Alloy wheels for i20

manishw · 24th April 2009, 12:44

Hi friends,
Need your advice with buying alloy wheels for my hyundai i20 (expecting to take delivery next week). I have bought the base version (Magna) which has tubeless tyres but not alloys unlike the higher version (Asta). Am planning to put in alloys as soon as I get the car.

The Hyundai dealer is offering me a set of 5 for 22k. I might negotiate to bring it down to min 20k if at all. But is it still worth that? I think it just has the Hyundai brand name. Could there be anything more to it, like their wheels meeting the specs recommended for the tyres etc.? And the design too is plain jane.
From outside I think I can get decent designs and quality for about 17k. For eg. Neo Wheels. Am I right?

Also, the tyres on the Asta version are 185/65 while on Magna version they are 175/70. Is that a point of concern? Will the stock tires be compatible with the 14' alloys I would get from outside?

Please advice.

Thanks,
Manish

P.S: If there is an already existing thread on this, please move it there.

manishw · 24th April 2009, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by manishw

Will the stock tires be compatible with the 14' alloys I would get from outside?

I ofcourse meant 14''. Advice/Suggestions anyone?

vibhu_f430 · 24th April 2009, 22:36

Hi mate,

If your looking at after market alloys, i suggest you get 15" wheels and 185-195 section tyres, they will look good and fill up the wheel arches .

It will look much better the those company 14" and skinny tyres.!

Look around the forum for tyre and wheel options.. !

Cheers!

manishw · 26th April 2009, 00:49

Thanks for the suggestion vibhu. But I think I will stick to the stock tires and 14'' wheels now. Yes, I am going for after market alloys. And my question was that if given a choice, is it advisable to go for non-Hyundai alloys.

-Manish

manishw · 27th April 2009, 10:22

Let me reframe one of my questions:
Since the Asta version comes with 185/65 tyres, do I need to upgrade to the same when I get alloys for my Magna which has 175/70?
Are there any cons in not doing so?

Thanks,
Manish

cooldude1988765 · 27th April 2009, 12:54

A lot of people use after market alloys. As long as you buy your whels from a reputed make you should be fine. You can use your stock tyres now and when you need to change them you can buy wider tyres.

predatorwheelz · 27th April 2009, 19:24

Manish,

Firstly, 20-22K for a set of 5 14" alloys is too high. As a rule, never buy accessories from the dealer point, as they tend to overcharge you. You will find very good 14" alloys in a reputed tyre/wheel shop for INR 15-16K (for 5).

Secondly, whether you run 175/70 or 185/65 is your call. Its an insignificant footprint increase, and will pose no noticeable difference in your car's performance/mileage. (I would suggest save the money and use the stock 175/70 tyres). However, do remember that the wheel sizes will have to be different for each. The stock tyres will be fully compatible with your alloys.

manishw · 28th April 2009, 10:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by predatorwheelz

Firstly, 20-22K for a set of 5 14" alloys is too high. As a rule, never buy accessories from the dealer point, as they tend to overcharge you. You will find very good 14" alloys in a reputed tyre/wheel shop for INR 15-16K (for 5).

Thanks for the input predatorji. I had finalised a set of 4 for 13.2k from a reputed tyre shop in Mulund (Mumbai).

Quote:

Originally Posted by predatorwheelz

Secondly, whether you run 175/70 or 185/65 is your call. Its an insignificant footprint increase, and will pose no noticeable difference in your car's performance/mileage. (I would suggest save the money and use the stock 175/70 tyres). However, do remember that the wheel sizes will have to be different for each. The stock tyres will be fully compatible with your alloys.

Yes, this is the info I wanted. I had made up my mind to stick with stock tyres only. But do not understand when you say the wheel sizes will have to be different for each. The Asta version has 14'' alloys with 185/65 tyres and I was planning to go for 14'' alloys with 175/70 tyres which again you said is fine. It seems contradictory to me, or I may be missing something.

