Just seen the new GTI on the road for the first time!!

[VWKev]

Where does all this talk of 18's being less comfy over the 17's come from ? I've never read anyone saying that in any review, I must have read about 20 now.

[matchboy]

it makes sense the 18's being a harder ride as they (i assume) stiffen up the ride and you feel the bumps a bit more - either way its pretty irrelevant as after a while you soon get used to the harder ride!

[davoaj]

Generally accepted with all cars mate, bigger alloys and lower profile tyres result in a slightly harsher ride. Not rocket science.

Certainly true of the mkv GTi and the E46 M3. Handling is affected as well with bigger alloys. Just the laws of physics I suppose.

Remember that I do have 18's on my GTi so I am by no means slagging on off bigger wheels.

[Rolfe]

The car I test-drove had 18s, and no ACC.  I had 92-year-old mother in the passenger seat and she was well pleased.  However, I know what she's like.  She complains about every little bump, and it's like pulling back teeth to get her to do non-essential journeys of over about 10 miles.  I need all the help I can get here.

The salesman on that test drive was the first person who said the 17s would be slightly smoother than the 18s, and it seems well enough accepted by everyone.  I seriously don't think it's enough to be an issue at all for most purchasers though.  It's just that it's an issue for me - every little helps.

I think VW have enough people over a barrel on these 18s (which I still think are ridiculously overpriced) to justify their pricing strategy.  However, I just don't get off enough on staring at my car's wheels to make it a sensible investment.

Rolfe.

[matchboy]

i think its incorrect to state that VW have people over a barrel with regards the 18's.  They are clearly better in terms of looks and resale and are therefore a sensible option to go for.  And is £400 really that much?  Over 3 years I don't think so!

[FamilyDub]

Generally accepted with all cars mate, bigger alloys and lower profile tyres result in a slightly harsher ride. Not rocket science.

Certainly true of the mkv GTi and the E46 M3. Handling is affected as well with bigger alloys. Just the laws of physics I suppose.

Remember that I do have 18's on my GTi so I am by no means slagging on off bigger wheels.

Indeed. Less flex in the sidewalls to absorb bumps! 

i think its incorrect to state that VW have people over a barrel with regards the 18's.  They are clearly better in terms of looks and resale and are therefore a sensible option to go for.  And is £400 really that much?  Over 3 years I don't think so!

£400 for rather lovely OE 18" wheels is well worth it, and seemingly essential on th MKVI.

[VWKev]

The car I test-drove had 18s, and no ACC.  I had 92-year-old mother in the passenger seat and she was well pleased.  However, I know what she's like.  She complains about every little bump, and it's like pulling back teeth to get her to do non-essential journeys of over about 10 miles.  I need all the help I can get here.

The salesman on that test drive was the first person who said the 17s would be slightly smoother than the 18s, and it seems well enough accepted by everyone.  I seriously don't think it's enough to be an issue at all for most purchasers though.  It's just that it's an issue for me - every little helps.

I think VW have enough people over a barrel on these 18s (which I still think are ridiculously overpriced) to justify their pricing strategy.  However, I just don't get off enough on staring at my car's wheels to make it a sensible investment.

Rolfe.

I don't want to sound blunt here, bu are you buying the car or is your mother ? I get the feeling that is she feels a bump on 18's she's gonna feel bumps on 17's cause they dont miraculously dissapear. Has she seen the state of UK roads ? they are a disgrace. Bumps are normal too, you also want to feel the road through the car/steering wheel. If she is a large part of you're driving journeys maybe you'd have been better off going for a different car than the GTI ? Something more comfy for her.

[matchboy]

maybe another pug?!  he he!

[Rolfe]

It's compromise.  The GTi is for me.  I compromise by getting the smoothest running GTi specs I can, because she lives with me, so it's also "her" car.  I have also got the ACC, so I can firm it up when I'm driving alone if I want to.

I wasn't really serious about the "over a barrel" part.  I can see that these wheels are worth it to a significant number of posters.  So, by definition, they're worth it.

However, in spite of appreciating that they do look nice, they're not worth it to me.  As I said, I just don't get off enough on admiring my car's wheels.

Rolfe.

[Rolfe]

maybe another pug?!  he he!

Not the faintest, foggiest, ghost of a chance! 

Rolfe.