the higher the octane, the lower the combustion temperature, which is why higher compression (petrol) engines require high octane fuel to avoid pre ignition (pinking). The 1.4 100bhp engine pinks like hell if you put 95 in, or even tosco 99 (allegedly), even with premium brand 98 I get the occasional pinking even the though the engine is sound and all checks out on vag com, but that's the price you pay for squeezing 100bhp out of a 1.4. In theory putting 98 in an engine that requires 95 will give less performance, not more.

My 100 bhp 1.4 doesn't pink with Tesco's finest 95 RON unleaded.

The knock sensor should retard the ignition before you get much in the way of pinking.

I checked my fuel cap and it says RON 95 so will just stick to normal petrol but stay away from Supermarket stuff.

Why?

As many previous threads have discussed, it's all the same anyway.

My 100 bhp 1.4 doesn't pink with Tesco's finest 95 RON unleaded.

The knock sensor should retard the ignition before you get much in the way of pinking.

may be a silly question, but are you sure? I was convinced mine didn't pink until I drove close to a wall with the window open, pinking was just audible at 2500-3000 revs under load. There is no way that you can hear it inside the car, even if SWMBO keeps her trap shut:D knock sensor is good on vag com

I'll have a listen, but I don't think it pinks.

I've had good results with BP Ultimate, it's barely noticable in a std car, but I felt quite a difference in a remapped Fabia.

The smoking is much less too.

Since I'm saving shed loads due to the excellent economy, I don't mind putting a few quid back in for better fuel.

Andy.

I've filled up with BP Ultimate, Shell VPower Diesel, and anything else going, plus slapped dielectric grease on my connections for my MAF sensor....still smokes when you put your foot down...always has...and always will I suspect.

Fuel economy, for some strange reason, seems more related to my foot, rather than the fuel.

Pete

Have read and participated in at least 15 threads about "premium" fuel on this and other forums it comes as no suprise that none of them have ever concluded either way.

Hmmmmmm.