decidedly happy after 44k with the 17" tyres/rims/wheels/brain.

I have always suspected that there's a bit of Emperor's New Clothes about the desire for the 16" tyres.

I also have great faith in Skoda and their design team in producing a car that is fir for purpose, without any Briskoda Member professing to know better [after all the testing and development that they do with new cars these days.]

Be happy. 17" works.

40k miles and quite happy with 17".

Wider tyres on 17" (225) so better roadholding but 16" probably slightly better off road and cheaper to replace.

Haven't experienced any jiggling, (but I lead a sheltered life!)

Goes without saying which camp I'm with however I base my choice not on a whim but pure ownership experiance.

First Yeti was an early SE 140 4x4 running on 17" W rated Goodyear tyres, which I discovered almost immediately did not like cold frosty weather and after loosing control in heavy snow and sliding down a hill, I bought my first set of winter tyres. With little to go on regard what to choose I followed the handbook and fitted 16" steel rims and 205/55 winter tyres. At that time the Yeti had only just covered 1k, therefore most of my early driving experience was based on operating a Yeti GreenLine.

Back to the 17" in the spring and I was surprised how much the ride deteriorated and for the first time I noted this jigglyness from the back, that some journos were reporting in the early reviews. Also noted how the tyres crashed and skipped over pot holes and broken road surfaces. Not all bad news though the road holding in a quick sweeping bend felt more secure due to the reduced tyre sidewall hight of the 17" but that was the only positive I could feel about them.

Fast forward and after getting fed up with the loose dash in the first Yeti, I sold it to Allams for a good price and ordered a new Yeti Elegance but with Anna alloys (not keen on the Spitzburg design). However I could not settle with the idea of those 17" tyres again, so after doing a bit of research I noted that in CZ for example the Elegance equivalent spec had Moon alloys and 215/60 tyres as standard; so why not on a UK example. Allams did ask but got a flat no from SUK, as I did a few days later. Undeterred I e-mailed Skoda Auto directly; two weeks later I got a nice e-mail back in broken English to the effect that they would be accommodating my request and arranging for SUK to amend the order. Although it was not until James e-mailed me a photo of her arriving on a transporter, did I fully believe I had actually pulled off the switch in spec.

17k on running the Yeti on both summer and winter 215/60 tyres has firmly conconvinced that I was right, this size of rim and tyre suit the Yeti absolutely perfectly; I would not entertain another on the 17" option perpersonally.

Oh the use of the 225/50 R17 tyre is a VAG parts bin thing, as there a common size on some Audi models, usually autobahn cruising A4's, hence why Skoda have to fit such unsuitable tyres to their aspiring off-roading models.

Current Monster; summer look 215/60 R16 tyres on Moon alloys

Winter look 215/60 R16 tyres

Previous Monster; summer look 225/50 R17 tyres and Dolomite alloys

Winter look 205/55 R16 tyres

TP

Mikespike. My diesel 4x4 has 17" wheels and I am entirely happy with the ride and roadholding. I have 16" wheels with winter tyres and can give you this view, the car steers more precisely and feels firmer on the road with the 17s and is a little less precise and a little bit softer on the 16s.

No one can really give you the information you need to make your decision though.

Whether or not you would prefer one to the other is a question only you can answer.

Whether or not it will make any appreciable difference will depend on your ability to feel the difference. That will depend on your past experience and the type of driving you are used to and which you intend to do.

If you are coming from a background of an older car with the deterioration in springs and dampers that is normal (and so gradual that you will not have noticed it) either will be just fine. If you have been used to a car with harsher ride either will feel luxurious.

If you have been used to a less than 5 year old good quality car with a good ride quality you might find 16s are better.

So unless you try for yourself or give a great deal more information all you will hear are the preference of others who's experience and requirements may well be different.

You found the test drive fine and until you picked up on others preferences you didn't even know what tyre profiles or sizes meant.

I'd recommend you find something else to worry about

Very interesting - and your final sentence is very reassuring. LOL. Im rather the same in a restaurant: I order something from the menu, and I'm perfectly happy with my choice - but then when I see what is being served to another table I think "Oh I wish I had ordered that!".

