I am amazed at how sensitive this engine is to different fuels and how noticeable it is when driving. When I was doing mainly short journeys it didn't make a great deal of difference but now I'm doing longer runs it gives you the opportunity to really feel the difference. Until recently I run it almost exclusively on Momentum but had found it a little stuttery at times especially during warm up. It gave me the best economy, even ahead of v-power on the shorter journeys.

I recently tried Sainsburys super (discount voucher) and was staggered at the improvement in smoothness and performance. It seemed to drive so much better I wondered if I imagined the difference. My next tank was Shell fuelsave and what a difference (ok it is 95 vs 98 but I had never felt that much difference in the past) The car was hesitant and never seemed to be in the correct gear (DSG) it was just a pig to drive. When the tank was virtually empty I refilled with Sainsburys super again (good price). As I left the petrol station there is a steady climb and on a steady throttle it seemed I could feel the change of fuel coming through as it seemed to pick up and smooth out - bizarre! I want to try v-power next, which I have avoided so far because of the price and when I have used it in the past didn't give greater economy or an improved drive but as mantioned previously none of them made that much diference when only doing short journeys. The question is are these engines really so sensitive/temperamental?

I am amazed at how sensitive this engine is to different fuels and how noticeable it is when driving. When I was doing mainly short journeys it didn't make a great deal of difference but now I'm doing longer runs it gives you the opportunity to really feel the difference. Until recently I run it almost exclusively on Momentum but had found it a little stuttery at times especially during warm up. It gave me the best economy, even ahead of v-power on the shorter journeys.

I recently tried Sainsburys super (discount voucher) and was staggered at the improvement in smoothness and performance. It seemed to drive so much better I wondered if I imagined the difference. My next tank was Shell fuelsave and what a difference (ok it is 95 vs 98 but I had never felt that much difference in the past) The car was hesitant and never seemed to be in the correct gear (DSG) it was just a pig to drive. When the tank was virtually empty I refilled with Sainsburys super again (good price). As I left the petrol station there is a steady climb and on a steady throttle it seemed I could feel the change of fuel coming through as it seemed to pick up and smooth out - bizarre! I want to try v-power next, which I have avoided so far because of the price and when I have used it in the past didn't give greater economy or an improved drive but as mantioned previously none of them made that much diference when only doing short journeys. The question is are these engines really so sensitive/temperamental?

Interesting I have the same engine but haven't noticed any issues but I've not tried any of the fancier fuels. Your fuelly figure looks a bit low though especially off you are doing longer runs. I should get lower figures than you given thee aerodynamic quality of thee yeti!!! I :-)

I am amazed at how sensitive this engine is to different fuels and how noticeable it is when driving. When I was doing mainly short journeys it didn't make a great deal of difference but now I'm doing longer runs it gives you the opportunity to really feel the difference. Until recently I run it almost exclusively on Momentum but had found it a little stuttery at times especially during warm up. It gave me the best economy, even ahead of v-power on the shorter journeys.

I recently tried Sainsburys super (discount voucher) and was staggered at the improvement in smoothness and performance. It seemed to drive so much better I wondered if I imagined the difference. My next tank was Shell fuelsave and what a difference (ok it is 95 vs 98 but I had never felt that much difference in the past) The car was hesitant and never seemed to be in the correct gear (DSG) it was just a pig to drive. When the tank was virtually empty I refilled with Sainsburys super again (good price). As I left the petrol station there is a steady climb and on a steady throttle it seemed I could feel the change of fuel coming through as it seemed to pick up and smooth out - bizarre! I want to try v-power next, which I have avoided so far because of the price and when I have used it in the past didn't give greater economy or an improved drive but as mantioned previously none of them made that much diference when only doing short journeys. The question is are these engines really so sensitive/temperamental?

I have tried Shell 95, Shell Vpower and for the last 5 tankfulls Tesco 99 all on fairly long run and can't say I have noticed anything differents in any of them in terms of performance smoothness or fuel economy. My engine seems not to care what you put in the tank, I think I could even stick diesel in and I would still run the same, it always feels like something is holding it back and has got the most shocking fuel economy i have ever had in a car of its size and power. I am currently running around in a Octavia Estate 1.8 TSI with only 830 miles on the clock and even that is returning the same mpg as my 1.2 Monte and what an engine that is,so much power and smoothness, time to switch back to a more powerfull Octavia again I think.

Edited 1 November, 201114 yr by Vrs2

The first year of it's life it only run around town so I was typically in the low 30s. Since September the longer runs are consistently giving me an average of ~41. (45-48 on the run to work and the balance around town). My fuelly figure is an average of all the time I've been recording.

