Wheel Size

TheProfessional

EnPointe said:

Ectophile said:

Ganga said:

Why would you want smaller wheels ?

Better fuel economy.  Better ride quality.  The wheel rims are less likely to be smashed if you hit a pothole.

Big wheels are a fashion statement that only makes the car worse to drive.

all three of your assertions are  incorrect 

Really? I thought the bigger the wheel, the lower/thinner profile of tyre the less cushion there would be?

I'm sure there's probably more to it but interested to hear

400ixl

You can typically opt for different wheels on VW's so there may well be a 19" alternative. May even be a free downgrade. Have a look at the VW car configurator on their website initially.

35har1old

TheProfessional said:

Thanks for the comments all

I currently have 20" and I don't think I'll do that ever again. They aren't totally terrible but with two small kids now I'd prefer the comfort of a smaller wheel like suggested with potholes, speed bumps etc. 

Also less bothered about the look now there's two kids car seats in the back and filled with muddy bikes and sand

Might just look down the range and just see about a less attractive trim but a wheel of choice e.g 19"

I'm not even sure the 1" difference would make that much of a noticeable improvement but theoretically should 

 H

Surely a smaller wheel dropping into a small pothole drops further.
As to speed bumps the size of wheel has very little to do with it as the description says it all "speed bump"
Larger wheel more ground clearance 

EssexExile

35har1old said:

TheProfessional said:

Thanks for the comments all

I currently have 20" and I don't think I'll do that ever again. They aren't totally terrible but with two small kids now I'd prefer the comfort of a smaller wheel like suggested with potholes, speed bumps etc. 

Also less bothered about the look now there's two kids car seats in the back and filled with muddy bikes and sand

Might just look down the range and just see about a less attractive trim but a wheel of choice e.g 19"

I'm not even sure the 1" difference would make that much of a noticeable improvement but theoretically should 

 H

Surely a smaller wheel dropping into a small pothole drops further.
As to speed bumps the size of wheel has very little to do with it as the description says it all "speed bump"
Larger wheel more ground clearance 

Smaller wheel comes with a fatter tyre, same overall diameter, same ground clearance, more give in a pothole, softer ride.

Arunmor

Ganga said:

Why would you want smaller wheels ?

Crikey, I'm more surprised someone asked that question.  20" wheels would be just horrible.

daveyjp

Arunmor said:

Ganga said:

Why would you want smaller wheels ?

Crikey, I'm more surprised someone asked that question.  20" wheels would be just horrible.

Not if they have 70 profile tyres and that's what matters, not diameter.

wongataa

35har1old said:

TheProfessional said:

Thanks for the comments all

I currently have 20" and I don't think I'll do that ever again. They aren't totally terrible but with two small kids now I'd prefer the comfort of a smaller wheel like suggested with potholes, speed bumps etc. 

Also less bothered about the look now there's two kids car seats in the back and filled with muddy bikes and sand

Might just look down the range and just see about a less attractive trim but a wheel of choice e.g 19"

I'm not even sure the 1" difference would make that much of a noticeable improvement but theoretically should 

 H

Surely a smaller wheel dropping into a small pothole drops further.
As to speed bumps the size of wheel has very little to do with it as the description says it all "speed bump"
Larger wheel more ground clearance 

All cars in a range will have the same outside diameter of tyre.  The wheel size dictates the size of the tyre sidewall.  Smaller wheels means larger sidewalls (to keep the same OD of tyre) which means more comfort.  Smaller wheels are also lighter in general.

The same outside diameter of tyre is kept constant so the speedo reads correctly and the odometer reads correctly.  Manufacturers don't want to have different programming for speedos depending on wheel size.

motorguy

Mildly_Miffed said:

If you don't want the 20" rims, don't buy the spec that comes with them... Base spec Tiguans are on 17" rims, Life and Match on 18".

It's unlikely it'd be a factory option to go down in size, which would mean that - yes - it's a modification for insurance purposes. Even if it was done by the dealer.

I would concur with this.

Get the model with the smaller wheels, and maybe up the spec a bit with choice options.

Would be cheaper - and easier than getting the pricey model (often with options you dont actually want) and trying to downgrade the wheels

motorguy

facade said:

Ganga said:

Why would you want smaller wheels ?

They come with taller tyres, which offer some degree of compliance and a smoother ride on the rutted, potholed cart-tracks that Councils seem to think are fit for vehicular traffic.

I'd never buy a car that has wheels like cotton reels with elastic bands stretched over them, the cotton reels shatter at the first pot-hole they hit (so that would be in less than 100 yards from my house....)

They dont.  They will improve handling because of less roll which has its advantages on the right car, but i certainly wouldnt be spec'ing 20 inch wheels with elastic band tyres on a soft roader.  

My car runs 245/35 R19 fronts and 265/35 R19 rears and i've never had any issues.  

Stubod

I have the "2", (poverty) spec Kia with smaller wheels, my sister has the level "3", with larger wheels. We can concur that as the published data shows, the smaller wheels give a more confortable ride with slightly better fuel economy, (as well as being cheaper tyres). Although larger wheels will make the car handle better...if that's what floats your boat...

I did ask the dealer about buying the higher spec model and fitting the smaller wheels....but "the computer said no....."...