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What size wheels do you recommend to improve ride comfort and handling on my Ford Focus 2.0?

My 2009 Ford Focus 2.0 Titanium petrol automatic (purchased late last year) is shod with 18-inch alloys with 225/40 R18 Wanli Snowgrip winter tyres. The alloys have been comprehensively curbed by the previous owner and the ride is rather harsh. To address both condition and comfort, rather than refurbish the alloys I'm considering keeping the existing alloys and tyres for the depths of winter only, and purchasing new alloys/tyres of a reduced rim size. The manual lists 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16 and 205/50 R17 alternative sizes. Would I notice much improvement in ride comfort with 17-inch rims? I'm inclined to go for 16-inch over 15-inch to retain a reasonable amount of handling feel. Which would you advise?

Asked on 15 March 2017 by Gaz14

Answered by Honest John
Go for the 16-inch size with 205/55 R16 Michelin Cross Climates and use them all year round. Sell the 18-inch wheels on eBay to a boy racer. They ruin the ride of a Focus and don't help the handling.
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