More than just a London postcode, E10 is a brand-new grade of petrol which has been developed to help do its bit for the environment. And as such, the government is similarly urging responsible drivers to ‘do theirs’ by jumping on this latest climate change-reversing bandwagon.
Suggesting that if the uptake by British drivers is encouraging, then significant environmental gains will be made. In terms of environmental preservation.
Mostly in the form of reducing CO2 emissions.
But the big question for you and us is this. What is VW & Audi Group Cars’ E10 compatibility?
VW & Audi Group Cars’ E10 Compatibility Brought Into Question
One of the predominant issues right now is that a large percentage of the UK populace actually know very little about E10 fuel.
If anything.
Plus, those that are in the loop might wrongly think that this new grade of ethanol-increased petrol isn’t compatible if they run older vehicles.
On the contrary.
The government has confirmed that in the region of 95% of petrol-powered vehicles WILL be able to take advantage of this new fuel. And improve their eco-credentials in a flick of the petrol pump’s trigger gun. As we all look to play our collective parts in tackling the impact of climate change.
Likelihood Your VW Audi Group Vehicle is E10-friendly
Naturally enough, as Volkswagen and Audi Group vehicle owners, you’ll be concerned with your own car’s compatibility. And primarily, whether or not your make and model of VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat, Bentley or Porsche can reach for the new E10 fuel next time you refill your tank.
In the main the answer is a resounding yes. VW & Audi Group Cars’ E10 compatibility is far-reaching.
Yet there are a few exceptions which we’ve conveniently flagged up below.
Rather than waste time - and several hundred website pages - citing all the VAG vehicles which CAN use E10, we’ve elected to simply highlight those that can’t.
Which are much fewer in number, as you might expect.
While the government flaunts figures of 95%, it’s estimated that the actual number is nearer 92.2%, when it comes to volumes of petrol-engined vehicles in the UK that are compatible with E10. Which makes sense, when considering that all new cars sold here since 2002 have had to be E10-compatible.
It’s More a Case of What VW & Audi Group Cars CAN Run On E10 Petrol, Rather Than The Miniscule Percentage That Can’t
All in all, there are approximately 600,000 specific vehicle models which aren’t compatible to run on E10. Although owners can continue to access E5 super unleaded as they have done previously as this alternative isn’t being phased out anytime soon.
That being said, the Petrol Retailers Association has confirmed that E5 will still be available in 5 years from now, but only in the guise of protection grade in the ‘super’. With 2026 being the year in which everything is reviewed.
For the record, it’s understood that higher ethanol content in E10 petrol could dislodge deposits in older, pre-2002 engines and fuel systems. Culminating in potential blockages. In addition to this experts warn of possible corrosion to some seals, gaskets, metals and plastics.
Anything Else I Might Need to Know About E10 Fuel?
Now you know whether or not your car can run on E10, we’ve answered a few more important questions for you, to give you a little more intel.
What is E10?
Aside from being the postcode which covers the Leyton district of London (expanding to Hackney and Waltham Forest), E10 is a new fuel derivative which comprises up to 10% ethanol. Compared to the 5% typically found in normal unleaded petrol. Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced from the fermentation of a range of plants including sugar cane, wheat, corn, sorghum and barley.
Why Is More Ethanol Good?
It’s very good for the planet. Due to higher levels of ethanol, created by various naturally-occurring plants as aforementioned, ultimately rendering fossil fuels a thing of the past. Fossil fuels being essentially dead dinosaurs. And traditionally our preferred source of petroleum since the Ice Age.
Will It Affect My Car’s Performance?
To the best of our knowledge, E10 neither enhances or disrupts a vehicle’s performance, in terms of acceleration or optimum speed.
Is It Here For Good?
Well, until all cars become electrically-powered, then yes. The government is hoping that E10 becomes the standard fuel grade going forward, with the Department for Transport claiming that if the uptake was strong then CO2 emissions would be slashed by 750,000 tonnes annually. Or the vehicular equivalent of banishing some 350,000 cars off UK roads.
Is It More Expensive Than Normal Four-star Petrol?
Nominally, yes. But we mean, so nominal that you won’t even notice. A recent impact assessment revealed the fuel will cost roughly 0.2p per litre more than existing E5 petrol. Meaning re-fuelling a 50-litre fuel tank would cost the driver a £1 increase over E5.
Will It Be Readily Available At UK Garage Forecourt Pumps And How Will I Tell The Difference At The Pumps?
Forecourts will clearly label pumps as either E10 or E5 and it is hoped drivers will choose the more eco-friendly version. Availability will be UK-wide.
What Happens If I Accidentally Fill My Tank Up With E10 If My Car Is One Of The Non-Compliant Vehicles?
Don’t worry. Unlike if you put petrol in a diesel car or vice versa, nothing catastrophic will result. Experts simply tell you to remember to put super unleaded in next time you top up. Here our friends over at Autocar provide some summarised insights on how E10 might affect some pre-2002 vehicles.
E10 Fuel, And It’s Working Relationship With VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Porsche and Bentley
Much has been discussed/debated/argued/misconstrued with regards to the introduction of E10 fuel. Which kinda sneaked in by stealth at the back end of 2021 and has caused a bit of a furore amongst the driving community ever since it was introduced.