Just using bogo Tesco 95 in our Monte 1.2 (105) Not had any fuelling issues and averaging around 42/43. Most of its life is spent pootling around doing journeys of around 10 miles but managed 50+ mpg on a recent long run. Can't see any advantage to using 99 octane in a vehicle such as this.

The first year of it's life it only run around town so I was typically in the low 30s. Since September the longer runs are consistently giving me an average of ~41. (45-48 on the run to work and the balance around town). My fuelly figure is an average of all the time I've been recording.

hmm mine is only 6 weeks or so old but has run around town for most of that and has been managing around 38. It did 48 on the one big run I have done so far. My dad has a 1.2 Fabia and his economy is much better than mine. (Lighter car, more aerodnamic so to be expected really).

Mine has been running on Shell or Morrisons bog standard petrol.

I am amazed at how sensitive this engine is to different fuels and how noticeable it is when driving. When I was doing mainly short journeys it didn't make a great deal of difference but now I'm doing longer runs it gives you the opportunity to really feel the difference. Until recently I run it almost exclusively on Momentum but had found it a little stuttery at times especially during warm up. It gave me the best economy, even ahead of v-power on the shorter journeys.

I recently tried Sainsburys super (discount voucher) and was staggered at the improvement in smoothness and performance. It seemed to drive so much better I wondered if I imagined the difference. My next tank was Shell fuelsave and what a difference (ok it is 95 vs 98 but I had never felt that much difference in the past) The car was hesitant and never seemed to be in the correct gear (DSG) it was just a pig to drive. When the tank was virtually empty I refilled with Sainsburys super again (good price). As I left the petrol station there is a steady climb and on a steady throttle it seemed I could feel the change of fuel coming through as it seemed to pick up and smooth out - bizarre! I want to try v-power next, which I have avoided so far because of the price and when I have used it in the past didn't give greater economy or an improved drive but as mantioned previously none of them made that much diference when only doing short journeys. The question is are these engines really so sensitive/temperamental?

I've had a Roomster 1.2 tsi 105 DSG since May, mixed short journey running 43.8 mpg is just about a constant. 900 miles in France complying to all speed limits 49.7mpg. British motorway outside lane madness gets around 43. Always use cheapest fuel available, thrives on it.

Just got a new Fabia 1.2TSI and was pondering whether to ask about best fuel to use but was wary that this might have been covered many, many times previously and that and no one can give a definitive answer! Interesting post. So, as you have set the ball rolling here's my two-pence worth. Have heard/read/been told the following down the years. (Just a 'snapshot' of the ones that have stuck):

Avoid supermarket fuel at all costs; Tesco 99 octane does not contain as many additives as V-Power/Ultimate; MPG gain of premium fuels is questionable. Read a dyno test some years ago tested V-Power against Ultimate on a 155BHP engine, both produced 161BHP in comparison to standard fuel. More recently; small turbo-engines and engines with 'higher' comp. ratios benefit particularly well from higher octane fuels. Also a quote from a very experienced main dealer mechanic: 'sounds a bit silly but engines seem to get used to their fuels, always try to fill-up with the same' or words to that effect.

As we clock-up only 6,000-7,000 miles p/a the cost premium, especially if there is even a small MPG benefit is not that important and we stack-up the Nectar points as we often get double or triple points at BP too. Many journeys are of less than 5 miles/30mins (work run) so surely the brands containing 'more' additives would be a relevant factor too although I tend to give my cars (when run-in!) a good Italian Road Test at least once a week. Talking of which why do some people with Ferraris, Lambo's etc fill up with Supermarket fuel? All that dosh on a car then they do that. Also even 4%-5% of 300-400+ BHP is a lot!

Local pricing is competitive (relative term) as we have a Morrisons, Sainsburys and BP within a mile of us/each other.

Closing comments: The Sainsburys Super; what octane was it/any special claims? I have read that Sainsbuys is actually BP fuel anyway? At least you have noticed some differences and perhaps that's the only answer. Suck it and see! Too early in my case yet as barely 300 miles on the clock but will monitor as miles build etc

Edited 1 November, 201114 yr by maltozo

Also worth noting, RON is the rating of the fuel in terms of knock resistance, which is achieved with additives. Hence contrary to the image generated by the carefully worded marketing, higher RON = lower specific energy content (because slightly less of it is actually fuel).

