[Jeph]

Yes it will run on less. I wouldn't do it -but that's just me. Mine's not a daily driver. Boxsters have been known to throw check engine lights if less than optimum gas is used. So I don't put anything less than 93 octane in mine.

My cousin has an '08 Jetta that recommends premium. He only fills that up with premium about every 4th tank. Says it's doing fine. (Got it in January new and has already racked up 14,000 miles on it!)