One thing I'm liking about the Falkens is the Sweeney-esque tyre squeal in fast corners - a much better indicator of impending loss of grip than any of my previous tyres! Not that I go out intending to get the tyres squealing or anything...

i've just been looking online for tyres.

Camskill have Goodyear Eagle F1's for £76

and Blackcircles have Yokohama S306's for £61.41

been quite impressed with the Yoko's, lasted me about 8 months which i cant complain about as they do get abused although the Goodyears come highly recommended so might spend the extra on a pair of those instead.

Nick, I just ordered 2 Toyo T1-R's from camskill, 215x40x16, they cost £107 for the 2. Getting them fitted at the weekend along with cupra console bushes and new dogbone mount, will let you know whether they feel any different to the proper size tyres as my current tyres are Toyo T1-R's but 205x45x16.

Adam, thanks mate i have just ordered the 205/45's from camskill dont think im going to risk wider! they may end up cathing on my arches! the car is bloody low now! But let me know what there light! Be interesting to see if i could get away with fitting them! save me a few pounds in the future.

Would also be interesting to know what effect wider tyres have on fuel consumption. If it goes up at all, that could well negate any savings in the purchase price.

Of course, there may be other reasons (increased grip?) to fit them

new tyres now fitted, they feel no different to the correct width tyres really. fit the rims fine, not much more i can really say as i've only literally got them fitted and then driven home in the wet.