That said, I might not go for alloys at all for now. My real trigger for going for alloys was an i20 which I had seen a couple of months ago. It did not have wheel caps and the exposed steel wheels made it look so ordinary for a new car that I had decided then and there to go for alloys (did not feel highly about wheel caps then). But after taking the delivery of my i20 yesterday, I find the car already looking wow with the stock wheel caps on. The alloys don't seem to be necessary for now.
Would like to share the pics of my new car as this forum was instrumental in me choosing this car. Have been following the i20 story for about a couple of years now. Will upload them soon.

Thank you so much!

-Manish

AbhiJ · 15th July 2009, 21:17

Hi Gurus..

I am in the process of booking a i20 CRDi Asta and want to upgrade the footwear. The car comes with 14" alloys, which I plan to retain. The standard tyres are 185/65 R 14 Apollo Acceleres. The i20 's wheel well seem to have a lot of space. Both height wise and in the sides after full lock

Reasons for Tyre swap :

1) Ground Clearance: I find the ground clearance of the i20 a bit on the lower side. It would be good to gain some clearance.
2) Better Ride
3) Better Grip
4) Better Brand: Looking for Bridgestone/Michelin

Although it is very unconventional, I want to INCREASE the sidewall height (the aspect ratio).

I was considering upgrading to 195/70 R 14

The figures read as follows:

Original Diameter of Tyre: 596 mm
Proposed new Diameter: 629 mm
Increase in Diameter: 33 mm
Increase in Ride Height: 16.5 mm

Speedo Error: 5.45%

Now 2 questions:

1) Will the tyres fit?
2) What are the possible problems I can run into? Can this affect the suspension adversely in any way?

abhinav.gupta88 · 15th July 2009, 21:21

The 195/70 is a seriously wrong upgrade.

I think it may fiddle with the bumpers. Not sure though.
The upgrade would be a 195/60R14 i think or maybe 195/55 R15

AbhiJ · 15th July 2009, 21:26

I would just like to add that a TeamBHP member appuchan is running his i20 with 195/60 R15 (wheel Dia of 615 mm.)

Sawyer · 15th July 2009, 22:05

Just to point out here a thought that the tyre selection is done by the company taking into account optimization of several opposing forces, cost included. Unless I knew the optimization algorithm very well, I would hesitate to change the OE size, because I would not know what would be the entire impact of the change on the optimized solution developed by the car maker. Obviously there is no issue in switching to a better tyre in the same size. Or, in changing from, to take an example of the Ritz, the VXI size tyre to the ZXI one. Here too, you will gain some handling/ride/safety, at the extra cost of the tyre and some loss in FE. And I would not do it on the same wheels. But since both tyres are specified for the car by Maruti, I would believe that the change would not exceed the developed solution parameters, and therefore ok to do. Remember that the companies do not just pick the sizes out of a hat, there is a lot of engineering and testing that goes into the selection.

Sawyer · 15th July 2009, 22:32

Another thing you may be able to do is to see how the European market Astas are shod, copying that would be a safe bet, if you really want to upsize.
Btw, on my new i 20, all I did was switch from the Aceleres to Michelins. Even this may have been unnecessary, for all I know, the OE tyres may be perfectly ok, but I am familiar with Michelins for over ten years now.

Nikhilb2008 · 15th July 2009, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sawyer

Just to point out here a thought that the tyre selection is done by the company taking into account optimization of several opposing forces, cost included. Unless I knew the optimization algorithm very well, I would hesitate to change the OE size, because I would not know what would be the entire impact of the change on the optimized solution developed by the car maker. Obviously there is no issue in switching to a better tyre in the same size. Or, in changing from, to take an example of the Ritz, the VXI size tyre to the ZXI one. Here too, you will gain some handling/ride/safety, at the extra cost of the tyre and some loss in FE. And I would not do it on the same wheels. But since both tyres are specified for the car by Maruti, I would believe that the change would not exceed the developed solution parameters, and therefore ok to do. Remember that the companies do not just pick the sizes out of a hat, there is a lot of engineering and testing that goes into the selection.

Well, in many cases car manufacturers purposely put a narrow tyre jusy to inflate the car's fuel economy readings. Case in point is the ANHC. They invented a whole new tyre size in 175/65 R15 and all the tyre manufacturers scrambled to get a tyre in that size.

