Wheel Choices for the Mk7 TSI

[Cuthbert]

I have ordered a new Golf 7 103TSI Highline, which comes with standard 17 inch wheels. This worries me because I fear they may make the ride too harsh (they are the same size wheels as the GTI model). I am not a sporty person - just a regular midde-aged driver who likes quite a smooth ride.

I am seriously considering downgrading to the 90TSI Comfortline to get the standard 16 inch wheels, but then I will miss out on all the other Highline goodies (like satnav, better seats). Alternatively, I suppose I could change the wheels on the Highline model.

I would be most grateful for any feedback you have on this issue. Am I worrying too much about the larger wheels? Is the ride that much harsher. The review in today's Sydney Morning Herald (Drive section, 18 April) suggests that they are.

http://smh.drive.com.au/new-car-reviews/first-drive-review-volkswagen-golf-20130418-2i2nb.html

I hope that VW Australia has not made a mistake with their configuration of the 103TSI Highline by making the wheels too big.

[Diesel_vert]

I have ordered a new Golf 7 103TSI Highline, which comes with standard 17 inch wheels. This worries me because I fear they may make the ride too harsh (they are the same size wheels as the GTI model). I am not a sporty person - just a regular midde-aged driver who likes quite a smooth ride.

I am seriously considering downgrading to the 90TSI Comfortline to get the standard 16 inch wheels, but then I will miss out on all the other Highline goodies (like satnav, better seats). Alternatively, I suppose I could change the wheels on the Highline model.

I would be most grateful for any feedback you have on this issue. Am I worrying too much about the larger wheels? Is the ride that much harsher. The review in today's Sydney Morning Herald (Drive section, 18 April) suggests that they are.

Did you notice which wheel and tyre combination was fitted on the demonstrator during your test drive?

What was your overall impression of the ride quality during the test drive?

[Cuthbert]

I don't think they are available yet for a test drive here in Sydney until the end of the month.

[Ryan_R]

Seems the Mk7 Highline is comparable to the Mk6 Comfortline with the Sport Pack option ticked. People with that particular Mk6 would be the best ones to ask (besides GTI owners who aren't driving enthusiasts). Guess they needed further differentiation between the models.

Personally I don't see the point of the bigger wheels and sport seats given the car is slower than the Mk6 118TSI. That's said I've driven a MK6 GTI as well and while you feel the bumps a little more it's in no way uncomfortable.

[Diesel_vert]

I don't think they are available yet for a test drive here in Sydney until the end of the month.

It may be wise to go for a test drive before signing the dotted line next time.

Evaluating a vehicle's suspension compliance can be subjective, so it's difficult to say. In terms of ride quality, one man's luxury car could be another man's horse carriage.

Does the Highline come with sports suspension as standard in Australia? Currently, it's optional in Germany, but standard in the UK. Fitting 16" wheels on sports suspension may not necessarily improve compliance on poor roads.

Anyway, when you get the chance, go back to the dealer, ask for some test drives and compare cars with different configurations. You'll be in a better position to judge on whether to request a swap over to 16" wheels or not, because only you know what you like.

[volksweapon]

Cuthbert, I had the opportunity to drive all of the cars this week. I cant imagine that you would be unhappy with the 17" wheels. The ride and handling of the MK7 is in my opinion vastly superior to the MK6 and that is saying something as I am a huge fan of the 6.
The suspension set up is almost perfectly damped, again that's my own opinion but this was also commented on by a number of others during the course.

Even if the ride was harsh (which it isn't) the highline is worth it for the seats alone. Most comfortable seats in a non sports VW to date and they look great. The ambient lighting at night would also sell it for me.

I hope you enjoy your new car.

[jamieyoyo]

Do you mind telling us how much did you pay for your 103TSI ? Thanks.

[Cuthbert]

Sure, I am paying $32,000 excluding on road costs. My understanding is that there are no discounts available at present because of high demand. My dealer told me of Friday that he sold 6 that morning and that any new factory orders won't be fulfilled till September at earliest.

[irossiter]

Sorry to point out the obvious but why would you order a car that you have not driven if you are worried about suspension?? My Mk 6 GTI is superb on the road with 18 inch wheels. I can see it wouldn't be to your tastes by the sounds of it. I'm sure a new TSI with 17 inch wheels would be more compliant BUT you need to drive the car yourself rather than asking people on this forum. They will have demonstrators in next week.

[Cuthbert]

Here is my logic: I definitely knew I wanted the new Golf 7 - that was a no brainer. I also wanted the higher specification. So I went ahead an ordered it knowing that if I didn't get in early, I would be waiting many months when the rush started. But I had assumed that the Highline would have 16 inch, not 17 inch wheels. The reason I sought the advice of this forum was to get a heads up in case I had to put an option on a TSI 90 Comfortline (with 16 inch wheels) as a back up.

In any case, I will be trying the car out for myself this week when the first batches will be delivered to Sydney dealers.

Meanwhile, thanks for your reassurance on the 17 inch wheels.

[Diesel_vert]

The reason I sought the advice of this forum was to get a heads up in case I had to put an option on a TSI 90 Comfortline (with 16 inch wheels) as a back up.

It's not likely anyone else on this forum would've been able to provide genuine feedback if no test vehicles were generally available.

I would expect a firm but forgiving ride, geared towards high-speed stability for cruising on the Autobahn (if past German suspension design philosophy is anything to go by) but I haven't driven the new Golf, obviously.

One positive is that it would appear sports (or lowered) suspension is not fitted as standard on the Highline in our market. I skimmed briefly through the brochure on this site - Auto Blog Australia: Volkswagen Golf MK.7 Australian Brochure - but you may want to read it more carefully.

You also have the option of fitting comfort-biased tyres on the 17s if you like the look.

TBH, I don't expect any nasty surprises regarding the new Golf's ride compliance, but you'll be the judge of that.

[DoggieHowser]

Are 17 inch wheels too big for 103TSI Highline?

Over in Singapore, they have a Highline with Equipment Pack that adds the bixenon sunroof among others and that comes with 18" rims. Can't say it's harsh. But then NSW roads can be a bit nasty compared to Singapore or QLD.

[Diesel_vert]

But then NSW roads can be a bit nasty

That would definitely be an understatement!

[idaho]

I have ordered a new Golf 7 103TSI Highline, which comes with standard 17 inch wheels. This worries me because I fear they may make the ride too harsh (they are the same size wheels as the GTI model). I am not a sporty person - just a regular midde-aged driver who likes quite a smooth ride.
...

I think you will be ok with 17" wheels. We have a Mk5 GT Sport with 17" wheels and 225/45x17 tyres and it has a nice confident ride without being harsh. Having said that, I wouldn't like to go any lower profile/bigger wheel combination as I think the sidewalls would be getting too small for road conditions.

[Kevin87]

Hey cuthbert I just pmd you