Biofuel compatible carsThis list has been created from information provided by members of the Motor Industry Association (MIA) and details car models and their manufacturer recommendations relating to the use of E3 or E10 biofuel.

Important things to note

The list only applies to cars sold brand new in New Zealand. It doesn't relate to any vehicles that have been imported as used cars.

For the vast majority Japanese used imports vehicle manufacturers state that they can safely use ethanol blend fuel up to a 3% maximum (E3). Some later models (2006 onwards) may be suitable for ethanol blend fuel of up to 10%. If your car is fitted with a carburettor then it's highly unlikely to be able to use E3 or E10.

You may also find further information about your car's compatibility with biofuel in the owner's handbook or on the car manufacturer's website.

Please contact your car manufacturer if you are uncertain whether to use biofuel. Read our information on biofuel.

List of New Zealand new cars that can use E3 and E10 biofuel

Motor vehicles sold new in New Zealand only E3 suitable E10 suitable
Brand Model Yes No Yes No
Alfa Romeo all models post 1998 √ X
Aston Martin all models post 2004 √ √
Audi

all models post 1997 except below

 √ √

A3 1.8 (engine code APG {92kW})

 X X
A4 & A6 2.0 (engine code ALT {96kW}) X X
Bentley all models post 1990 √ √
BMW all models pre 1996 √ X
all models post 1996 √ √
Chrysler all models post 1986 √ √
Citroen all models post 1998 √ √
Daihatsu all models except below X X
Charade (post September 2005) √ √
Copen (post January 2006) √ √
Materia (post November 2006) √ √
Terios (post February 2006) √ √
Dodge all models post 1986 √ √
Fiat all models post 1998 √ X
Ford All models post 1986 except below √ √
Capri X X
Courier 2.0L & 2.6L X X
Econovan (pre 2002) X X
Escort X X
F-series (1986-1992) √ X
Festiva X X
Focus (2002-2004) √ X
Ka √ X
Laser 1.3L, 1.5L & 1.6L X X
Mondeo 2.0L & 2.5L (pre-2001) √ X
Sierra X X
Telstar X X
Transit (1996-2004) √ X
GMDaewoo all models X X
Holden all models post 1986 except for below √ √
Barina (1985-1994) X X
Astra SRi 2.2L (post November 2006); 2.2L Twin Top Convertible (post November 2006) √ X
Honda all fuel injected models post 1996 √ √
Hyundai all models post October 2003 √ √
Jaguar all fuel injected models post 1986 95 Octane or higher √ √
Jeep all models post 1986 √ √
Kia all models post 1995 √ √
Lamborghini all models X X
Land Rover all fuel injected models post 1996 95 Octane or higher √ √
Lexus all models √ √
Maserati all models X X
Mazda all models except below X X
MPV post 1999 √ √
Mazda2 post May 2005 √ √
Mazda3 √ √
Mazda6 √ √
RX8 √ √
NC MX-5 √ √
CX-7 √ √
Mercedes Benz all models post 1986 √ √
MG all models X X
Mini (BMW) all models post 2001 √ √
Mitsubishi all models except below √ √
Evo X and GDi engines X X
Nissan all models post 1 January 2004 √ √
Peugeot 205, 404, 405, 504, 505, 605 (except post 07/1997 TU engines) X X
206, 207, 307, 406, 407, 607, 306 (post 07/1997 TU engines) √ √
Porsche all models pre model year 2007 √ X
all models post model year 2007 √ √
Rolls Royce all models post 1990 √ √
Rover all models X X
Renault all models post 2001 √

X

Saab all models post 1986 √ √
Skoda all models post 2006 √ √
Subaru all models post 1990 except below √ √
Legacy RS, GT, GTB, RSK, Blitzen-1990 on
Impreza STI-1997 on, Forester STI		 X X
Suzuki all models except below (providing RON requirements are met) √ √
Alto pre 2000 X X
Baleno X X
Baleno GTX X X
Jimny (SOHC) X X
Super Carry X X
Swift pre 1995 X X
Vitara X X
Wagon R+ pre 2001 X X
Wagon R X X
X-90 X X
Toyota all models post 1991 √ √
Volkswagon all fuel injected models 1997 onwards √ X
all models post 2006 √ √
Volvo all fuel injected models post 1996 95 Octane or higher √ √

The follow table lists motorcycle, all terrain and other vehicle models' suitability to run on E3 and E10 biofuel:

Motocycles, all terrain & other vehicles E3 suitable E10 suitable
Brand Model Yes No Yes No
BMW all models pre 2000 √ X
all models post 2000 √ √
Ducati all models X X
Harley-Davidson all models √ √
Honda all models post 1989 (refer owners' manual for related cautions) √ √
Hyosung all models X X
Polaris all models √ √
Kawasaki some Canadian specification models (details in owners handbook) √ √
all other models X X
Suzuki Road bikes 50cc to 1800cc √ √
ATV wheel bikes X X
Road trail bikes and kids bikes √ √
Motorcross 2 stroke and 4 stroke X X
Yamaha all motorcycles and all Terrain Vehicles X X

Ethanol blended fuel shouldn't be used for marine and aviation purposes, and you should contact manufacturers prior to using ethanol-blended fuel for small machinery such as motor mowers, chainsaws and generators

Please contact your manufacturer if you're uncertain whether to use biofuel

Read more

More information

Our friendly AA Technical Services Helpline can help and advise all motorists on many general problems, including repairs and car buying advice:

  • AA Members enjoy this service for free, call toll free on 0800 500 333
  • Non AA Members can call 0900 58 324 (a flat fee of $7 per call applies)