Such a narrow tyre in a car with 120 bhp ius just wrong and unsafe. The Swift diesel comes with 165/80 R14. Again Maruti is just putting it's customers in danger by making a car which can reach 160kmph and giving it such lousy tyres!

I totally disagree with you. If we were in a foreign country, your points might hold good. Not in this Indian market where everyone is trying to cheat everyone else(by cheat, I dont mean in the typical sense of the word... I hope you get my drift).

Sawyer · 15th July 2009, 22:55

Fair point.Maruti also does not even give diesel owners ABS and airbags even as an option in almost all its models. However I get a sense that people are upsizing just for the looks in far too many cases. Also, here is a counter - even with thicker rubber, I am not convinced that the Swift is a car to drive at the speeds it can achieve, in India. Indeed the thicker rubber may end up giving one a false sense of security. And across all categories of drivers, the accident and fatality rates in India are a disgrace. I will not agree that this can be laid to any significant degree at the doors of the car makers. Even among the enthusiasts, a lot of what is seen on the roads belongs on the race track. As far as the lesser educated drivers go, the less said the better. Or, all there is to say is one should be very aware of their antics and keep out of their way by as defensive driving as is possible. Dying on an Indian road, neglected by everyone is not a pleasant end. Sorry to digress a bit here, but this is one of those things I get worked up about.

24th April 2009, 12:44	#1
manishw BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 39 Thanked: 10 Times	Alloy wheels for i20 Hi friends, Need your advice with buying alloy wheels for my hyundai i20 (expecting to take delivery next week). I have bought the base version (Magna) which has tubeless tyres but not alloys unlike the higher version (Asta). Am planning to put in alloys as soon as I get the car. The Hyundai dealer is offering me a set of 5 for 22k. I might negotiate to bring it down to min 20k if at all. But is it still worth that? I think it just has the Hyundai brand name. Could there be anything more to it, like their wheels meeting the specs recommended for the tyres etc.? And the design too is plain jane. From outside I think I can get decent designs and quality for about 17k. For eg. Neo Wheels. Am I right? Also, the tyres on the Asta version are 185/65 while on Magna version they are 175/70. Is that a point of concern? Will the stock tires be compatible with the 14' alloys I would get from outside? Please advice. Thanks, Manish P.S: If there is an already existing thread on this, please move it there.
	() Thanks

24th April 2009, 22:36	#3
vibhu_f430 BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: chennai Posts: 208 Thanked: 89 Times	Hi mate, If your looking at after market alloys, i suggest you get 15" wheels and 185-195 section tyres, they will look good and fill up the wheel arches . It will look much better the those company 14" and skinny tyres.! Look around the forum for tyre and wheel options.. ! Cheers!
	() Thanks

26th April 2009, 00:49	#4
manishw BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 39 Thanked: 10 Times	Thanks for the suggestion vibhu. But I think I will stick to the stock tires and 14'' wheels now. Yes, I am going for after market alloys. And my question was that if given a choice, is it advisable to go for non-Hyundai alloys. -Manish
	() Thanks

27th April 2009, 10:22	#5
manishw BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 39 Thanked: 10 Times	Let me reframe one of my questions: Since the Asta version comes with 185/65 tyres, do I need to upgrade to the same when I get alloys for my Magna which has 175/70? Are there any cons in not doing so? Thanks, Manish
	() Thanks

27th April 2009, 12:54	#6
cooldude1988765 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,055 Thanked: 222 Times	A lot of people use after market alloys. As long as you buy your whels from a reputed make you should be fine. You can use your stock tyres now and when you need to change them you can buy wider tyres.
	() Thanks

27th April 2009, 19:24	#7
predatorwheelz Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Delhi/Kolkata Posts: 1,733 Thanked: 2,166 Times View My Garage	Manish, Firstly, 20-22K for a set of 5 14" alloys is too high. As a rule, never buy accessories from the dealer point, as they tend to overcharge you. You will find very good 14" alloys in a reputed tyre/wheel shop for INR 15-16K (for 5). Secondly, whether you run 175/70 or 185/65 is your call. Its an insignificant footprint increase, and will pose no noticeable difference in your car's performance/mileage. (I would suggest save the money and use the stock 175/70 tyres). However, do remember that the wheel sizes will have to be different for each. The stock tyres will be fully compatible with your alloys.
	() Thanks

