Fifth Gear: Continental tyre ditchfinder...

vikingaero

flyingscotno1 wrote: »

Off Topic but never understood car manufacturers liking large low profile tyres on humble hatchbacks.

It's a British thing though as sometimes the cars on the Continent are specified with different size tyres as standard.

It's the marketing departments satisfying a need/want. The British car market is very company car based and these people/reprobates want big bling bling alloys to impress the neighbours.

Our Continental friends think more practically. They want ride comfort and the ability to fit winter tyres which are far easier to find in the 16" range.

Johnny Reprobate will want 20" bling bling alloys to impress others. Johnny Foreigner wants a leather interior over 20" alloys because that's what he'll see and touch more often.

flyingscotno1

vikingaero wrote: »

It's the marketing departments satisfying a need/want. The British car market is very company car based and these people/reprobates want big bling bling alloys to impress the neighbours.

Our Continental friends think more practically. They want ride comfort and the ability to fit winter tyres which are far easier to find in the 16" range.

Johnny Reprobate will want 20" bling bling alloys to impress others. Johnny Foreigner wants a leather interior over 20" alloys because that's what he'll see and touch more often.

It seems that way. Surely just adds to leasing costs etc etc.

I know my car has 215/45/17 W which while it looks nice it is frankly is unnecessary for a hatchback. My old car had 205/55/16 H which was fine and cost a shed lot less for tyres- easy 2 Hankook tyres for the new car can be £180 whereas I paid £100 for the last car.

fivetide

Don't forget cars today are a lot fatter too.

Can you imagine trying to run a modern Mini on 12" or even 10" rims!!!!

missile

fivetide wrote: »

Don't forget cars today are a lot fatter too. ...!!!!

As are the occupants ........... and their wallets

almillar

Toyo Proxes are a bit sporty for most people, and won't last anywhere near long enough.
It's that compromise between grip and life again. Michelin last longest in my experience, but of course, won't have as much grip as those Toyos.

forgotmyname

Khumo KU39's Grip very very well. But ratings say a bit heavier on fuel , Thats because they grip. And i expect probably slightly below average miles from them as they grip.

I had some garage budgets before and although they worse well you couldnt accelerate any faster than an overloaded bus because the wheels would spin.

So they probably have a good fuel rating. As you cant use the throttle.