Pertamax Turbo Price Increase: List of Cars That Must Use High RON Fuel

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The increase in the price of Pertamax Turbo (RON 98) has led some car owners to consider downgrading their fuel type. However, not all vehicles can do so.

There are specific segments of cars in Indonesia that must use high-octane fuel due to engine specifications and manufacturer recommendations.

Technically, the fuel requirement is not solely determined by the presence of a turbo, but by the engine’s compression ratio and the technology used. The higher the compression, the higher the octane needed to prevent premature combustion (detonation).

Cars That Must Use Pertamax Turbo (RON 98)

The first segment consists of cars with high compression or high performance, whether turbocharged or non-turbocharged. Here is the list:

These cars employ direct injection technology, turbo, or high compression, which creates very high pressure in the combustion chamber. Using low-octane fuel can cause combustion to occur prematurely.

“Superchargers or turbochargers require RON 95 or 98. Direct injection technology requires a minimum of RON 98,” said Tri Yuswidajajanto Zaenuri, Professor at ITB.

Entry-Level Turbo Cars That Are Still Flexible

Interestingly, not all turbo cars require RON 98. Some models in Indonesia can still use RON 92, depending on the engine settings from the manufacturer.

For example:

These cars have relatively lower compression (around 9–10:1), making them tolerant of RON 92 fuel, although optimal performance is still achieved with higher octane.

Why Do Modern Engines Need High RON?

In modern engines, the need for high-octane fuel is inseparable from the technological advancements used. Engines with turbochargers, direct injection systems, and high compression ratios operate under much greater pressure and temperature in the combustion chamber.