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Ford India has launched the all-new
Figo (hatchback) and
Figo Aspire (sedan) in Aug/Sep 2015. Both cars come with a
stock tyre size of 175/65 R14 across all variants and models. In a break from the norm, Ford have not used tire size as a variant/model differentiator. So, whether you get the base Figo, or top-end Figo Aspire, the tire size is always the same.
While a consistent size might be beneficial to Ford India, in terms of supply chain, it turns out to be a sore point for us consumers, because:
- Visually, the stock 14" rims look small, and don't enhance the looks of the car
- Grippiness of OEM rubber is usually poor, since OEM tires are harder, with the aim of reducing rolling resistance and improving mileage
- Grippiness of the 175mm wide tires is low, particularly for the 100ps diesel variants (remember the EcoSport with a weaker diesel engine comes with 195mm or 205mm tires)
In this thread, we can discuss potential upsizes of tires, as well as different brands.
Size Options
For the recommendations below, I've not gone for too wide, or too large tires, as they're likely to bring other problems.
- 175/65 R14 (stock size on stock rims, not an upsize)
- 185/65 R14 (1 cm wider, on stock rims)
- 185/60 R14 (1 cm wider, on stock rims)
- 195/60 R14 (2 cm wider, on stock rims)
- 185/55 R15 (1 cm wider, on 1" larger rims)
- 195/50 R15 (2 cm wider, on 1" larger rims)
- 195/55 R15 (2 cm wider, on 1" larger rims. This is a stock size, although it is not available in the Figo/Figo Aspire we get here)
Size comparison from 1010tires.com:
http://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-...0R15/195-55R15 Tire Options
I've listed matching tires from
Michelin,
Pirelli,
Continental and
Yokohama, along with a link to their sites. I've intentionally not provided any prices, since that can vary due to a variety of factors. Members can post about quotes they've received from different dealers.
175/65 R14 (stock size on stock rims, not an upsize)
185/65 R14 (1 cm wider, on stock rims)Note: although this size results in a size variance of >2% (which is not recommended by experts), I've included this option since owners of the old Figo have been using this size to their satisfction
185/60 R14 (1 cm wider, on stock rims)
195/60 R14 (2 cm wider, on stock rims)
185/55 R15 (1 cm wider, on 1" larger rims)
195/50 R15 (2 cm wider, on 1" larger rims)
195/55 R15 (2 cm wider, on 1" larger rims)Note: although this size results in a size variance of >2% (which is not recommended by experts), I've included this option since the Figo Aspire has a sticker indicating this is a stock size, potentially in other markets
Please add your contributions to this thread.
Edited on 26-Sep: Added 185/65 R14 and 195/60 R14.
The initial reactions from Ford India CC and Dealers was that upsizing may void the warranty. But i think some of the members after getting detailed feedback from the dealers have gone ahead with upsizing of tyre and/or rims.
However to be on the safer side, i am following up with Ford India CC to get an official communication/clarity on this.
Also as indicated in the official review, Ford will be supplying 175/65/R14 for domestic markets and 195/55/R15 for the export markets.
Personally ,i would prefer 185/60/R14 as Ford branded R15 alloys wheels will not be available.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dpkbehera
(Post 3811121)
Personally ,i would prefer 185/60/R14 as Ford branded R15 alloys wheels will not be available.
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Why not the 15" alloys that are sold as an accessory for the EcoSport?
LINK.
Note that the price shown is for a set of 2 alloys, not 4. I haven't checked myself, but since they're OEM, I presume they'd have the same PCD, compatible offset, and the rim width would be correct for 195mm tyres. You could also look for the
Fiesta's 15" alloys, if they're still in stock.
While the pricing might put off people who can get alloys in the open market at a similar or lesser price, this is an option which will appeal to those who prefer to retain a 'stock' look, myself included.
Quote:
Originally Posted by arunphilip
(Post 3811207)
Why not the 15" alloys that are sold as an accessory for the EcoSport?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arunphilip
(Post 3811207)
While the pricing might put off people who can get alloys in the open market at a similar or lesser price, this is an option which will appeal for those who prefer to retain a 'stock' look, myself included.
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Thanks for pointing this out. This is excellent information. This should also be marketed as a Dealer accessory for Aspire as well. The flip side is that we will be getting nothing for the stock 14'' rims.
This also means that "voiding of warranty" is just meant to scare people.
What about 195/60/14 ? I would like to know your opinion on this, don't wanna upsize for few years as I have extended warranty.
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Rationalist
(Post 3811301)
What about 195/60/14 ? I would like to know your opinion on this, don't wanna upsize for few years as I have extended warranty.
