Alternative fuels have become a centre of attraction these days due to its capability of reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and harm to the environment. Alcohol such as ethanol is considered as a clean and alternative fuel for SI engines when it is used in blends with gasoline in different fractions to increase oxygen content. In this experimental investigation, ethanol obtained from sugarcane waste was used in fuels prepared by blending it in increasing ratios (5, 10, 15 and 20 vol.%) with oxygen free gasoline. These ethanol/gasoline blended fuels were used to assess the combustion and emission characteristics of a VCR SI engine. Constant speed of 1300 rpm was maintained during the whole experimentation and the compression ratios were varied as 6, 7 and 9 respectively. Results showed that the ethanol - gasoline blends with 20 vol.% presented the highest volumetric efficiency, torque and brake power, whereas, the ethanol - gasoline blends of 5 vol.% presented the lowest volumetric efficiency, torque and brake power among other blends. Gasoline on the other hand showed the lowest volumetric efficiency, torque and brake power among all the test fuels. Also, the CO and UHC emissions were significantly reduced with the increase of ethanol content in the fuel blends, which indicates an efficient combustion. The impacts of compression ratios on the engine were also observed. The lowest values of CO and UHC emissions were observed at the compression ratio of 6 and with E20 blends. Ethanol – gasoline blends comprising 20 vol.% ethanol and 80 vol.% gasoline provided a better performance among all the blends used for the experimentation.