Stumped by Crossword Clue: High-Octane Alternative? Crack It Here!

As a detective solving the mystery of the crossword clue ‘Alternative to high-octane,’ I embarked on a mental exploration to unravel the hidden solution. My investigation commenced by dissecting the clues at hand. “Alternative” suggested the existence of different options, indicating the presence of choices. Parallelly, “high-octane” evoked the realm of fuel, conjuring up images of powerful and energy-rich substances.
Pondering these clues, I drew on my knowledge of fuel varieties and quickly identified the association between octane and gasoline, where high-octane fuel delivers superior performance in vehicles. Consequently, the missing puzzle piece began to emerge: an alternative to high-octane fuel.
My detective instincts sharpened, I delved deeper into the possibilities. My mental canvas bore myriad fuel thoughts – unleaded, diesel, and hybrid, among others – each challenging the equation. But a ray of clarity pierced through the fog of complexity, casting new light on the investigation. Regular! The word reverberated through my mind, reminding me of the conventional fuel option found at gas stations across the country. Regular gasoline, often denoted by the numerical grade “87,” provided me with the final piece of the puzzle. With newfound certainty, I noted down the answer ‘REGULAR,’ symbolizing the alternative to high-octane fuel, and the mystery stood unraveled at last.