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Excellent question, and a good recommendation. The 195/60 R14 is another good choice in terms of diameter, since the variance is just 1.11%. The rim width range (4.5 - 7.5 in) is also comparable to that of the stock tire (4.5 - 6 in). I think stock rims are usually between 5.5 - 6 inches. Interestingly, tyres of this size are available in all 5 variants of tyres I've been listing.
195/60 R14 (2 cm wider, on stock rims)
Arun, why is the size 185/65/R14 left out? It falls within the 3% diameter variance and was considered the natural tyre size upgrade for the Old gen Figo.
You can get a lot more
options for tyres with this size.
Quote:
Originally Posted by satan's_valet
(Post 3811438)
Arun, why is the size 185/65/R14 left out? It falls within the 3% diameter variance and was considered the natural tyre size upgrade for the Old gen Figo.
You can get a lot more options for tyres with this size.
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Second that, I use 185/65 R 14 and feel that its one of the best fits for the old Figo.
No tyre scraping and better ground clearance. :thumbs up
Quote:
Originally Posted by satan's_valet
(Post 3811438)
Arun, why is the size 185/65/R14 left out?.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by batterylow
(Post 3811448)
Second that, I use 185/65 R 14 and feel that its one of the best fits for the old Figo.
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Thank you for that good recommendation of the 185/65 R14, and good to get inputs from the old Figo owners. This is another size where tyres of this size are available in most variants of tyres I've been listing (and other brands too, per your comments).
185/65 R14 (1 cm wider, on stock rims)
Note that this size 185/65 R14 and 195/60 R14 (from my previous post) both increase the sidewall height by about half a centimeter. These aspects will improve ride quality (more room for the tires to flex and absorb road irregularities) and improve ground clearance (though the Figo Aspire doesn't seem to be afflicted with the old Figo's bottoming out issues). However, while the wheel wells will be better filled up by these tires, it will be due to more rubber sidewall than wheel rim, which might not be visually/aesthetically appealing to some. From a grip perspective also there'll be a marginal decrease, since the distance between the contact patch and wheel rim is slightly more. It won't be a dramatic change, however, so its no problem, but is just something for people to be aware of, when they're trying to finalize a size.
I would say that 195/55 R15 is the best upgrade, simply because Ford itself uses the size for the export version. The 14" rims look way too small on the Aspire, thus 15 inchers are a MUST.
Also wanted to add that it's the diesel - with its fast performance - that begs for a tyre upgrade. You need good grip with a hundred horses on tap.
My choice would be to fit the wheels from the Fiesta onto the Aspire. Are they available from Ford dealerships? Surely they should be direct fit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO
(Post 3811754)
I would say that 195/55 R15 is the best upgrade, simply because Ford itself uses the size for the export version. The 14" rims look way too small on the Aspire, thus 15 inchers are a MUST.
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GTO, but as per the sales advisor, the warranty would go for toss, if one upgrades to 15 inchers. Are they bluffing? My Dad has a Figo and I could just give him my alloys and get the Ecosport alloys! Between I got a 5 year warranty please:
The Ford CC gave me a call and confirmed the following i.e.
a) Ford will not be giving an option of 15 " alloys.
b) Upsizing Tyre and/or Rim size will void the warranty.
However i have asked them to confirm the same via email.
If this is the case then, i should be able to live with the stock tyres/rims as i avoid pushing the limits.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO
(Post 3811754)
I would say that 195/55 R15 is the best upgrade, simply because Ford itself uses the size for the export version.
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Tying in to what GTO has mentioned, Brazil is one market where Ford has been selling the
Ka hatchback and
Ka+ full-size sedan.
In Brazil, the lower-end SE and SE PLUS variants get 14" steel wheels shod with 175/65 R14 tires, while the top-end SEL variant gets 15" alloys shod with 195/55 R15 tires.
Shown below is the Brazilian wheel-cap pattern for the steel wheels (on the left) and the 15" alloy design (on the right).
What we get in India instead are 14" steel wheels with wheel caps (left) and 14" alloys (right).
In case the above alloy design looks familiar, it bears a strong resemblance to the EcoSport alloys as previewed at the Auto Expo (although this design was never launched).
I booked figo at harpreet ford moti nagar delhi. when asked about upsizing, my Sales consultant was confidently saying upsizing would not void warranty and one more person there confirmed it. If i am lucky I will get that in writing from the dealer when taking delivery.
On an another note I absolutely dont like the Fords alloy design. How much effect would it have on mileage if we go for 15 inches.
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