Volkswagen Tiguan

[hpkeeper]

I'm looking at a Tiguan, and I've been looking a lot at foreign SUV's and they all seem to have the common statement:

"Premium fuel recommended for maximum performance"

Examples:

Nissan Murano
Nissan Rogue (mid-grade)
Volkswagen Toureg
Volkswagen Tiguan
Nissan Altima
Nissan 350Z

but is it really all that necessary? and what is the difference between "maximum performance" and "minimum performance?" is it going to land me at the mechanic more often or something? or am I going to get short changed on MPG? or all of the above? What is actually entailed here?

I don't understand the math involved here and if premium is actually necessary. I'm sure every car would have "maximum performance" if we all had premium in our tanks rather than just regular unleaded.

Anyone got any inside info on their experience and necessity to a particular fuel grade?

 

[Howard]

MPG and power, mostly.

 

[DeviousTrap]

It depends on the engine, but in some cases it does make a difference. You're actually a tad wrong on assuming that every car will run better if it was filled up with premium. There's a really long thread on it if you search this forum.

As far as those specific example, it matters more in high compression or turbocharged engines. Those engines require gas that can handle that increased compression before igniting. I know that the Tiguan uses a 2 liter w/ a tubo, and most reports say that the engine runs significantly better on premium than regular. I'm sure something that has experience with the Nissan VQ that's in the Murano, Altima, and 350z can comment about its needs. Overall, it's only an extra couple of dollars per fillup and I wouldn't disqualify cars because of a requirement for premium.

 

[Throckmorton]

If it says that, you will probably get better gas mileage with the 93 octane. Remember, 93 octane is only 5% more expensive than 87 octane, so if you get 5% better gas mileage you've broken even and the engine is happier because it doesn't have to do all kinds of cacameme timing advancement to prevent detonation.

 

[dud]

They give you the option ... and that's a good thing. Many "luxury" car today do not ... my Lexus is supposed to take ONLY premium (ouch).

 

[rdp6]

I have a Passat with the 2.0T and six-speed manual gearbox. I normally use 93 from BP (it is in a really convenient location for me with lowest prices around). With this, I get 33mpg normally (get to highway speed briskly, then drive at 65-80 mph on hilly highways. I've seen very close to 40mpg if I am following other cars. If I am flogging it from stop sign to stop sign out in farmland, I get about 27mpg. With 87 octane, I get a somewhat slower car and around 27mpg with my normal highway routine. The gas cap specifies 95 RON, or 91 AKI (US Standard) octane. I can't find 91 here, only 87, 89, and 92/93. 92 costs the same as 93 at a nearby gas station wherever there it is offered. I have not tried 94 or higher: it is a family car, not a racer. But it makes me smile.

Like someone else pointed out, the premium gas is not all that more expensive, maybe $3 overall when I fill up. That is cheaper than some peoples daily coffee habits, and well worth the performance. I love my Passat, and don't regret the premium gas and VAG-approved synthetic oil requirement.

Really, if paying for premium gas upsets you, I'd recommend getting a car that specifies 87 octane.

edit: I live at low altitude, near the Lake Erie. Those in higher altitudes may get similar performance with lower octane ratings.