</font>That was my biggest dilemma when buying the car; what wheel
size? I've never owned a car with standard wheels and I spent many times
visiting the used car lot comparing the standard wheels with, predominately,
the 18” wheels. However one of my main reasons for changing cars when I did was
that my Honda Civic, although it did exactly what it said on the tin, after 75k
miles in 22 months was just way too harsh a ride and I wanted/needed a quieter more
forgiving ride for my commute each day. I know I'd have been disappointed if I'd
upgraded the wheels and then thought the ride was not as quiet or as forgiving as
it could have been. However I do wonder
how much of a difference it actually makes.<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com

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</font>When I'm in the car I'm obviously pleased I saved some money
and pleased knowing the ride could not be any quieter or smoother (on std
suspension). When I clean the car and admire it I do feel it would look better
(different?) with larger wheels. I guess it's a head versus heart thing.</font></font>
</font>I say ‘different' as I do think the Q3 does look different
between standard and larger wheels. Not
different like many cars, i.e. the difference between boring/cheap and more expensive/sporty,
but, (and this is where I'm probably not being objective although I'm trying to
be) different between two styles of car.
Smaller wheels with high profile tyres
is very much what you get/need on 4x4 off-road vehicles and the large wheels
with low profile tyres is very much a trend/style/personalised look. I'm not saying one is better than the other
or disrespecting either, but the looks are different and I think the Q3 carries
them both off well.</font></font>
</font>To put my view in context, I've been fortunate to travel to
many places around the World and some to live in for short periods of time and
the UK has to rank as one of the highest countries in the World who love larger
wheel sizes. In some markets climate and
terrain are influencing factors. For example the Q3 in Sweden and India comes
standard with 16” wheels, our standard 17” wheels cost £650 more, and if you've
ever experienced the roads of India you'll understand why it will be a popular
choice.</font></font>
</font>So there we go, the ramblings of Q3 17” owner
who loves the ride, likes the look and wishes there were a set of 19” in the
garage for the weekend. The end.