Seriously - my present car has harder 'sport' suspension. When I first took delivery of it 18 months ago I thought I would never get used it and didnt like it at all (I had been used to an older VW Golf with pretty soft suspension). Now I am used to it, and never give the harder ride much thought - although my preference would be for softer. The reason I am trading it in for a Yeti is simply that I need more luggage space. But at the same time I want to be comfortable.

decidedly happy after 44k with the 17" tyres/rims/wheels/brain.

I have always suspected that there's a bit of Emperor's New Clothes about the desire for the 16" tyres.

I also have great faith in Skoda and their design team in producing a car that is fir for purpose, without any Briskoda Member professing to know better [after all the testing and development that they do with new cars these days.]

Be happy. 17" works.

I kind've feel the same way. Why would they fit 17" wheels (except to the cheaper base models) if they were actually a retrograde step? I mean surely they must seem to Skoda to have some advantages? But maybe its just that they figure they look more cool.

I feel I would have to have a strong definite reason to change the spec . . .

After reading this Forum the local dealer was happy for me to test drive a Yeti with 17" wheels back-to-back with one with 16" wheels. I chose a route I know consisting of a variety of road types and surfaces. In my opinion the 16" tyres were definitely more comfortable than the 17" tyres - a generally smoother, softer ride. Can't say I noticed any difference in road holding but I didn't drive 'on the limit', just drove as I would normally do - brisk but sensible.

The 16" option was thus an easy decision for me and after an e-mail to Shelly Lynch everything was taken care of. After 3 months with my 16" shod 1.2 Tsi DSG Elegance I know I made the right decision.

Really MikeSpike you need to get your dealer to let you test drive the 2 options, no big deal and you can then make your own decision - comfort or sporty (bumpy!).

Just out of interest I was looking up the SKODA NZ website (as I used to live in NZ). to see what spec the Yeti has down-under.

In Petrol - only the 1.2 TSI DSG is available. But you can choose from 7 sets of wheels, 4 of which are 17" and 3 are 16". (no difference in cost whichever you choose) Only 1 Diesel model available (also DSG) and again same choice of wheels.

"Rip off Britain" once again - less choice, and greater cost, than pretty much anywhere else in the world.

Incidentally - offering only DSG in NZ and Aus is understandable as (like in USA) the great majority of people opt for automatics - and manual is a small niche market.

I test drove 17" and 16" over the same 100km circuit. I decided on the 16" because they seemed less jiggly and so that I can fit all terrain tyres. So far, after 4000 kms I'm very happy (and very happy with all aspects of the car). The dealer (Zagames in Melbourne) had no problems in a cost neutral swapping of the 16" Moons from a 1.2 they had in stock, I'm sure they saw it as adding some free bling.

Just out of interest I was looking up the SKODA NZ website (as I used to live in NZ). to see what spec the Yeti has down-under.

In Petrol - only the 1.2 TSI DSG is available. But you can choose from 7 sets of wheels, 4 of which are 17" and 3 are 16". (no difference in cost whichever you choose) Only 1 Diesel model available (also DSG) and again same choice of wheels.

"Rip off Britain" once again - less choice, and greater cost, than pretty much anywhere else in the world.

Incidentally - offering only DSG in NZ and Aus is understandable as (like in USA) the great majority of people opt for automatics - and manual is a small niche market.

Given we can chose between exactly two Yeti's (1.2 petrol 2wd and 130hp diesel 4wd and both DSG) I wouldn't say the UK has the rough end of that deal. Pretty sure we're paying more too.

The vast majority of people in NZ buy autos because that's what the dealers bully them into. They tell you there is no demand for a manual, but show them demand and they can't supply. :think: Everyone in NZ who has a manual skoda (DSG only is a very recent thing) has a death-grip on it. They won't sell them because they can't get another. The 2011 pricelist lists a manual option for some cars, but try to find one!

It was the influx of used jap imports (90% auto) that started this problem. New car dealers follow it because it's less stock for them, not because there is less demand.

But back to wheels. Those Moon alloys look fantastic. What are my chances of getting those on a manual superb or octy3 scout? :love:

Edited 13 July, 201213 yr by Kiwibacon

Why would they fit 17" wheels (except to the cheaper base models) if they were actually a retrograde step? I mean surely they must seem to Skoda to have some advantages? But maybe its just that they figure they look more cool.

Restraining my urges (!!) to be flippant as usual: I have the 17" wheels and am entyrely happy with them. However, I respect TPs experiences and opinions about what works for him, given his preferred driving style, choice of roads and car use. I'm not convinced that Skoda put any more thought into the choice of wheel size than "what will sell?" Cars are largely designed by marketing people these days, rather than engineers, and we're lucky that at least the engineers have had some input, and that on whatever wheels you choose to ride, this is a damn fine car.

