I have a 57 reg octavia 1.9 tdi and I want to know what size bigger alloy wheels and tyres I can fit to it to make it look better without having to go down the route of lowering the suspension thanks for all assistance.

16 Inch alloys with 205 / 55 tyres

17 Inch alloys with 225 / 45 tyres

or 18 Inch alloys with 225 / 40 tyres

They will be as near as makes no difference the same size (no speedo inaccuracy) and are all sizes used by Skoda accross the Octavia range.

Don't get the link between bigger wheels and lowering? The overall diameter of wheel plus tyre should be the same regardless of wheel size by virtue of lower profile tyres.

If the car is stock hight, 19s and 20s looks stupid. The low profile make the wheel gap look insane. I say max 18s on a stock car

If your primary aim is to have it looking better, I'd strongly suggest that you fit a set of lowering springs - from Eibach or someone reputable.

This will have a much more positive effect, whilst still using your standard wheels, that putting larger wheels on it and leaving everything else alone.

Suspension first, then wheels

Suspension first, then wheels

Even with an Ambiente on 15"ers? I'm not so sure thats right, a good set of 16" or 17" wheels would improve the look without touching the suspension....

Certainly the worst aspect of non-Scout 4x4s are that the standard 15"ers look awful on it IMHO.

Niall

The OP doesn't state what the standard size of his wheels is, so it's difficult to make a call.

But I'd agree if they're 15s, going upto 16s would work I think. Not sure about the jump to 17 though. Running that size of wheel on standard suspension can give the appearance of a 4x4