Or a significant percentage of the 31 million vehicles which are currently said to be in circulation here in the UK.
Naturally, as owners of vehicles which comprise the Volkswagen AG brand portfolio, our overriding concerns lie in the realms of Audi’s, Volkswagen’s, Skoda’s, SEAT’s, Bentley’s and Porsche’s.
Also, if we had a pound for every time a customer asked us whether or not their vehicles were safe to run on E10, then we’d possibly be able to retire by now.
Hence this informative blog, which addresses the big question.
Can My Vehicle Run On E10 Fuel? Read On To Find Out
Let’s start in alphabetical order, and therefore with A for Audi. Rather than listing all the Audi models which CAN run on E10 petrol, we’ve decided to compile a roll call of all those Audi’s which CAN’T. So as to save you scrolling indefinitely down this page and losing the will.
For Audi, also read VW, Skoda, SEAT, etc.
Audi Vehicles Which Can’t Run On E10 Fuel
So, ALL Audi’s with the noted exceptions of the following models CAN run on E10:
First generation direct injection engines
Audi A2 1.6 FSi - model years 2003 - 2005
Audi A3 1.6 FSi and 2.0 FSi - model years 2004
Audi A4 2.0 FSi - model years 2003 - 2004
Audi A4 saloon petrol engine models with OEM parking heater - model years 2001 - 2008
Audi A4 Avant petrol engine models with OEM parking heater - model years 2002 - 2008
Bentley Vehicles Which Can't Run On E10 Fuel
NO Bentley’s manufactured prior to 2010 should be filled up with E10 petroleum, whilst the Mulsanne model needs to continue running on E5 fuel irrespective of the model year.
Porsche Vehicles Which Can't Run On E10 Fuel
All Porsche models manufactured since 1998 are safe to run on E10, while the Boxster can use E10 with confidence from the 1997 model year.
The only Porsche which is categorically not advised to use in conjunction with E10 is the Carrera GT.
SEAT Vehicles Which Can't Run On E10 Fuel
SEAT owners definitely get the green light to top up their tanks with E10, with the following exceptions to that generalistic rule of thumb. And specifically those models which came with the first generation FSi engines:
SEAT Toledo 2.0 FSi ‘BLR’ (110kW) - model years September 2004 - November 2004
SEAT Leon 2.0 FSi ‘BLR’ (110kW) - model years July 2005 - November 2005
SEAT Altea 2.0 FSi ‘BLR’ (110kW) - model years May 2004 - November 2005
Skoda Vehicles Which Can't Run On E10 Fuel
Again, it’s only really the older Skoda’s which are ruled out in terms of E10 compliance, as you might expect. Broadly-speaking, E10 poses no problems in in the majority of modern Skoda petrol engines, with the ones to watch out for as follows:
Skoda Felicia 1.3 OHV (40kW and 50kW) - model years 1994 - 2001
Plus, any other Skoda models which facilitate the 1.3 OHV engines produced BEFORE 1994.
Volkswagen Vehicles Which Can't Run On E10 Fuel
A significant percentage of Volkswagen petrol engines have received the all-clear when it comes to E10 compatibility. With the main exception being cars which housed the first generation FSi engines. Models which can’t support E10 fuel within the VW range include:
Volkswagen Bora – 1.6 (81kW) FSi Saloon and Estate - model years October 2001 - September 2005
Volkswagen Golf Mk 4 – 1.6 (81kW) FSi - model years November 2001 - May 2004
Volkswagen Golf Mk 4 Estate – 1.6 (81kW) FSi - model years October 2001 - October 2006
Volkswagen Golf Mk 5 – 1.4 (66kW) FSi - model years November 2003 - November 2004
Volkswagen Golf Mk 5 – 1.6 (85kw) FSi - model years August 2003 - May 2004
Volkswagen Golf Mk 5 – 2.0 (110 kW) FSi - model years made January 2004 - May 2004
Volkswagen Lupo – 1.4 (77kW) FSi - model years August 2001 - November 2003
Volkswagen Polo – 1.4 (63kW) FSi - model years February 2002 - June 2006
Volkswagen Touran – 1.6 (85kW) FSi - model years November 2002 - May 2004
Volkswagen Touran – 2.0 (110kW) FSi - model years October 2003 - May 2004
Lamborghini Vehicles Which Can't Run On E10 Fuel
No information is available about this brand. Please consult your dealer, the manual or the fuel filler flap for relevant information. When in doubt, it is recommended to use E5 petrol.
Bugatti Vehicles Which Can't Run On E10 Fuel
Again, general rule of thumb would be to speak with your Bugatti dealer.
Additional Fuel For Thought….
VW & Audi Group Cars’ E10 compatibility aside. Having worked with the brand-leading portfolio for as long as we have, it’s fair to say we are well versed in all things Volkswagen Audi Group. And should you experience any issues with your car whatsoever, then make us your ‘go to’ people for solutions to your vehicular problems.
Be it servicing, MOT testing, diagnostics, repairs or the installation of a range of after-market security and driving aid devices, here at WCC we perform an exhaustive list of jobs on everything from a VW Up! through to a Bentley Continental GT.
And every vehicle in between.
Contact us today for a quick and easy quote, or to arrange work to be carried out.