Wheel rant

ajf

ajf

ajf

Soldato
Joined
30 Oct 2006
Posts
3,067
Location
Worcestershire, UK
Started looking round at new cars, around Focus size.
Really want something with a nice spec, but why do manufacturers ALWAYS put massive wheels on the higher spec models with elastic bands instead of tyres?!

I want a smooth ride and from previous experience these wheels just ruin it.
It’s extremely frustrating that they assume if you want higher spec you want big wheels, especially on what are supposedly family cars.

The one possible exception so far is the Mini Countryman, but prices make my eyes water!

Anyone else ever managed to get a dealer to swap wheels maybe?
 
My Cupra runs on 19 Inch wheels with 35 profile tyres and it's very compliant over bumps. It does have adaptive dampers which help.

Unfortunately your probably a small minority who don't want big wheels on low profile tyres.
 
18” diamond cut wheels are stupid on our Kia Sportage. The tyres do have a bit of sidewall, but frankly the wheels are just begging to get damaged and are difficult to repair. When they get really ratty I’ll get them sprayed or powder coated rather than re-polished.
 
Big wheels apparently make cars look sportier. Most don't even realise the sidewall forms part of the suspension and this is the reason for the crashy ride many complain about on high end BMW's, Audi's and Mercedes.
 
Not to put too fine a point on it, but you know it is possible to put a decent spec/equipment level into a non-sporty trim of vehicle, yes?

The A3 SE Technik for example comes with 16" wheels with 55 profile tyres, hardly back breaking! Yet it still has all the available options of the other trim levels. Still comes with things like Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, navigation, android auto/carplay, etc Hardly spartan as standard.
 
Renault Scenic; family wagon. 20" wheels as standard!
Vauxhall do the same thing as well. People buy a family car for low running costs. 20" tyres all round ain't cheap!
 
Must admit I've noticed this too as we are starting to think about what might replace the fiesta next year.

Whilst the above is correct r.e specced up lower starting trim level cars being available there aren't loads on the used market which tends to force a higher spec level with larger wheels.

It doesn't even bother me from a comfort point of view, I'm more annoyed about the fact that I'll need to pay a little bit more for tyres :p
 
Yeah i've been annoyed by this, was looking at Mazda 6 estates and all the high spec versions come with 19" alloys which is just stupid for a run of the mill family car.

You could always get the car and buy wheels from a lower spec version as the bigger wheels will always be popular for people to upgrade too, just have to watch out for brake clearance if the higher spec model has bigger brakes.

That's the other thing that annoys me too, for me the only reason to ever go for bigger wheels is because you physically can't fit the size of brake disc behind it that you need. Cars with huge wheels and tiny brakes behind them look retarded.
 
Was looking for a medium sized SUV recently all had huge wheels and low profile tyres but our aim was for something that could cope with our dodgy roads. In the end the Q5 came with 19" wheels but 55 profile tyres it is brilliant for that aspect.
I see F1 is going to 18" wheels from 2020 because most road cars have larger wheels!
Andi.
 
robj20 said:
Our Mondeo comes with 18s, i would have happily chosen 17s, not only for the higher comfort but tyres are loads cheaper.
Click to expand...

When new my 06 Mondeo came with wheel options. The buyer chose 17s over 18s and whilst I like the wheels themselves I've fitted bigger calipers and discs upfront and the word is tight.

But having spent 400 on new tyres just before the brake upgrade I'm not switching wheels just yet.
 
To be honest, there is no point in going bigger than 18" tbh. Unless your cars brakes are too big to fit under them.

Heck, I would be happy with putting 17" alloys on my MPS if they made them for it. Nice taller side wall goes along way.
 
mjt said:
Renault Scenic; family wagon. 20" wheels as standard!
Vauxhall do the same thing as well. People buy a family car for low running costs. 20" tyres all round ain't cheap!
Click to expand...

On the Vauxhall, the car I think you're referring to is the Insignia GSI, which is the top-end 'sporty' version of the Insignia. It comes with 20" wheels as standard, but it is not a family car (and probably represents 0.01% of the volume on Insignia sold). The rest (including the Elite Nav) get 17" or 18" as standard. In fact you cant even upgrade to the 20" unless you spec the top diesel engine.
 
I'm not sure if it's still the case, but the last time I looked, normally there are two strands to the model ranges, "luxury" (SE etc) and the sporty models (Sport, R-Line, GT, MSport etc).

The SE models used to prioritise interior/comfort and the sporty had bigger wheels and body kit.
 
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