Fuel - diesel / petrol - RON - Aus / Euro???

[seadog]

I am now trying to decide on whether to place an order for a 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI or (even) R32. Now, doing my homework carefully obviously the TDI version has much better fuel efficiency than the TFSI - BUT - both TFSI and R32 motors are stated in Australian VW specs to run on 98 RON fuel. In the UK VW state that both motors should run on 95 RON fuel, which is much more readily available here. In fact in many servos in Brisbane it's cheaper than 91 RON!

VW UK state..."Thanks to the knock control, unleaded four star (at least 95 RON can be used instead of unleaded Super plus. In order to achieve maximum fuel consumption benefits on the FSI engine, Ultra Low Sulphur Petrol (ULSP) must be used."

So why do VW insist on 98 RON here?

I am trying to work out the TCO (total cost of ownership) difference between all three engines, given the varying fuel consumption and wide price variations of diesel, PULP and 98 RON PULP. Anyone running these motors on 95 RON?

[syncro]

If the knock sensor is working, (95 RON) your car is not running efficiently and you will use more fuel. The knock sensor is a safety device to protect your engine.

[gldgti]

i dont know about your specific question, but i'd say that your diesel golf will last a lot longer than your petrol one, and will be more consistently efficient, where the petrol would not be, making lifetime fuel consumption less.

if you keep your cars for a long time, get the diesel. if your going to sell it in 3 years, do whatever guess.... .but remember, its better for the environment to buy 2nd hand cars and/or keep your car for a long (>>10 years) time.

[seadog]

Yes I understand how a knock sensor works. The point is that VW Europe say these engines are designed to work on 95 ROn fuel, which is the published specified fuel, but in Australia 98 RON.

Why?

[blur32]

Yes I understand how a knock sensor works. The point is that VW Europe say these engines are designed to work on 95 ROn fuel, which is the published specified fuel, but in Australia 98 RON.

Why?

Why? Because Aust fuel standards are so crappy. Our fuel is dirtier than UK?Europe and until distributers clean up their act, only 98RON is clean enough.

And if want to save fuel, don't buy an R32...i am getting around 15 to 17ltrs per 100k's (admitedly driven hard)

[BlackVr6ix]

I was under the impression at least in the v6 passat that you can run 95, but you loose some of your torques.

**Edit** had dads V6 passat for the week and it's done 11.5l/100k. pretty good considering my driving style.

[rayray086]

So hang on - 98 unleaded here in Australia is basically 95 unleaded in Europe?

[aprr32]

Who cares about economy, I buy a VW to drive and enjoy to it's maximum potential- thats what good cars are all about. If there is some economy then that a bonus!

[Golf Loon]

So hang on - 98 unleaded here in Australia is basically 95 unleaded in Europe?

Yup. We get third world standard fuel here and lots of european cars are downtuned to cope with it.

I only run 98 on all my cars. Even the T4 gets it.

Thats why Aussie fuel is cheaper, cos its ****e.

[rayray086]

Blergh, that's pretty lame.