15th July 2009, 21:17	#9
AbhiJ Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kolkata Posts: 1,498 Thanked: 1,257 Times	Tyre Upgrade for the i20 Hi Gurus.. I am in the process of booking a i20 CRDi Asta and want to upgrade the footwear. The car comes with 14" alloys, which I plan to retain. The standard tyres are 185/65 R 14 Apollo Acceleres. The i20 's wheel well seem to have a lot of space. Both height wise and in the sides after full lock Reasons for Tyre swap : 1) Ground Clearance: I find the ground clearance of the i20 a bit on the lower side. It would be good to gain some clearance. 2) Better Ride 3) Better Grip 4) Better Brand: Looking for Bridgestone/Michelin Although it is very unconventional, I want to INCREASE the sidewall height (the aspect ratio). I was considering upgrading to 195/70 R 14 The figures read as follows: Original Diameter of Tyre: 596 mm Proposed new Diameter: 629 mm Increase in Diameter: 33 mm Increase in Ride Height: 16.5 mm Speedo Error: 5.45% Now 2 questions: 1) Will the tyres fit? 2) What are the possible problems I can run into? Can this affect the suspension adversely in any way? Last edited by AbhiJ : 15th July 2009 at 21:19.
	() Thanks

15th July 2009, 21:21	#10
abhinav.gupta88 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Delhi , India Posts: 4,090 Thanked: 341 Times View My Garage	The 195/70 is a seriously wrong upgrade. I think it may fiddle with the bumpers. Not sure though. The upgrade would be a 195/60R14 i think or maybe 195/55 R15
	() Thanks

15th July 2009, 21:26	#11
AbhiJ Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kolkata Posts: 1,498 Thanked: 1,257 Times	I would just like to add that a TeamBHP member appuchan is running his i20 with 195/60 R15 (wheel Dia of 615 mm.)
	() Thanks

15th July 2009, 22:05	#12
Sawyer Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 2,666 Thanked: 1,793 Times	Just to point out here a thought that the tyre selection is done by the company taking into account optimization of several opposing forces, cost included. Unless I knew the optimization algorithm very well, I would hesitate to change the OE size, because I would not know what would be the entire impact of the change on the optimized solution developed by the car maker. Obviously there is no issue in switching to a better tyre in the same size. Or, in changing from, to take an example of the Ritz, the VXI size tyre to the ZXI one. Here too, you will gain some handling/ride/safety, at the extra cost of the tyre and some loss in FE. And I would not do it on the same wheels. But since both tyres are specified for the car by Maruti, I would believe that the change would not exceed the developed solution parameters, and therefore ok to do. Remember that the companies do not just pick the sizes out of a hat, there is a lot of engineering and testing that goes into the selection.
	(1) Thanks

15th July 2009, 22:32	#13
Sawyer Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 2,666 Thanked: 1,793 Times	Another thing you may be able to do is to see how the European market Astas are shod, copying that would be a safe bet, if you really want to upsize. Btw, on my new i 20, all I did was switch from the Aceleres to Michelins. Even this may have been unnecessary, for all I know, the OE tyres may be perfectly ok, but I am familiar with Michelins for over ten years now.
	() Thanks

15th July 2009, 22:55	#15
Sawyer Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 2,666 Thanked: 1,793 Times	Fair point.Maruti also does not even give diesel owners ABS and airbags even as an option in almost all its models. However I get a sense that people are upsizing just for the looks in far too many cases. Also, here is a counter - even with thicker rubber, I am not convinced that the Swift is a car to drive at the speeds it can achieve, in India. Indeed the thicker rubber may end up giving one a false sense of security. And across all categories of drivers, the accident and fatality rates in India are a disgrace. I will not agree that this can be laid to any significant degree at the doors of the car makers. Even among the enthusiasts, a lot of what is seen on the roads belongs on the race track. As far as the lesser educated drivers go, the less said the better. Or, all there is to say is one should be very aware of their antics and keep out of their way by as defensive driving as is possible. Dying on an Indian road, neglected by everyone is not a pleasant end. Sorry to digress a bit here, but this is one of those things I get worked up about.
	() Thanks