My engine seems not to care what you put in the tank, I think I could even stick diesel in and I would still run the same, it always feels like something is holding it back and has got the most shocking fuel economy i have ever had in a car of its size and power. I am currently running around in a Octavia Estate 1.8 TSI with only 830 miles on the clock and even that is returning the same mpg as my 1.2 Monte and what an engine that is,so much power and smoothness, time to switch back to a more powerfull Octavia again I think.

that's odd. I am using the 1.2 to haul around a load more metal than you are yet my impression has been that the 1.2 is very economical. On a run from here to Belfast my 2.0 Octavia used to work out at around 48 mpg, last week I did it in the 1.2 Yeti and it came up just a few mpg short of the 2.0 diesel. Not a totally scientific test but good enough in my book to confirm that the 1.2 is a pretty good performer. The route from here to the ferry has a lot of average speed monitoring cameras so the speed limit was being religiously observed BTW

In summary so far, wildly different experiences with the same engine and different fuels. You can'tcover everyones differing driving style but I think one of the biggest diferences in terms of making differences evident may be the DSG box. In a manual you will compensate for minor differences without noticing and your input is infinitely variable. With the DSG, it responds within parameters so has a set of rules to follow. It picks a gear based on load and pedal position.

For example, at one end of the scale, if a fuel gives a poor response, you apply more throttle. If it then doesn't respond as you would expect you give it yet more throttle (you do this almost without realising). At this point the box calculates that your demand is high enough to kick down, so it does and the car takes off faster than you want. (Not helped by how low the revs go when cruising in D). Result, very jerky progress.

Alternatively a good performing fuel will allow a slight throttle opening to be responded to so you gently accelerate as desired in gear without kick down giving smooth progress.

I also think this isn't so evident in higher power/torque engines mated to this box as the greater power/torque to weight will avoid the low rev struggling.

Your ecu and dsg learns your driving style and also the type of fuel used and adjusts accordingly over time. A sudden change in fuel may well be noticeable at first.

Using Momentum in mine and it's been fine. Really don't know why everyone is so worried about it. I did notice the difference between 95 and 99. Pick up is much better. Tried VPower but most of the places by me it's £1.50 a litre! Compare that to Momentum 99 which is £1.35/litre and it's a no brainer. Feels the same to drive with

Using Momentum in mine and it's been fine. Really don't know why everyone is so worried about it. I did notice the difference between 95 and 99. Pick up is much better. Tried VPower but most of the places by me it's £1.50 a litre! Compare that to Momentum 99 which is £1.35/litre and it's a no brainer. Feels the same to drive with

I ran mine on Momentum for a good while but then it started getting stuttery and hesitant during warm up. Maybe it was a rough batch? FWIW Tesco charges 135.9 for the 95 here

that's odd. I am using the 1.2 to haul around a load more metal than you are yet my impression has been that the 1.2 is very economical. On a run from here to Belfast my 2.0 Octavia used to work out at around 48 mpg, last week I did it in the 1.2 Yeti and it came up just a few mpg short of the 2.0 diesel. Not a totally scientific test but good enough in my book to confirm that the 1.2 is a pretty good performer. The route from here to the ferry has a lot of average speed monitoring cameras so the speed limit was being religiously observed BTW

My experance is not common to this engine so I have been told it's just I've got a knackered engine from new, but I don't think Skoda will do anything about it so I will just be selling it on. I can only manage 39mpg at the very best, my dealer has been very good and have even tried it them selfs and had the same results. These along with the rear tyre issues I had on both my previous Octavia VRS I have had it with Skoda so will be going else where in the future.

In summary so far, wildly different experiences with the same engine and different fuels. You can'tcover everyones differing driving style but I think one of the biggest diferences in terms of making differences evident may be the DSG box. In a manual you will compensate for minor differences without noticing and your input is infinitely variable. With the DSG, it responds within parameters so has a set of rules to follow. It picks a gear based on load and pedal position.

For example, at one end of the scale, if a fuel gives a poor response, you apply more throttle. If it then doesn't respond as you would expect you give it yet more throttle (you do this almost without realising). At this point the box calculates that your demand is high enough to kick down, so it does and the car takes off faster than you want. (Not helped by how low the revs go when cruising in D). Result, very jerky progress.

Alternatively a good performing fuel will allow a slight throttle opening to be responded to so you gently accelerate as desired in gear without kick down giving smooth progress.

I also think this isn't so evident in higher power/torque engines mated to this box as the greater power/torque to weight will avoid the low rev struggling.

Yes I was thinking exactly the same, also as another brief post mentions; engine management slowly takes care of variations and self-adjusts/adapts call it what you like to same. As a whole I also think it is not a good idea to be constantly 'chopping and changing' between brands if one can help it. Will keep an eye on mine as mileage builds. Will use BP Ultimate as most forecourts around my area are either BP or supermarket, the likes of Shell, Texaco, Esso all but vanished in last few years.

