Been respraying my original 16s in anthracite as I've been thinking of putting back to standard.

As well as being lowered I think the tyres just take off too much in terms of comfort.

 

Unfortunately the tyres are still pretty good ! (from april ish this year on good RS3) so will need to keep them on for my MOT !

 

My tyres on the original wheels 16s are still legal but barely - probably 1-2mm above the wear bar on the wheels I'd put on the rears, and half worn-ish on the ones I'd destined for the front.

Really want to give these bargain 195s a go to be honest !

 

Spent a lot of money out though on the new octy so I guess I'll have to stick to these 17s for now, really going off them to be honest on comfort though. Anyone else like me actually thinking of going back to comfort !

Not really. I run the 215/40/R17 tyres and they're fine. I'm running Eibachs and FSDs and they're pretty comfy actually.

Eibachs aren't quite as low though? I think they were 25mm weren't they whereas HnR are 30-40mm so bound to be a bit stiffer as it does sit quite low with them.

35psi seems to even it out a bit but seems quite high pressure

 

Oh well I'm not going to do anything urgently as my cars MOT is in NOV and the ones on it are good tyres.

Once they are worn out I'm tempted to try 195s on the 16s that's all, that said the handling is sensational with the 17s and RS3 so its all compromises

Hi , was thinking of buying the Michelin cross climates for my newly bought mk1 Fabia Vrs . The closest size available to match what's on now is 195/55/16 or 205/55/16 . Current tyres are 205/45/16 on what appear to be factory rims , is there any pitfalls or problems with the marginally higher profile ?

Any recommendations or advice out here ? Thanks...

205/55/16? That would surely send the speedo well out, and could possibly foul the arches. Thats golf wheels.

 

195 45 16 is the alternative size, instead of 205. I doubt no one has used the other sizes, for good reason.

 

Look up the tyre calculator to work out the difference in rolling ratios, they will be huge.

Eibachs aren't quite as low though? I think they were 25mm weren't they whereas HnR are 30-40mm so bound to be a bit stiffer as it does sit quite low with them.

35psi seems to even it out a bit but seems quite high pressures

I think the problem is much more likely to be the H&Rs than the wheel/tyre combination. The Eibachs are very soft initially then firm up at the end of their travel. The H&Rs have a further 1" less movement so the scope to be progressive is reduced which will likely give a harsher ride. The effect of this will be MUCH more significant than changing from a 40 to 45 profile tyre.

Fair enough, cheers.

Although one thing I think I originally missed out is ensuring proper length bumpstops on the rear ( not sure, I can't recall as it was years ago I did it, they are either original size or cut down).

Its very easy to check the rears, so I guess I'd be best to take a look at some point to double check the bump stops on the rear.

The fronts should have as much travel as possible as the stops are suitable.

 

If they aren't cut down on rears then they could be restricting the suspension a bit on the rear.

In all fairness they aren't that bad but compared to my other car (a standard setup not lower) it does seem not quite as refined.

Doesn't knock or anything though so I guess I shouldn't complain that much.