Hello!

 

My car currently has the below wheels, but I'm looking to potentially drop a size to 16" to increase comfort on long journeys (I do a lot of motorway miles a week for work). I've read that you can put Fabia/Ibiza/Leon wheels on the Rapid without issue, so wheel choice is fairly wide. 

215/40R17 87T

7Jx17 ET46

5x100

 

Will dropping from 17" to 16" have any benefit, or is it a better bet dropping to 15"? 

 

Thanks, 

 

The standard 16 inch size 215/45 is even less common than the 215/40R17. So unlikely to be cheap, although on our Ibiza they definitely ride much nicer than any Rapid on 17s.

15s look too small to me, but should give the best ride ( tyre choice dependent of course) and are cheapest. Standard size is 185/60R15 which it seems is more widely used than the other 2.

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by camelspyyder

Forgot to mention most Leon wheels are 5x112 so won't fit. unless they're off a Mk1.

 

 

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by camelspyyder

Wheel-size.com for all models wheel/tire sizing.

 

Tyrereviews.co.uk for tyre choice.

 

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by camelspyyder

Test drove a Rapid on 17s when I was replacing one Rapid with another. Thought the ride - even on the motorway - was harsh and horrible. She currently runs 16 in the summer and 15s in the winter - not a lot to choose between them on ride comfort since the winters run a little higher pressure than summer pressures.

Very much tyre and tyre pressure dependent.

 

For instance I've driven Rapid / Toledo on some17 inch tyres that were dire and on different brands that were very comfortable.

 

All these were OEM.

 

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx -  Loud, Harsh RIde, Grippy, Long-lasting 30k+?

Bridestone RE050A - Quite loud, Jiggly Ride, Not as Grippy, Don't seem like they'll do a huge mileage (cracking at 17000)

Conti PremiumContact 2 - Quiet, Best Ride, Grip nearly as good as Dunlop. 26000 miles with even wear ( but then grip reduced at 3mm tread depth ) Still easily legal at 35000 miles.

 

It could be @WolfyWesty just has a harsh tyre on, and a better one would negate the need for a wheel size change.

The Contis were great for me as a commuter. Very disappointed the next brand new car had those Bridgestones on instead.

 

Reducing the Bridgestone pressure from eco to normal helps the ride too, without noticeable fuel consumption change.

 

 

If going to 16s, can thoroughly recommend Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response (now called Dunlop Sport BluResponse I think) in the 215/45R16.

6 minutes ago, camelspyyder said:

Very much tyre and tyre pressure dependent.

 

For instance I've driven Rapid / Toledo on some17 inch tyres that were dire and on different brands that were very comfortable.

 

All these were OEM.

 

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx -  Loud, Harsh RIde, Grippy, Long-lasting 30k+?

Bridestone RE050A - Quite loud, Jiggly Ride, Not as Grippy, Don't seem like they'll do a huge mileage (cracking at 17000)

Conti PremiumContact 2 - Quiet, Best Ride, Grip nearly as good as Dunlop. 26000 miles with even wear ( but then grip reduced at 3mm tread depth ) Still easily legal at 35000 miles.

 

It could be @WolfyWesty just has a harsh tyre on, and a better one would negate the need for a wheel size change.

The Contis were great for me as a commuter. Very disappointed the next brand new car had those Bridgestones on instead.

 

Reducing the Bridgestone pressure from eco to normal helps the ride too, without noticeable fuel consumption change.

 

 

If going to 16s, can thoroughly recommend Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response (now called Dunlop Sport BluResponse I think) in the 215/45R16.

 

Thanks for all the info! Very much appreciated. 

 

I agree with your earlier comment that 15" looks too small for a car this size, they'd look like smarties in comparison. 

 

I currently have Avon ZV7 tyres on the car, which were rated to be fairly quiet. I hadn't considered changing the tyres in all fairness. 

34 minutes ago, WolfyWesty said:

I agree with your earlier comment that 15" looks too small for a car this size, they'd look like smarties in comparison. 

 

205/55R15 tyres on 6Jx15 ET38 5/100 rims don't look small. Compared to using an ET46 offset, you increase the front and rear track by 16mm for a wider looking stance.

 

VW Golf MK4 6Jx15 ET38 5/100 Alloy Rims

http://www.oemepc.com/vw/part_single/catalog/vw/markt/RDW/modell/GOLF/year/2002/drive_standart/266/hg_ug/601/subcategory/601051/part_id/3688046/lang/e

 

Skoda Fabia MK3 6Jx15 ET38 5/100 Alloy Rims

http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/FAB/year/2016/drive_standart/797/hg_ug/601/subcategory/601050/part_id/2543668/lang/e

 

Uniroyal RainSport 5 205/55R15 88V

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=110&cart_id=I4vh4xg2UruylgMJ.110.376680528&sowigan=So&Breite=205&Quer=55&Felge=15&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=10&weiter=10&sort_by=brand&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&Label=C-A-71-2&details=Ordern&typ=R-412697

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by Carlston

ET38 is the factory spec for 6x15.