My experance is not common to this engine so I have been told it's just I've got a knackered engine from new...I can only manage 39mpg at the very best, my dealer has been very good and have even tried it them selfs and had the same results.

Out of interest, have they done a basic emissions test on the vehicle? It just occured to me that a faulty oxygen sensor could cause a rich mixture and hence poor consumption (which would be obvious from an MOT type emissions test).

Edited 2 November, 201114 yr by pearce_jj

Out of interest, have they done a basic emissions test on the vehicle? It just occured to me that a faulty oxygen sensor could cause a rich mixture and hence poor consumption (which would be obvious from an MOT type emissions test).

I don't know what's been checked so far other than an ECU update but it will be going back in soon for some more thorough tests on the EGR valve and things like fuel pressure and so on. This is in the hands of Skoda customer service now so it will be interesting is see how helpful they are going to be on this problem, it seems that manufactures normally dont't see a poor performing engine as not a fault, more a well thats stuff luck. It would be interesting to see what they would say if your car was supposed to do a top speed of 150mph but it would only do 100mph, would that also be tuff luck? I see it more like trades discription than tuff luck!!

P.S My dealer has been superb about it as usual, time will tell if Skoda UK will be the same.

I am amazed at how sensitive this engine is to different fuels and how noticeable it is when driving. When I was doing mainly short journeys it didn't make a great deal of difference but now I'm doing longer runs it gives you the opportunity to really feel the difference. Until recently I run it almost exclusively on Momentum but had found it a little stuttery at times especially during warm up. It gave me the best economy, even ahead of v-power on the shorter journeys.

I recently tried Sainsburys super (discount voucher) and was staggered at the improvement in smoothness and performance. It seemed to drive so much better I wondered if I imagined the difference. My next tank was Shell fuelsave and what a difference (ok it is 95 vs 98 but I had never felt that much difference in the past) The car was hesitant and never seemed to be in the correct gear (DSG) it was just a pig to drive. When the tank was virtually empty I refilled with Sainsburys super again (good price). As I left the petrol station there is a steady climb and on a steady throttle it seemed I could feel the change of fuel coming through as it seemed to pick up and smooth out - bizarre! I want to try v-power next, which I have avoided so far because of the price and when I have used it in the past didn't give greater economy or an improved drive but as mantioned previously none of them made that much diference when only doing short journeys. The question is are these engines really so sensitive/temperamental?

Hi FB, haven't you got a tuning box plugged in to your engine? I'm seem to remember a post a few weeks back. Perhaps that's why your is more susceptible to different fuels I use mostly Tesco 99 and it seems fine on that averaging around 37 mpg which is mostly local urban driving. On a longer trip I can get mid 40's. I'll have to try the better Sainburys jollop next time I'm passing one.

Regards, Pete

Running Tesco Momentum99 in my Monte 105TSi.

TBH, I have to push on quite hard to get below 40mpg on any journey over about 10miles. 16 mile journey to work is circa-48mpg everyday. Over a full tank it shows 42-45 as I'm partially to a bit of fun on the way home most nights! 160mile journey up to Stoke-on-Trent, 110mile if which was motorway on cruise at 60mph, with the bike rack on the back returned 53.5mpg.

Are people with poor mpg just going off the maxi-dot or full tank tests? Mine takes about 10-15mins to get over 35mpg in a morning as it averages out, gradually getting higher and higher to about 48 by the time I get to work

Hi FB, haven't you got a tuning box plugged in to your engine? I'm seem to remember a post a few weeks back. Perhaps that's why your is more susceptible to different fuels I use mostly Tesco 99 and it seems fine on that averaging around 37 mpg which is mostly local urban driving. On a longer trip I can get mid 40's. I'll have to try the better Sainburys jollop next time I'm passing one.

I have, but the problems described existed before the tuning box. Maybe it amplifies the issues a touch but tbh it behaves exactly the same on momentum 99 before and after. I stand by saying that the Sainsburys fuel (BP? They are certainly linked in some way as they both do Nectar points) is significantly smoother to drive than any other fuel so far.

As well as fuel type you need to consider roads and traffic. I suspect someone driving in the middle of London will get very different mpg figures from someone in Norfolk regardless of fuel type, just as sitting in a traffic jam on the M4 will give very different figures to driving up and down hills in the Lake District.

One way to do an comparison would be to have a Briskoda meet where people with the same spec cars filled up with different fuel and went on the same run. Then do the same run with different drivers in different cars and see how much driving style influences the figures.

Edited 3 November, 201114 yr by hertsnminds

My Fabia struggled to exceed 36mpg and it was a manual. Ended up returning it after this and another issue were never sorted and the dealership made me feeling like I was lying about thi issues I was having.