In reading the comments, The way Europe computes Octane is different from the US. 95 in the article is equivalent to 91 in the US.
They make the case that it could be done for less money but, I doubt that. I would like a simpler car instead of variable timing computerized cash hogs.
Modern engine management means we’re always going to have variable timing going forward, especially with equally modern emissions requirements. This is not a bad thing. Simpler isn’t always better.