Just heard from Skoda UK, following a request to have the 17" rims as supplied on my new SEL (Elegance) Octavia changed at the factory for 16" ones, that as of very soon (dealers being notified tomorrow), SEL Octavia's will have 16" rims as an option for anyone who wants them. Not just those who pester SUK for the change.

 

According to Skoda the 17" rims push the emissions up and may affect taxation.

 

Now have to make sure I get the rims of choice before the order is locked in.

 

I did not ask about other models similarly affected, but I should think its going to be a whole lot easier from now on in, for anyone who wants the softer ride and better protection from potholes, that a taller sidewall offers, to have their wish.

 

17's will still be available for anyone else who wants them.

So now it's official - the members of the UK 16" Special Build Club weren't a bunch of awkward nuisances after all - we were just ahead of our time. (I think its what's called being an "early adopter" these days).

This rubbish about VED / Emissions are trotted out so often, by Skoda & the VWG but they do the EU Test on Basic Models submit their own results then sell just about all models as available with Optional Extras including Spare Wheels, (if not in the basic car as standard) Leather etc that were not included as the Unladen / Kerb Weight of the single tested vehicle they tested to represent that model.

 

http://skoda.co.uk/pages/fuel-consumption-statement.aspx

Edited 11 June, 201511 yr by goneoffSKi

That is good news indeed! Now Skoda UK should take the logical next step and allow the option of factory fit All Season tyres. This would save a load of hassle changing wheels/tyres twice a year.

 ^ ^ ^  No, just a visionary!

That is good news indeed! Now Skoda UK should take the logical next step and allow the option of factory fit All Season tyres. This would save a load of hassle changing wheels/tyres twice a year.

 

I've been asking about that for my current Octavia Estate order

Good luck with that domhnall. The VW German configuratior has an option for All Season tyres for the Golf so a precedent is there.

I've been asking about that for my current Octavia Estate order

 

Your dealer will not be able to help - try talking to SUK - or better still send an email - they then have to act on that and it will be escalated to someone who will respond.

However if you have been allocated a build week then the order will be locked in and no further changes allowed.

we'll see, I've asked. No great worry if it can't be done. My dealer is on holiday but before he went away he said it was allocated a build week of last week but as I only ordered on 8th May I'm not overly optimistic that will have happened. We shall see. 

 

I'll let you all know what Skoda say

So now it's official - the members of the UK 16" Special Build Club weren't a bunch of awkward nuisances after all .....

 

Speak for yourself, Paul !  Good news, though. 

we'll see, I've asked. No great worry if it can't be done. My dealer is on holiday but before he went away he said it was allocated a build week of last week but as I only ordered on 8th May I'm not overly optimistic that will have happened. We shall see.

I'll let you all know what Skoda say

No 16" wheels for me, apparently it's only available on certain diesels and mine is a tsi

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Well I hope these changes come to pass this time; remember a few years back and only for a few days 16" rims showed as an option on the build your own for the Yeti SE.

 

With the Octy III 16" rims were mandatory if you specified the RRP option, no matter the trim level. 

 

 

As a side note our V40 Cross Country SE normally comes with 16" rims, however the previous owner (Volvo Cars UK) optioned 17" rims, which like the Yeti uses 225/50 R17 tyres. Did ask the dealer if they would at least fit 4 Season tyres but being used they would only do it if I paid full price, which was understandable (will get all season fitted later in the year).

 

 

TP

Edited 24 June, 201510 yr by The Plumber

I think this one will stick, the change of heart is driven by new (euro) rules on emissions..

Changing to 16's will drop the VED to £20 per annum, apparently....

.....Changing to 16's will drop the VED to £20 per annum, apparently....

 

...But not retrospectively, you can be sure!!!

...But not retrospectively, you can be sure!!!

No, because the V5 will not show the correct CO2 figures.

Something I've noticed with some manufactures including Volvo, offer three tyre pressure settings, one of which is classed as 'eco'. Not something I can think I've seen on Skoda models, which is surprising these days.

 

 

TP

ECO must be short hand for offering less grip and traction, because how else could it be achieved other than reducing friction 

between the tyres and the road surface. Even if only by a ickle bit.

The Eco tyres, I notice, seem to have less cross cuts .....I suspect the 'busy' tread patterns 'work' more thus creating more drag.

Aircraft tyres have to cope with landing on flooded runways at high speed with heavy wheel braking (they use less reverse thrust to save fuel) and exit runways on 'high speed' taxiways, so I've always wondered why car tyre aren't more similar........then again, if they all looked the same, there wouldn't be any obvious difference......maybe marketing is the reason for complex patterns.

I like to maintain as much speed as possible through corners and I've never noticed any difference compared to Yeti in terms of feel and control wet or dry.

The Eco tyres, I notice, seem to have less cross cuts .....I suspect the 'busy' tread patterns 'work' more thus creating more drag.

Aircraft tyres have to cope with landing on flooded runways at high speed with heavy wheel braking (they use less reverse thrust to save fuel) and exit runways on 'high speed' taxiways, so I've always wondered why car tyre aren't more similar........then again, if they all looked the same, there wouldn't be any obvious difference......maybe marketing is the reason for complex patterns.

I like to maintain as much speed as possible through corners and I've never noticed any difference compared to Yeti in terms of feel and control wet or dry.

Aircraft tyres have to deal with an entirely different set of parameters including far higher load ratings, extreme temperature variations and only providing braking grip not drive grip, but actually only cover very low mileages.

Aircraft tyres have to deal with an entirely different set of parameters including far higher load ratings, extreme temperature variations and only providing braking grip not drive grip, but actually only cover very low mileages.

I know very well exactly what they cope with and the conditions for which they are designed to cope but the pattern does an admirable job of heavy braking and shedding water and eco tyres are similar in not having a sexy tread pattern.

There is no reason that drive wouldn't be just as effective as braking under such extreme circumstances.