The track is surely barely different from ( if not narrower than ) the factory 7x17 ET46? 

 

Increase the track from ET by 16mm. But the bigger wheel width gives 25mm, so I reckon the 17s are still 9mm wider track overall.

 

Maybe the 205s make that width up. But the 15 wheels look tiny whatever rubber you put on.

 

 

 

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by camelspyyder

 

44 minutes ago, camelspyyder said:

The track is surely barely different from ( if not narrower than ) the factory 7x17 ET46? 

 

By using 8mm less offset, eg. changing from ET46 to ET38, the centre of each rim is moved outwards by 8mm. As this happens on both sides of the car, the front and rear track both increase by 16mm.

 

The outside diameter of a 205/55R15 tyre is 6.6mm bigger than a 215/45R16 tyre and 2.7mm bigger than a 215/40R17. The outside edge of the tyre tread on a 205/55R15 tyre on an ET38 rim is in about the same place as 215/45R16 and 215/40R17 tyres on ET46 rims.

 

A 205/55R15 tyre on an ET38 rim will only just fit the wheelarch without rubbing. It's simply wrong to say it's small when it's close to the limit without rubbing.

 

The ride quality of a 205/55R15 tyre fitted to a 6J rim will be in a different league to a 215/40R17 tyre fitted to a 7J rim.

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by Carlston

Yeah but I chose 17s on both of mine based on appearance. I was actually going to have 18s later but my spending priorities changed.

 

It looks like a shopping trolley on 15s.

 

 

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by camelspyyder

Not much choice on tyres in 205 55 15. 😒 Old size now.

 

Thanks, AG Falco

I came to my Rapid sport from a JDM Subaru Legacy GT Spec-B (which means Bilstein suspension) on 18s.... believe you me, the Rapid on 17s is a lovely cossetting, smooth, quiet* ride

 

 

*The "quiet" part may have had something to do with the big Genome exhaust boxes that were on the Scoobie, rather than the wheels and tyres  

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by Defblade

5 minutes ago, AGFalco said:

Not much choice on tyres in 205 55 15. 😒 Old size now.

 

Thanks, AG Falco

 

Uniroyal RainSport 5 tyres are Uniroyal's latest rain tyre. Certainly not an old tyre.

 

185/60R15 on 6Jx15 ET29 would give an even bigger track...34mm bigger. This rim size was fitted to the Audi A1 from 2010 until 2018.

 

Alcar 7415 6Jx15 ET29 5/100

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares-search?keyword=7415&car_id=9901&model_id=3851&maker_id=5&brandNo[0]=100470

 

One of the problems with running the 215 tyres on the Rapid is that you have to reduce your track so that the tyres don't stick out of the wheelarches. Viewed from the rear, the narrower tyres but wider track, makes the car look much better. 

  

 

14 minutes ago, Carlston said:

Certainly not an old tyre

What car presently sold new has 205 55 15 tyres on it?  A1?

 

Yes but if you look at Mytyres they only have 23 choices in that size. This includes Winter, All Season and Summer tyre.

You find that on a tyre size with little choice the prices are higher than on a more common size. 

 

 

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=110&cart_id=moZ0bur39YOXKZFL.110.841440332&Cookie=sea_rd_uk_Google_Search&sowigan=So&Breite=205&Quer=55&Felge=15&Speed=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&search_tool=standard&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&suchen=Search+for+tyres

 

 

If you try a common size you can have a choice of over 750 tyres at cheaper prices. 

205 55 15 Uniroyal Rainsport 5 are £76.99 supplied only.

205 55 16 Uniroyal Rainsport 5 are £52.19 supplied only. 

 

Thanks, AG Falco

2 hours ago, AGFalco said:

 If you try a common size you can have a choice of over 750 tyres at cheaper prices. 

205 55 15 Uniroyal Rainsport 5 are £76.99 supplied only.

205 55 16 Uniroyal Rainsport 5 are £52.19 supplied only. 

 

205/55R16 is not an option for Rapid owners. The outside diameter is too big so it won't fit without rubbing.

 

If you compare 205/55R15 to tyres that actually fit the Rapid such as 215/45R16 and 215/40R17 then you will find that the 205/55R15 size can be cheaper depending on what models you compare.

 

There are many cheaper sizes than 205/55R15 that will fit the Rapid, including 185/60R15.

Edited 27 August, 20205 yr by Carlston

12 hours ago, Carlston said:

One of the problems with running the 215 tyres on the Rapid is that you have to reduce your track so that the tyres don't stick out of the wheelarches. Viewed from the rear, the narrower tyres but wider track, makes the car look much better. 

