Hello PeopleJust about to order a FL VRS DSG Estate. Has anyone fitted aftermarket 17's to improve the ride? I ask because the roads around Sheffield where I live are a disgrace and I want to improve the ride where I can without upsetting the handling. My theory (might be total crap) is that swapping for 17's will give it a bit more compliance and also a lighter wheel would give better wheel control and be less choppy.

Hello PeopleJust about to order a FL VRS DSG Estate. Has anyone fitted aftermarket 17's to improve the ride? I ask because the roads around Sheffield where I live are a disgrace and I want to improve the ride where I can without upsetting the handling. My theory (might be total crap) is that swapping for 17's will give it a bit more compliance and also a lighter wheel would give better wheel control and be less choppy.

Presume that's going down an inch in wheel diameter? Have noted in road test after road test that larger wheels are described as giving a poorer ride - but is that because smaller wheels also have a higher profile tyre to maintain the rolling diameter and therefore more compliant sidewalls? Just a thought....

The FL vRS has 18" wheels as standard, with 225/40 tyres. The pre-FL vRS originally came with 17" wheels with 225/45 tyres as standard and the 18" wheels as an option.

The general opinion was that the 17" tyres rode better, but it was not that noticeable.

Replacing the shocks with Koni FSDs appears to be a way of improving the ride, and probably cheaper than changing wheels and tyres (unless you sell the originals).

The FL vRS has 18" wheels as standard, with 225/40 tyres. The pre-FL vRS originally came with 17" wheels with 225/45 tyres as standard and the 18" wheels as an option.

The general opinion was that the 17" tyres rode better, but it was not that noticeable.

Replacing the shocks with Koni FSDs appears to be a way of improving the ride, and probably cheaper than changing wheels and tyres (unless you sell the originals).

Basically bigger sidewall, more rubber equals more compliance. They don't look as good though!

Thanks for the replys chaps. I would sell the 18's (any idea what they would be worth?) and fit some lighter wheels. Maybe some compomotive mo's or something. The original wheels look very heavy. Does anyone know who makes them? Is it Ronal or something?

Compomotives are not going to be that much lighter if at all unless you go for magnesium which is not to be recommended on the road as they simply won't last very long. Mags are meant for racing where they get replaced reasonably quickly and don't generally have to deal with potholes very much! I've owned MO's and TH's in the past and both are excellent wheels although the paint wears quickly. You will simply not notice very much if any improvement in ride quality by going down to 17's and certainly not enough to warrant spending the money. Please don't take this the wrong way but If ride quality is really that much of an issue perhaps you should be looking at an alternative vehicle? I have to say that I find the ride quality on my Octy with 18's running 33psi to be pretty good. The facelifts are apparently a bit harder but really we are not talking 1.2 Nova with Jamex springs and shagged shocks here!Fitting 17's will also make an Octy look odd - I've never known a car that can make 18's look so small! They will also be aftermarket and hence disclosable to insurance unless you get Skoda wheels so thats antother consideration.My Octy came with 17's Zeniths and I switched to 18" Zeniths and to be honest, i wish I'd saved the money - they only look slightly better and there is no difference whatsoever in ride, handling or grip. Yes I know its the other way round to what you're proposing but you get the point. As for bigger sidewalls - its only a small aspect ratio change as the width of the tyre is the same so thats why you can't really tell the difference.

Thanks for the input. I'd be interested to know how much the 18" wheel weighs. If it's made by Ronal then its likely to be feckin heavy. I wouldn't have bought the car if I wasn't happy with suffering the ride. Coming out of a Clio 172 on the factory 16's it's something of an improvement

Thanks for the input. I'd be interested to know how much the 18" wheel weighs. If it's made by Ronal then its likely to be feckin heavy. I wouldn't have bought the car if I wasn't happy with suffering the ride. Coming out of a Clio 172 on the factory 16's it's something of an improvement

They are pretty heavy but not excessivly so. I had a set of 17" Fiat wheels on my Punto and they were made by Speedline - weighed a fekin ton!! Seriously you could really feel it. The Compomotives were not that light either. Unless you go for specialist wheels or really crappy nasty things from ebay with no real metal in them the weight isn't a huge issue IMHO.Clio 172 - cool car - one of the best handlers out there........as opposed to the Octy which is only OK compared to the loony hot hatch..........but a darn sight more comfy :-)

I'll really miss the Clio. Will be up for sale soon. Gutted really. It's a total change round at my house. I have an Octavia L & K 1.8 turbo for work that is being replaced by a transit van (well specced with 115bhp, collecting it tomorrow woo hoo) and new vrs estate will replace the clio. I now have a stripped/caged/lsd mk2 escort for fun stuff

I now have a stripped/caged/lsd mk2 escort for fun stuff

Stop it mate I'm getting a woodie!

Thanks for the replys chaps. I would sell the 18's (any idea what they would be worth?) and fit some lighter wheels. Maybe some compomotive mo's or something. The original wheels look very heavy. Does anyone know who makes them? Is it Ronal or something?

O.Z. Racing Ultraleggera wheels are one of the lightest you can buy I believe...

Not sure which part of 'around Sheffield' you habituate. But several times I've driven from Tinsley viaduct via Darnall, Prince of Wales Road,Manor Top, Norton thence to Chesterfield.Roads seem OK and I'm on sports suspension with 17" wheels.

Not sure which part of 'around Sheffield' you habituate. But several times I've driven from Tinsley viaduct via Darnall, Prince of Wales Road,Manor Top, Norton thence to Chesterfield.Roads seem OK and I'm on sports suspension with 17" wheels.

I live in Beauchief. The roads are pretty bad around the whole of the west side of sheffield tbh

Usually in SWMBO Getz when heading that way (easier to park in John Lewis).But I'd definitely say the 17" Pallas wheel/tyre set up gives a comfortable ride on the sports suspension.