I do wish folks could realise - There is no correct answer here, it's down to personal preference - if you want a 'softer' ride (and wider choice+cheaper replacements) go for the 16", if you're happy with a firmer ride then choose the 17s

How many threads have we had on this - perhaps the search function has broken?

I didn't start it sir, it was him!

Given we can chose between exactly two Yeti's (1.2 petrol 2wd and 130hp diesel 4wd and both DSG) I wouldn't say the UK has the rough end of that deal. Pretty sure we're paying more too.

The vast majority of people in NZ buy autos because that's what the dealers bully them into. They tell you there is no demand for a manual, but show them demand and they can't supply. :think: Everyone in NZ who has a manual skoda (DSG only is a very recent thing) has a death-grip on it. They won't sell them because they can't get another. The 2011 pricelist lists a manual option for some cars, but try to find one!

It was the influx of used jap imports (90% auto) that started this problem. New car dealers follow it because it's less stock for them, not because there is less demand.

But back to wheels. Those Moon alloys look fantastic. What are my chances of getting those on a manual superb or octy3 scout? :love:

The problem is the reverse in the UK. Visit a showroom or even a used car dealer and you will be lucky to find one automatic for sale. Ask your dealer why and he will tell you 'because there is no demand' - put in an order for an automatic and you will be told 'there is a very long waiting list for anything with a DSG transmission - 'because they are so popular!'

Incidentally - when I arrived in NZ ( having just left Uni) in 1970 I had just enough money to buy my first car ($NZ450) it was a very elderly Skoda with 90,000 miles on the clock. Sold it after 2 years, still going stong with over 110k on the clock. Buying a new car in NZ in those days was pretty much impossible - and I do remember that the cost of a new car was more than double what one would have paid in the UK. I'm sure the situation is different now.

Funny really - my first car was a Skoda 40 odd years ago . . . my next Skoda is on order . . . when I will see it is anybody's guess - I am told (by VW, SEAT, Audi and Skoda) there is particular delays on automatics 'because the factory can't keep up with the demand for DSGs'

I have 17" on my current Yeti. Change to 16" steels for winter with Michelin Alpins. (I live in Aberdeenshire)

To be honest I really do not feel any difference between the two sizes, When someone mentions "Jiggly" then at present in Scotland all roads are "Jiggly" as the road surfaces are fairly poor in most areas due to lack of "funding".

I will have a Greenline11( from Happy New Cars) next week which has 16" wheels and I am sure I will be just as happy.

The problem is the reverse in the UK. Visit a showroom or even a used car dealer and you will be lucky to find one automatic for sale. Ask your dealer why and he will tell you 'because there is no demand' - put in an order for an automatic and you will be told 'there is a very long waiting list for anything with a DSG transmission - 'because they are so popular!'

Incidentally - when I arrived in NZ ( having just left Uni) in 1970 I had just enough money to buy my first car ($NZ450) it was a very elderly Skoda with 90,000 miles on the clock. Sold it after 2 years, still going stong with over 110k on the clock. Buying a new car in NZ in those days was pretty much impossible - and I do remember that the cost of a new car was more than double what one would have paid in the UK. I'm sure the situation is different now.

Funny really - my first car was a Skoda 40 odd years ago . . . my next Skoda is on order . . . when I will see it is anybody's guess - I am told (by VW, SEAT, Audi and Skoda) there is particular delays on automatics 'because the factory can't keep up with the demand for DSGs'

My solution to that problem may yet be to fly to the UK/Ireland and pick up my own manual car. Of course if I do it'll be a second hand one. There's no point buying a new car with a warranty that is only recognised in a country half-way around the world.

I'm perfectly happy to order and wait. But they told me that wasn't possible either. Still waiting, still driving "not skodas".

I do wish folks could realise - There is no correct answer here, it's down to personal preference - if you want a 'softer' ride (and wider choice+cheaper replacements) go for the 16", if you're happy with a firmer ride then choose the 17s

How many threads have we had on this - perhaps the search function has broken?

EXACTLY!!

There's no point buying a new car with a warranty that is only recognised in a country half-way around the world.

Are you sure about that?