 

Fitting narrow wheels sounds like an interesting option, I'd imagine that will make the car quieter and possibly more economical (or am I just talking nonsense)? Will there be any noticeable drop in grip? 

 

12 hours ago, camelspyyder said:

Yeah but I chose 17s on both of mine based on appearance. [...] It looks like a shopping trolley on 15s.

 

I like how the 17"s look on the Rapid because they look to be the correct size for the car, and I can't see 16" looking much different. I wouldn't want to go lower than 16" for the same reason as you mentioned. 

 

12 hours ago, AGFalco said:

If you try a common size you can have a choice of over 750 tyres at cheaper prices. 

205 55 15 Uniroyal Rainsport 5 are £76.99 supplied only.

205 55 16 Uniroyal Rainsport 5 are £52.19 supplied only. 

 

Thanks, AG Falco

 

That is an added benefit if I do change the wheel size to something more common. There's a lot of options for a 16"  5x100 wheel, so just a case of finding something I like and seeing if it will fit. 

 

Thankyou to everyone for their input! Very insightful/helpful  

3 hours ago, WolfyWesty said:

That is an added benefit if I do change the wheel size to something more common. There's a lot of options for a 16"  5x100 wheel, so just a case of finding something I like and seeing if it will fit. 

 

In some markets, the Rapid can be ordered with 195/55R16 tyres.

 

Uniroyal RainSport 5 195/55R16 87H

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=110&cart_id=SR5ULa7E6QF0qH4P.110.203091735&sowigan=So&Breite=195&Quer=55&Felge=16&kategorie=6&ranzahl=4&Ang_pro_Seite=50&weiter=150&sort_by=brand&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&Label=C-A-71-2&details=Ordern&typ=R-400508

 

However, a narrower tyre such as 185/65R15 can be better in the wet as it cuts through the rain better. The narrower tyre is also quieter, more comfortable, less drag, more mpg, and is a cheaper size. The 185/65R15 size has the same outside diameter as the 195/55R16 tyre size. Renault fits both these sizes to their Zoe electric car. Renault fit the 195/55R16 size to a 6.5J rim and the 185/65R15 size to a 6J rim. These are reasonably wide rims for these size tyres, so Renault were probably aiming at sharp handling over comfort.

 

Continental PremiumContact 6 185/65R15 88H

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=110&cart_id=SR5ULa7E6QF0qH4P.110.203091735&sowigan=So&Breite=185&Quer=65&Felge=15&kategorie=6&Marke=Continental&Herst=Continental&m_s=3&Ang_pro_Seite=10&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&Label=C-A-70-2&details=Ordern&typ=R-376880

Edited 28 August, 20205 yr by Carlston

26 minutes ago, Carlston said:

 

In some markets, the Rapid can be ordered with 195/55R16 tyres.

 

Uniroyal RainSport 5 195/55R16 87H

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=110&cart_id=SR5ULa7E6QF0qH4P.110.203091735&sowigan=So&Breite=195&Quer=55&Felge=16&kategorie=6&ranzahl=4&Ang_pro_Seite=50&weiter=150&sort_by=brand&rsmFahrzeugart=ALL&Label=C-A-71-2&details=Ordern&typ=R-400508

 

That means I could potentially use something like https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Set-Of-Genuine-16-Inch-VOLKSWAGEN-POLO-Alloy-Wheels-Rims-5x100-6-5J-6R0601025N/143698661343?epid=1036700050&hash=item21751b8fdf:g:HtAAAOSwl5dfRLwl to replace my current wheels, as the bolt holes are the same. 

 

Interesting stuff! 

2 hours ago, WolfyWesty said:

That means I could potentially use something like https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Set-Of-Genuine-16-Inch-VOLKSWAGEN-POLO-Alloy-Wheels-Rims-5x100-6-5J-6R0601025N/143698661343?epid=1036700050&hash=item21751b8fdf:g:HtAAAOSwl5dfRLwl to replace my current wheels, as the bolt holes are the same.

 

That link shows the rims having a specification of 7Jx16 ET46. That's suitable for a 215/45R16 tyre size.

 

205/50R16 tyres would be better fitted to 6.5Jx16 ET42 rims.

 

195/55R16 tyres would be better fitted to rims between 6J and 6.5J wide, and with an offset between ET35 and ET42.

