2 hours ago, Tech1e said:

 

Mine was quite different on the winters.

 

Back end can get a little odd on 17s in my experience.

I've had 2 1.2 DSG's both spec'd from new with 16" wheels. Some like the smoother ride of 16" wheels with 60 profile tyres, some like the harder ride of 17" wheels on 50 profile tyres.

Personal choice really - but friend who has a 17" Yeti now wishes he had 16" and more comfort.

3 hours ago, Expatman said:

but friend who has a 17" Yeti now wishes he had 16"

I'm with your friend there 100% in fact if I used mine more often I'd look to swap mine out for 16".

Edited 15 July, 20196 yr by longedge

Rubbish... yet again

 

35 minutes ago, freedie said:

Rubbish... yet again

 

In response to what?

In the absence of a response from freedie, I assume it was an assessment of the preceding post i.e. mine. I'm not sure what part of it was assessed as rubbish. The fact is that I have owned 2 Yetis. The first had 16" wheels and the second, which I've still got, has 17" wheels. The ride in my current car is noticeably harsher and less comfortable than it was in the first. That's my experience and one in consequence of which I say again that I would, given the chance go for 16" wheels.

I've found tyre choice can improve ride quality immensely.

 

Recently swapped over to Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons, which are a significant improvement in ride quality, handling and surefootedness over the Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance they replaced, which in turn were a massive improvement over the OE Dunlop SP01's. 

Just to add my bit! Wife has delicate back so wanted a car with easy access and comfortable ride, not wallowy or hard just comfortable. In 2012 test drove an S version Yeti - only one available at dealers. Great we thought we'll have one of these in top spec. Dealer said great but will be on 17" wheels - much smarter. Tried one and hated knobbly ride, had to get Skoda HQ involved to get Elegance with 16" wheels. Same in 2017 when we changed for new model, Skoda HQ helped us get SEL Drive with 16" wheels.

Smoother ride, cheaper tyres, so why do UK drivers so like big wheels? 

Our roads are getting worse, it beats me why anyone would specify discomfort.

And there are people who are buying lowering springs for a Yeti; why not just buy a car in the first place, instead of creating a devalued and harder to insure SUV?

14 hours ago, Expatman said:

Just to add my bit! Wife has delicate back so wanted a car with easy access and comfortable ride, not wallowy or hard just comfortable. In 2012 test drove an S version Yeti - only one available at dealers. Great we thought we'll have one of these in top spec. Dealer said great but will be on 17" wheels - much smarter. Tried one and hated knobbly ride, had to get Skoda HQ involved to get Elegance with 16" wheels. Same in 2017 when we changed for new model, Skoda HQ helped us get SEL Drive with 16" wheels.

Smoother ride, cheaper tyres, so why do UK drivers so like big wheels? 

Our roads are getting worse, it beats me why anyone would specify discomfort.

I totally agree, and I am on third Yeti

First with 17" wheels, quite a firm and bumpy ride.

Second, a Greenline had 16" as standard, and although the low fuel consumption tyres are reportedly stiffer than normal tyres, they lasted forever (unchanged at lease return at 45k), and gave a much better ride.

Now I have a car bought right at the end of production, and I stuck with the standard 17" wheels again, so am back where I started with a firm and bumpy ride. However now have a set of 16" steel wheels and winter tyres so I can directly compare the ride at changeover. So much more compliant on the 16" wheels and no noticeable loss of cornering ability or increased roll. Who drives a car on the limit all the time anyway. I do regret now not pushing for my car to be deliverd on 16" wheels as others have done over the years, despite the UK spec we get. There is quite a lot of choice in 16" from the factory supplied as standard to other, more sensible, markets.

The Yeti must have been designed for 16" wheels as they suit the car much better for ride quality with normal use, it is just the UK fashion for low profile causing the problem.

 

Even more concerning is the trend continues? Doesn't the Karoq come with 18" as standard, may be wrong though.