Hi all, I am a new member here but I've used the search function and although there was a thread similar to my query I have different questions.

I have a 2017 Spaceback and i'd like to know if going from my current wheel set up of the standard 17x7 ET46 215/40/17 to a considerably larger set up of 19x8 ET45 225/45/19 would pose a great risk of rubbing on any suspension or braking components.

My car is otherwise on completely stock suspension and I've always thought even the 17 inch wheels look a bit small in the arches, but on top of the obvious interference concerns, would 19 inch wheels just be too much and look stupid?

Any advice or alternatives would be appreciated.

Adam.

8 minutes ago, AdamR04 said:

I have a 2017 Spaceback and i'd like to know if going from my current wheel set up of the standard 17x7 ET46 215/40/17 to a considerably larger set up of 19x8 ET45 225/45/19 would pose a great risk of rubbing on any suspension or braking components

This will definitely over gear the car, as it increases the rolling radius by over an inch.

@Paws4Thot I see, so apart from the obvious inaccuracy of the Speedo and harsher ride, are there other adverse effects?

What sort of rims are you proposing in 19 inch, I wasn't aware anyone made them with the 5 x 100PCD (bolt spacing) in more than 18 inch size.

The existing 17 inch have a 600mm diameter, the proposal is 684mm diameter, so gaining 13% in size, which is massive difference, and will drastically change gearing.

1 minute ago, SurreyJohn said:

What sort of rims are you proposing in 19 inch, I wasn't aware anyone made them with the 5 x 100PCD (bolt spacing) in more than 18 inch size.

The existing 17 inch have a 600mm diameter, the proposal is 684mm diameter, so gaining 13% in size, which is massive difference, and will drastically change gearing.

I was actually thinking of more modern Skoda wheels, Namely the 19" Skoda Karow Sagitarius wheels

The smaller cars (Fabia, Scala, Kamiq, Rapid) have 5 bolt 100 PCD (100mm bolt spacing), the larger cars including Karoq have 112 PCD wheels

You cannot fit a Karoq wheel with the bigger bolt spacing to a hub with different bolt pattern, the bolts won't line up.

1 minute ago, SurreyJohn said:

The smaller cars (Fabia, Scala, Kamiq, Rapid) have 5 bolt 100 PCD (100mm bolt spacing), the larger cars including Karoq have 112 PCD wheels

You cannot fit a Karoq wheel with the bigger bolt spacing to a hub with different bolt pattern, the bolts won't line up.

That makes sense, I suppose it would be easier to go for another type then or more realistically some aftermarket wheels, thanks for clearing that up :)

To answer the original question - yes, 19" wheels on a car designed for 15-17" wheels is too big.

You will have an arch gap loss of 34mm and a ride height increase of 34mm, which will cause clearance issues and look stupid.

Your speedometer will over-read by 10%, which is completely illegal and an MOT failure.

It will, as others have said, overgear the car. This would mean starting in first is like starting in second - probably not great for a little 1.0/1.6.

You also can't get any OE 19" wheels in 5x100. Aside from wide, track going 18" 5x100 PCD from Work/Enkei, I can't see any wheels that are even close to what you're suggesting.

You would need a 225/30R19, which isn't really available and, even if it was, is once again daft on a car like a Rapid.

Increasing to a 19" wheel will also hugely increase the unsprung weight, which will ruin the ride and handling of the car.

If the wheels look a bit small in the arches, then get some lowering springs. Converting it into a monster truck won't help!

8 minutes ago, OccyVRS said:

To answer the original question - yes, 19" wheels on a car designed for 15-17" wheels is too big.

You will have an arch gap loss of 34mm and a ride height increase of 34mm, which will cause clearance issues and look stupid.

Your speedometer will over-read by 10%, which is completely illegal and an MOT failure.

It will, as others have said, overgear the car. This would mean starting in first is like starting in second - probably not great for a little 1.0/1.6.

You also can't get any OE 19" wheels in 5x100. Aside from wide, track going 18" 5x100 PCD from Work/Enkei, I can't see any wheels that are even close to what you're suggesting.

You would need a 225/30R19, which isn't really available and, even if it was, is once again daft on a car like a Rapid.

Increasing to a 19" wheel will also hugely increase the unsprung weight, which will ruin the ride and handling of the car.

If the wheels look a bit small in the arches, then get some lowering springs. Converting it into a monster truck won't help!

Yeah after reading the rest of these replies and with the wonder of hindsight it really isn't a viable option and I'm sure some aftermarket 17 or maximum 18 inch wheels and lowering springs would improve the car much more without making it look stupid, thanks for all your help!

It's more that you will have too many adverse effects to make it worth the effort. I could swap my 18" for 21" RS4 wheels, but it just wouldn't look good. Part of me also wants to point out that if it's aesthetics you're after, going to a 19" wheel might make your brakes look pathetic - I know the 18s made my Leon's front brakes (288mm) look a bit weak!

Worth taking a look on THIS THREAD and also check out the PROJECTS section of this forum to see what others have done and how it looks.

I've lowered my Rapid Sport using the Eibach springs (30mm drop) and put 18s on, I should really take some pics at some point. I had the 17" Rays before and the ride wasn't great to begin with, with my current setup it's a little worse but it does look good! IMO 19s won't look right.

5 hours ago, DunDunFather said:

Worth taking a look on THIS THREAD and also check out the PROJECTS section of this forum to see what others have done and how it looks.

I've lowered my Rapid Sport using the Eibach springs (30mm drop) and put 18s on, I should really take some pics at some point. I had the 17" Rays before and the ride wasn't great to begin with, with my current setup it's a little worse but it does look good! IMO 19s won't look right.

Pictures would be great at some point so I can see what 18s an lowering springs look like, I'm sure your set up looks great