 

Uniroyal RainSport 5 205/50R16 87V

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/tyres/uniroyal-4024068002260-0361026

 

Alcar 9680 Steel Rim 6.5Jx16 ET42

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/alcar/14750923

 

I've shown a steel rim above, but you can get many alloy rims in this 6.5Jx16 ET42 specification from the Skoda Octavia MK1.

http://www.oemepc.com/skoda/part_single/catalog/sk/markt/CZ/modell/OCT/year/2002/drive_standart/252/hg_ug/601/subcategory/601050/part_id/2543668/lang/e

 

Skoda Nanuq Alloy Rim 6Jx16 ET35

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/654071496b8z8-aluminium-disc-16-nanuq-skoda-37461.html

Edited 28 August, 20205 yr by Carlston

This is my old Rapid on 185/60R15 tyres. I'm sure at the time Skoda recommended both 185/60 & 195/55. I had Goodyear Efficientgrip tyres and they stuck to the road like glue but slightly worse fuel economy compared to the factory fitted Continental Eco somethings that were on it originally.

 

I still think that it looks pretty good with 15"s

 

Remember to tell your insurance company if you are changing wheel sizes from original.

 

 

Edited 29 August, 20205 yr by Delberthot

The only market with an OEM size of 195/55 is Southern Asia.

 

That is actually a different car from the Rapid sold in Europe.

 

But Wheel-size.com does list it as an option size for the European one.

 

 

Edited 30 August, 20205 yr by camelspyyder

3 hours ago, camelspyyder said:

The only market with an OEM size of 195/55 is Southern Asia.

 

If you search for the Skoda Rapid 2020 on wheel-size.com you will see both 195/55R15 and 195/55R16 tyre sizes listed in bold.

 

EUDM	Tire	Rim	Bolt pattern	THD	CB
1.4 TSI 123hp	185/60R15	6Jx15 ET38	5x100	M14 x 1.5	57.1
	195/55R15	6Jx15 ET38	5x100	M14 x 1.5	57.1

 

SAM	Tire	Rim	Bolt pattern	THD	CB
1.5 TDI 103hp	195/55R16		5x100	M14 x 1.5	57.1
1.6 MPI 103hp	185/60R15	6Jx15 ET38	5x100	M14 x 1.5	57.1

 

 

Edited 31 August, 20205 yr by Carlston

8 hours ago, Carlston said:

 

If you search for the Skoda Rapid 2020 on wheel-size.com you will see both 195/55R15 and 195/55R16 tyre sizes listed in bold.

 

EUDM	Tire	Rim	Bolt pattern	THD	CB
1.4 TSI 123hp	185/60R15	6Jx15 ET38	5x100	M14 x 1.5	57.1
	195/55R15	6Jx15 ET38	5x100	M14 x 1.5	57.1

 

SAM	Tire	Rim	Bolt pattern	THD	CB
1.5 TDI 103hp	195/55R16		5x100	M14 x 1.5	57.1
1.6 MPI 103hp	185/60R15	6Jx15 ET38	5x100	M14 x 1.5	57.1

 

 

You're now peddling useless information.

 

The 2020 EUD Rapid is the new Russian Market one, and the 2020 SAM is the completely different Indian Market Rapid. 

 

Neither are sold in the UK/Western Europe,  so are not what the Original Poster is driving.

6 hours ago, camelspyyder said:

The 2020 Rapid is the new Russian Market one...

 

The old Russian market Rapid was the same as the UK version. They did fit 195/55R15 and 195/55R16 tyre sizes as standard, so these tyre sizes would also fit the UK version.

 

If you scroll down the Russian price list you can see these tyre sizes listed.

https://www.skoda-avto.ru/m/pricelists/rapid-price-list.pdf

 

Skoda went slightly bananas when they specified the 215/45R16 tyre size on the Rapid. Rather than going from 175/70R14 and 185/60R15 to 215/45R16, it would have been better if they went from 175/70R14 and 185/60R15 to 195/50R16. These three tyre sizes all have the same outside diameter and load index, so are all interchangeable with each other. Note that some Rapids have 288mm diameter front brake discs, so these models need at least 15" rims to clear the front brake calipers.

 

Kumho HS51 195/50R16 88V XL

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s298p128354/Kumho_Tyres_Car_Kumho_HS51_Solus_Kumho_HS_51_-_195_50_R16_88V_XL_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_1_Noise%3A_69dB

 

Uniroyal RainSport 5 195/50R16 88V XL

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s298p188257/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainSport_5_-_195_50_R16_88V_XL_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_72dB

 

The 215/45R16 tyre size uses an offset of ET46, but with the narrower 195/50R16 tyre size you could use an offset of ET35. This would give an increase to the front and rear track of 22mm.

 

Skoda Scala 6Jx16 ET35 Alloy Rim

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/654071496b8z8-aluminium-disc-16-nanuq-skoda-37461.html

 

Skoda Scala 6Jx16 ET35 Steel Rim

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/2q0601027h03c-steel-wheel-disc-skoda-38410.html

 

Alcar 6664 6Jx16 ET35 Steel Rim

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares-search?keyword=6664&brandNo[0]=100470

https://www.oponeo.co.uk/steel-wheel/alcar-kfz-6664#21383556

 

Edited 31 August, 20205 yr by Carlston