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Which Fuel is Best for My Mazda?
Fueling your car might seem like a simple task—just pull up to your closest service station and fill your tank. Right?
Well, not exactly. The type of fuel you choose can have a significant impact on your vehicle's performance, fuel economy, and even its long-term health. This is especially true for Mazda owners, as these vehicles come with a variety of engine types and specifications, each with its own fuel needs and recommendations.
Whether you're driving a sporty MX-5 Miata or a family-friendly CX-9, the right fuel can make all the difference in how your car runs today, and how it will perform in the years to come. The aim of this blog is both simple and essential: to assist Mazda owners in making well-informed fuel choices for their vehicles.
Know the RON Numbers for your Mazda
In Australia, RON (Research Octane Number) serves as a key measure for a petrol's octane rating. These numbers can significantly influence various aspects of your vehicle's performance, such as fuel economy, efficiency, and resistance to premature burning, commonly referred to as engine knock.
Here's what you'll commonly find at Australian servos:
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91 RON - Regular Unleaded Petrol (RULP)
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95 RON - Premium Unleaded Petrol (PULP)
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98 RON - Premium Unleaded Petrol (PULP)
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E10 - Regular Unleaded Petrol blended with between 9% and 10% ethanol
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Diesel
Fuel Recommendations for Different Mazda Models
As a reminder for all vehicles, always consult your vehicle's owner manual for the most specific and up-to-date information on fuel types. Additionally, look for a label inside your vehicle's fuel cap that may also provide fuel recommendations.
Below you'll find a model-by-model breakdown of fuel recommendations that will help you make an informed choice.
Mazda 2
For the Mazda 2, either unleaded (91RON or higher) or E10 fuels are suitable options as per manufacturer recommendations.
Mazda 3
Unleaded (91RON or higher) or E10 fuels are standard for the Mazda 3. However, if you own the e-Skyactiv X 2.0 model, go for premium unleaded with 95 RON or higher.
Mazda 6
Standard models of the Mazda 6 can run on unleaded (91RON or higher) or E10 fuels.
Mazda CX-3
Standard models of the Mazda CX-3 can run on unleaded (91RON or higher) or E10 fuels.
Mazda CX-30
Standard models of the Mazda CX-30 require unleaded or E10 with 91 RON or higher.
The e-Skyactiv X 2.0 2.0L I4 petrol AWD should use premium unleaded with 95 RON or higher.
Mazda CX-60
The Mazda CX-60 3.3L In-line 6-cylinder e-Skyactiv G is compatible with unleaded (91RON or higher) or E10. Whereas the 2.5L e-Skyactiv PHEV model should use premium unleaded with 95 RON or higher.
The diesel model (3.3L In-line 6-cylinder e-Skyactiv D) should only use diesel.
Mazda CX-5
For the Mazda CX-5, unleaded or E10 with 91 RON or higher is suitable for all models, except the 2.2L I4 Diesel AWD, which requires diesel.
Mazda CX-8
Petrol models of the Mazda CX-8 can run on unleaded or E10 with 91 RON or higher, while the diesel model, naturally, requires diesel fuel.
Mazda CX-9
Unleaded or E10 fuels with a RON of 91 or higher are recommended for the Mazda CX-9.
Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid
The Mazda MX-30 M Hybrid can run efficiently on unleaded or E10 with a RON of 91 or higher.
Mazda MX-30 Electric
Being an electric vehicle, the Mazda MX-30 Electric doesn't require any unleaded fuel.
Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 3.3L In-line 6-cylinder e-Skyactiv G model requires unleaded with 95 RON or higher, and the e-Skyactiv D model requires diesel.
Mazda MX-5
Premium unleaded with a RON of 95 or higher is recommended to optimise performance for the Mazda MX-5.
Mazda BT-50
As a utility vehicle designed for heavier tasks, the Mazda BT-50 is designed to run on diesel fuel.
The Debate: Premium vs. Regular Petrol
Cost Factor
Premium fuel comes with a higher price tag compared to regular fuel. While some drivers believe the benefits in performance and efficiency justify the cost, others argue that for most Mazda models, especially those that don't require higher octane levels, the expense may not be warranted.
Performance Factor
Premium fuel can offer higher octane levels, which in theory could lead to better engine performance. However, this is generally more relevant for high-performance or turbocharged engines. Most standard Mazda engines are designed to operate efficiently with regular unleaded fuel, and the performance gains from using premium may be marginal.
Longevity
There is an ongoing debate about whether premium fuel can extend the lifespan of an engine. While higher octane fuels can reduce engine knocking and provide smoother combustion, there is limited evidence to suggest that using premium fuel will significantly extend the lifespan of a Mazda engine over using regular fuel.
Maintain Your Mazda's Engine Health
Selecting the appropriate fuel type for your Mazda is crucial both for the health of your engine and for optimal performance. Depending on your specific Mazda model, it's important to ensure that you're using the correct type of fuel and octane rating.
However, fuel choice is just one aspect of maintaining your Mazda's performance. Regular servicing is equally important for keeping your vehicle in peak condition. At Melville Mazda, our team of certified Mazda technicians is prepared to help you maintain your engine at its best and address any potential issues before they become bigger problems. Schedule a Mazda service in Perth today to keep your drive as smooth as possible.