I've just bought a 2 year old Fabia estate and I'm wondering whether to change the wheels or not. I think the Classic actually has narrower rims than the higher spec models. Does anyone know if this is true?

Anyhow, if I wanted a set of Skoda alloys what options do I have? Do they make a 14 inch? If I go for 15s will it alter the overall wheel dimensions (last thing I need is taller gearing!)

Or does anyone think I should stick with the standard wheels - they don't actally look too bad on a Stone Grey car...

Personally, I wouldn't bother but then I'm an advocate for more exciting driving on skinny tyres...

On a 68bhp petrol engined car, I wouldn't bother going too huge, as they'll also be quite wide which will make the acceleration a bit more sluggish.

Oh, and the trick to going bigger but keeping the same rolling radius is to use lower profile tyres...

Rob.

If you want Skoda rims, the Fabia Elegance TDI comes with 14" alloys and the 2.0 petrol one comes with 15" alloys.

Chris

I wouldn't go over 15" (I got a set of MkIII Golf GTI alloys for sale. )

If you put 195/50 R15 tyres around them they should maintain almost the same rolling radius to maintain gearing as with 185/60 R14 tyres (but that extra 10mm of tyre width for a bit more cornering ability)

Hello JoeW,

Excellent choice the Estate

I took the optional 15" Skoda alloys. I can post pictures as soon as I get it. ( next week-ish)

But I'm allready considering 17"' + lowering kit.... :rubchin:

Why don't go over 15" devon ?

They'll be significant drag from bigger tyres and you'll find that the car feels slower as the engine will need to work harder to overcome it.

Chris

I can't imagine the problems with a 1.4 mpi engine would have trying to push around 205 wide tyres. It can be done obviously, but I think the extra drag would be severely hampering. 15" with 195 tyres is a happy medium. Each to their own though and if anyone wants to put 17s on an mpi, I'm not going to say no... especially as it would look top notch!

(17" alloys also affect gearing which will be amplified by the less powerful engine too)

I have got 17's on an mpi not an estate though, cant say that it makes that much difference to acceleration but it is way more fun to drive. i say go for it if you want.

thanks for all the suggestions. Not sure I want the 15 inch wheels - its not a performance car and I dont particularly want much lower profile tyres (although I agree 17s and a lowering kit would look great....but thats a job for my Puma first).

I might investigate getting hold of the 14s fitted to the Elegance just to make it look a bit smarter...

thanks for all the suggestions. Not sure I want the 15 inch wheels - its not a performance car and I dont particularly want much lower profile tyres (although I agree 17s and a lowering kit would look great....but thats a job for my Puma first).

I might investigate getting hold of the 14s fitted to the Elegance just to make it look a bit smarter...

There are 14" alloys going on ebay all the while - I reckon you could pick up a bargain if you wait for the right set.

(or maybe put a "wanted" thread in the for sale & wanted section and someone may have a set for sale?)

edit: These go in a few hours... (I know they're not Skoda' date=' but I got a set of Skoda wheel inserts if you need them )

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2467202119&category=14771

Good idea - might as well wait until the front tyres are worn out though. I'll keep an eye on Ebay...

Love your avatar BTW...

Love your avatar BTW...

Well, I thought the filim was as funny as anything, so when I saw this avatar I knew the perfect 15 character slogun to go with it. (and mate has a Canadian g.f who I get on well with. Best not let her see it. )

well its certainly a wiser choice than "shut your ******* face uncle******"...

Getting OT now so I'll stop...

well its certainly a wiser choice than "shut your ******* face uncle******"...

Getting OT now so I'll stop...

Deffo! I'd get swift kick up the ass and a ban if I tried that... 15 characters Uncle_****** is 13... (I think not)

Anyway - back to alloys, this has gone off topic...

ETKA lists 14" and 15" alloys for the Fabia at

thanks for all the suggestions. Not sure I want the 15 inch wheels - its not a performance car and I dont particularly want much lower profile tyres (although I agree 17s and a lowering kit would look great....but thats a job for my Puma first).

I might investigate getting hold of the 14s fitted to the Elegance just to make it look a bit smarter...

Here's a picture of the 14's. The fit quite nicely' date=' I'd have prefered 15's but then 14" make it look nice and smart (and came 'free' so to speak)

[img']http://www.briskoda.net/gallery/data/500/53Skoda_Web_Pic-med.JPG[/img]

I have the 6 spoke 14s by Skoda on my Combi.It's only a 1.2 12v ,no mods at all,YET(!).Metallic grey - looks great in my opinion!

Yes, that does look really nice! The colour really suits the car as well. Glad I didn't go for a silver one.

Think I'll wait until my tyres wear out then consider swapping the wheels...