Theyll run, but they don't run super well on 87. Jerky acceleration and missing power, just like the first gen 1.4.Before jumping to premium, give mid-grade a shot first. You may discover it provides sufficient improvement to cover the extra pump cost that you don't need to go to premium. The current generation of the GM Ecotec engines was designed from the ground up for 87 octane.
Probably fine on 87 without the turbo or high load at low RPM the Cruze prefers to run in. Most naturally aspirated DI engines are above 12:1 these days. Not having to worry about the fuel preigniting since it isn't even in the cylinder until the top of the compression stroke allows that high compression ratio on 87.Makes me wonder if I should try mid-grade or premium in my Volt on my next road trip. It's the same generation engine as the Gen 2 Cruze.
Just curious - what is the impact of the Volt on your monthly power bill ($)? We have electric heat and our power bill is stupid high.I have a Volt specifically because of the road trip recharge issues with a BEV (no gas engine). I absolutely agree stopping for gas on a road trip serves to refuel the car as well as give me a short break to stretch.
As for the liberation from fuel stops, for my daily driving I'll go weeks without stopping for gas. I invariably take longer trips that take me out of EV range so I do have to stop for gas more frequently that I would if I never took those trips. The Volt can go 360 days between gas stops. It takes me a few seconds to plug and unplug my car at home and the car charges while I sleep or do other things.