I know that Skoda's warranty is certainly pan-European, so I would check with Skoda Worldwide, NOT NZ!!, about that.

A Yeti would fit nicely into a small container.

Are you sure about that?

I know that Skoda's warranty is certainly pan-European, so I would check with Skoda Worldwide, NOT NZ!!, about that.

A Yeti would fit nicely into a small container.

Some good friends tell me it's one thing to have world-wide vehicle warranty (landrover and audi do that) and another thing to get it actioned through a dealer in a different country. If I let someone else take the initial depreciation hit and cover the first teething problems then I can save enough to not worry about anything else down the line and pick up a 1-2 year old vehicle at very good price.

As much as I like the Yeti, it's not the vehicle I need right now and my wife hates them. An Octy 3 or Superb 4x4 are the current contenders. A yeti would be the perfect replacement for my current work-car but it's got a major upgrade coming and won't be replaced for some years yet.

Edited 13 July, 201213 yr by Kiwibacon

Quote from above post - "but it's got a major upgrade coming and won't be replaced for some years yet"

Not a "mild mid term facelift" then? - Kiwi man knows more than this forum does on this subject (just like his tyres). Perhaps he can enlighten us as to where he got his info from, and back it up with some documentary/photographic evidence (and please - not the heavily "zebra" disguised/airbrushed photos we have all seen so many times before). I hope his wife likes the "new" Yeti!

Quote from above post - "but it's got a major upgrade coming and won't be replaced for some years yet"

Not a "mild mid term facelift" then? - Kiwi man knows more than this forum does on this subject (just like his tyres). Perhaps he can enlighten us as to where he got his info from, and back it up with some documentary/photographic evidence (and please - not the heavily "zebra" disguised/airbrushed photos we have all seen so many times before). I hope his wife likes the "new" Yeti!

Err, think you might be mis-reading that one.

That was about a car I already own that is getting a major upgrade. After the time/money sunk into this upgrade I won't be replacing it for some years yet. It's nothing like a yeti.

I must admit I read that the same way as Truthseeker, so perhaps Kiwi your choice of words was incorrect.

And if you think buying a Yeti second hand will be cheap in the UK, then think again. There is such a waiting list that prices are still at a high, even on higher mileage vehicles. Plus there are very few available outside the dealer network.

I shall probably sell mine in 2 years time and already have a buyer!!

There is such a waiting list that prices are still at a high,

I can second that, when we were looking to get our yeti, I soon found out that low mileage ex Demo vehicles were being sold at RRP new plus a markup. Purely because there is such a wait for a brand new one.

Fortunately we were not in a hurry, and with the discount we managed to get, ours will be something like £3k less than a dealer ex demo with 2k miles on the clock!

I can second that, when we were looking to get our yeti, I soon found out that low mileage ex Demo vehicles were being sold at RRP new plus a markup. Purely because there is such a wait for a brand new one.

Fortunately we were not in a hurry, and with the discount we managed to get, ours will be something like £3k less than a dealer ex demo with 2k miles on the clock!

I can third it! Same thing when I looked last year. Decided I might as well wait and get a new one rather than pay more for one second hand.

I must admit I read that the same way as Truthseeker, so perhaps Kiwi your choice of words was incorrect.

And if you think buying a Yeti second hand will be cheap in the UK, then think again. There is such a waiting list that prices are still at a high, even on higher mileage vehicles. Plus there are very few available outside the dealer network.

I shall probably sell mine in 2 years time and already have a buyer!!

It'll be a superb or scout this time around. I'll worry about a yeti when the time comes. There may even be a major upgrade between now and then.

Well I emailed to Mark Fox and Shelly Lynch ( their personal email addresses got bounced back to me, so had to email to customers services 'for attention of Mark Fox and Shelly Lynch). This is the reply I got from a Charlotte Wormald, Customer Relations Manager.

Thank you for your email received 17 July 2012 with regard to alloy wheels. Firstly I am pleased to learn you have been such a happy customer of ŠKODA for such a long time. Such stories confirm the ongoing excellent reputation of our brand.I checked with our retail and sales department and can clarify your ŠKODA Yeti 1.2 TSI cannot be built with 16" Moon alloywheels. The only 16" alloys available on the ŠKODA Yeti range are on the Greenline model. I apologise in advance if this has caused any disappointment. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact mecontact me via telephone on 0845 774 5745.

Very disappointed.