Rim protection is down to the tyre manufacturer/design; Michelin Pilot Exlalto 2s have got it.

Rim protection is down to the tyre manufacturer/design; Michelin Pilot Exlalto 2s have got it.

OK, my fault, didn't state clearly enough what I meant.

As the tyres are not as wide there will be even less rim protection, irrespective of the tyre having rim protection or not.

Regarding downsizing, realised (duh) I'd have to change all 5 so that option will have to go out the window as I've two good rears and an unused spare.

As the tyres sit in the same place at the rim, rim protection will be the same!

By the tread the tyre will have tapered down by 5mm on each side of the tyre - and basically next to no difference whatsoever! If you study the tyre company websites for tyre fitments and rim widths the standard 205 tyre is right at the very maximum limit for the standard rim width - the 195 is actually better within the recomended fitment range for effective tyre function!

I don't think anyone is going to notice that the tyres are only one size increment difference at the other end of the car

Toyo Proxes T1-R 195/45 x 16 at £45/corner from Mytyres (plus fitting of course). Mine are just getting better and better in this cold wet weather, the traction control has nothing to do anymore!

I just replaced the original factory fitted Bridgestone Turanza ER300 with the same (92 quid each fitted) after 17,000 miles since last March. They were getting skiddy but had just over 3mm of tread left.

This is better than the Michelins on the old 04 plate vRS which lasted about 13k from memory.

What do you reckon, good, bad or indifferent performance? I'm not that a spritied driver but driving home in the wet tonight the Fabia seems to grip the road better and runs quieter than recent weeks - don't you love new tyres

Getting my Fabia Vrs soon will fit 17" octavia Vrs wheels. What's the best tyre size for these wheels and what is the effect on the ride?