Hi all,

Proud new owner of a 2019 Focus ST Line X with the big old 18 inch alloys that come as standard. I'm finding the suspension and steering fairly stiff (as I expected and experienced on the original test drive) however, I'm wondering whether putting some new boots on her might soften things up a little? I'm looking at a set of 4 x 15 inch alloys instead. Will this improve the ride quality somewhat, and perhaps lighten the steering a bit in your opinion? 

Many thanks in advance

B

12 minutes ago, BILLYDAKID said:

set of 4 x 15 inch alloys instead.

That seems a bit extreme. The smallest wheel rim normally fitted is 16" but mostly 17"

Would a 15" rim even clear the front disc brake caliper ?

Remember you will need to use FORScan to re-calibrate your Speedo if you change the wheel/tyre size.

I had no idea I would need to recalibrate the speedo so that's very handy to know, thank you. As far as it helping with the ride quality .. what are your thoughts if you don't mind? Say for example, I went for the 16inch rims?

I'm wondering why you went for the ST-Line in the first place if you wanted a Focus with a softer ride, particularly after having a test drive.

A few other points:

Bear in mind ST-L is a package with lower/stiffer suspension than, say, a Titanium so smaller wheels may not make that great a difference - don't think anyone on here has done it and could comment from experience?

A set of wheels/tyres is not cheap. You could recoup some of the cost by selling your 18s but then a future buyer would probably want them.

It's a change from standard spec so there could be Insurance implications.

Minor thing - but I doubt it would look good. 

Hi.

If you have any issues with insurance at all for a change of wheels then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

16 hours ago, BILLYDAKID said:

As far as it helping with the ride quality .. what are your thoughts if you don't mind?

I have the Mk4 Focus Titanium X which is fitted with 17" wheels. Personally I find the ride to be very comfortable and the handling is good. The issue you are going to have is it's not just the wheels on your car that's going to be affecting how stiff and hard the car is.

Just from appearance point of view I think you would be better going for the 17" wheel and perhaps fitting a tyre with a slightly higher sidewall, for example the 215x50xR17. That would give you some extra comfort and quite possibly mean the Speedo will remain correct.

 

12 hours ago, unofix said:

Just from appearance point of view I think you would be better going for the 17" wheel and perhaps fitting a tyre with a slightly higher sidewall, for example the 215x50xR17. That would give you some extra comfort and quite possibly mean the Speedo will remain correct.

 

Sounds like a better plan. That would give a slight increase in sidewall from 94 to 107.5 and the 20mm narrower tread might ease the steering weight a little.

Plus - it's a standard fitment on the non X ST- L so would look ok and might even find someone looking to "upgrade" to 18s willing to swap.