance car on a lower-octane fuel?

There was a time when running a lower-octane fuel in the engine of your car could do some damage.

Run standard petrol in a car tuned for super and you could count on the subtle sound of uncontrolled detonation accompanying you on your journey. This sound was labelled knocking or ‘pinging’.

These days, with modern fuel-injection systems and clever engine management systems, the likelihood of an engine failure is reduced considerably, but car companies still recommend you buy the petrol the car was designed to burn.

So that means 98 RON if you own a Ferrari and 95 RON if you own a Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Car companies recommend fuels of a higher-octane rating (RON, or Research Octane Number) for cars that are designed to perform – to accelerate to 100km/h from a standing start in six seconds or less.

Many unassuming runabouts – low-priced hatchbacks or small SUVs – will comfortably run on 91 RON petrol, provided that’s what the manufacturer specifies.

It’s not unknown for motorists to reach service stations, only to discover that there are no premium ULP (95 or 98 RON) bowsers on the forecourt. If you’re out in the boondocks and the fuel gauge warning light is illuminated, you probably don’t have any choice in the matter. It’s 91 RON, or walk….

One tank of low-grade fuel on a rare occasion is unlikely to cause damage in normal driving (that is, not towing, racing or similar extremes), but running your expensive sports car on 91 RON ULP on a regular basis will likely have potentially expensive consequences.

Question:

Answer: Cutting corners is not a good idea for any performance car, especially when you’re spending that much money to purchase the car and then trying to skimp at the bowser. The official line from BMW Australia is this: “Our vehicle powertrains are calibrated to operate at a specific octane level in order to deliver stated power figures while meeting rated emission figures. Running the vehicle at a lower octane level could result in a power output reduction and a slight increase in the vehicle’s overall emissions. Therefore, we recommend that the customer runs the vehicle at the recommended 98 RON.”

Question:

Answer: It’s over to Porsche Australia, which gives the complete picture from spokesman Chris Jordan: “The new Macan (Macan III) is available to order now, with deliveries commencing from October 23, 2021. Unfortunately, due to the global chip issue and very high demand, there will likely be a wait until delivery. Any order placed now will be for a ‘build slot’ in 2022. You should speak to the local Porsche Centre as the ETA depends on many things, including what options might be selected. Dealers are best equipped to assist and may even have a previously-ordered ‘stock’ car that suits Terry’s preference, which would cut down the wait time. The other option to throw into the mix is that a Porsche Centre may have a small number of Macan II still available – in which case the wait time could be considerably less.”

Question: I have heard recent praise of MG, but which model was it or do you think all of them have improved? I am a pensioner and will be doing about 5000km a year. Having never owned a new car, at 68, I figure it should outlast me. I am presently driving a 2009 Volkswagen Golf Wagon; it has had the timing chain, dual clutches replaced and the engine rebuilt due to failed number-one cylinder, all at VW’s cost – couldn’t ask for more. But I think it’s time to replace before another major happens and they won’t cover the cost. – Bill B

Answer: Some MG models are okay, but definitely not stars, and the MG ZST is the only one to recommend if you are not buying purely on price. If you’re only doing short hauls and you want to go for a real price-fighter, then look at the Kia Picanto as a new car with a long warranty for less than $20,000.

Question:

Answer: Subaru made the decision to stop importing the Liberty last year. Subaru Australia says: “Liberty is no longer part of our model line-up. Customer preferences have moved on to other vehicles in our range. For those customers still seeking a Subaru sedan, we remind them that current-generation Impreza closely mimics the physical size of third-generation Liberty sedan.” From our point of view, Libertys have always attracted good resale value on the back of strong demand from used buyers. That’s unlikely to change any time soon.

Question: Is it possible to have a reverse camera to be wired into the dashboard screen of a Hyundai MD3 SE auto Elantra? I was considering selling it but it has very low mileage and feels comfortable, roomy, and in excellent condition. To replace it I don’t think I could get a good enough trade-in price just for that add-on, or buy a car/SUV for similar low cost just to get that feature. I would like to add that a friend, who has a top-of-the-range convertible Mercedes, was most surprised at the quality and ride of my car. Sometimes I think people just go for status. – Diane Q 

Answer: You can buy an aftermarket reversing camera through one of the parts and accessories retailers, but they typically display in the mirror, rather than through the in-dash infotainment screen. There’s further bad news from Hyundai Australia: “The MD was the 2010-2015 Elantra, which is basically three generations old now so unlikely to be backward compatible to accept a reversing camera. On Elantra and i30 Sedan the reversing camera became standard from 2016 onwards and a reversing camera is now standard across our entire Hyundai range of vehicles.”

Question:

Answer: An SUV is likely to work better for you with easier access in coming years – which would rule out the Golf 8. There are some great SUV choices, although you don’t need to go as large as a Tiguan or spend as much as $50,000. Test drive the Skoda Karoq and Kamiq, from the Volkswagen family and better value, as well as the Kia Seltos . These should give you the things you like about the HR-V but with more safety and comfort.

Question:

Answer: My clear preference is the Kia Stonic and it gets The Tick. It’s a ripper little thing and will be great for you.

Question:

Answer: There have been zero reports of problems with the Kia-Hyundai DCT gearboxes. The dual-clutch transmission’s poor history is due to major dramas, well in the past, with Volkswagen and Ford vehicles. The Kia Sorento is a great choice but be aware you may have to wait for some time as they are in back order.

Question:

Answer: Two locations are virtually universal across all makes and models because of the way the ISOFIX mounts are fitted to the car’s chassis structure. You will not find any pick-up with more than two.

Question: I’m looking for a car for my mum who is driving an oldish Toyota Corolla. My opinion is she drives too fast, so safety is high on the list. My old man wants to buy her something new. They have no idea but they seem to be jumping between a Toyota RAV4 and some Chinese brand. Can you please provide me two options? – Wayne H

Answer: If she is coming from a Corolla, the obvious affordable choices are the Kia Cerato and Hyundai i30, both with Australian suspension tuning for good driving safety. If she is getting on a bit and would appreciate an SUV, then have a look at some of the recommendations in our answers to other readers above. Also check out carsales’ Best Small SUV and Best Mid-Size SUV mega-tests.

Got a question but don’t know where to find the information you need? Email us at editor@carsales.com.au 

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