[Ompsingh]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at upgrading the brand new stock tyres in my Vento TDI and was convinced to go for 205/55 R15 Yokos S Drive until I read this thread. Now this has become totally confusing for me - whether or not to opt for S Drives. I am looking at good performance being an enthusiast, but also expect the tyres to last at least 50k kms.

Would appreciate if fellow BHPians can help me with the best set of suggested tyres for the Vento TDI.

Thank you all.

[coolboy007]

Originally Posted by Ompsingh

I am looking at upgrading the brand new stock tyres in my Vento TDI and was convinced to go for 205/55 R15 Yokos S Drive until I read this thread. Now this has become totally confusing for me - whether or not to opt for S Drives. I am looking at good performance being an enthusiast, but also expect the tyres to last at least 50k kms.

I have been using S drive's for the past 5000 kms now and fully satisfied with them so far. The grip is just amazing, they do not let go during hard cornering, braking is extremely good but that could be due to the wide 205 patch as well, steering feedback is perfect, noise levels are okay so far, it is not very silent but that is a given with any performance tyre. No issues with comforts or sidewall strength too, have taken my car to pathetic roads multiple times and hit unavoidable potholes at 90-100 and they have held up good.

Regarding your requirement of tyres lasting 50k kms, you need to look some where else. Only MRF, JK can produce tyres which last 50-55k with their hard rubber. S drive's have a life span of 35-40k, they are very grippy and would not last 50k kms. Have a look at XM2 in 195/60 R15, they can last 45k or so but outright grip is average.

[Ompsingh]

Originally Posted by coolboy007

Regarding your requirement of tyres lasting 50k kms, you need to look some where else. Only MRF, JK can produce tyres which last 50-55k with their hard rubber. S drive's have a life span of 35-40k, they are very grippy and would not last 50k kms. Have a look at XM2 in 195/60 R15, they can last 45k or so but outright grip is average.

Hey thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I'll have to agree that I can't have the best of all worlds. If I go for the Yokos S Drive, what size should I go for for the Vento - 195/60 R15 or 205/55 R15? Will spending that extra money be worth it?

[coolboy007]

Originally Posted by Ompsingh

Hey thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I'll have to agree that I can't have the best of all worlds. If I go for the Yokos S Drive, what size should I go for for the Vento - 195/60 R15 or 205/55 R15? Will spending that extra money be worth it?

S Drive only comes in 195/55 R15 and 205/55 R15. Perfect upsize with least deviation error from stock for Vento is 205/55 R15. I have driven the car for 35000 kms on 195/60 R15 and now 5000 kms on 205/55 R15.

You will love the extra grip from 205 if you drive fast, braking improves tremendously, you will love the weightier steering which is very light with stock 185 tyres and there is a small effect on fuel efficiency. S drives look handsome as well

I reiterate again, S drives are only for those who drive fast, love cornerning and need grip. If you are a sedate driver, you can choose some Michelin from 195/60 R15 which maximise comfort but start squealing under hard driving.

[Ompsingh]

Hey Guys,

Got my car delivered today and within no time I got my tyres upgraded to Yokos S Drive 205/55 R15. Drove around 45-50 kms today and it drives like a dream. S Drives are certainly super performers. Great grip, added some good weight to the steering at high speeds and surely oozes confidence during high speed cornering. Will share my ownership experience once I do 8-10k on it.

Thank you all for your suggestions. Until next time, Cheers!!!

[antardaksh]

Originally Posted by Ompsingh

I got my tyres upgraded to Yokos S Drive 205/55 R15.

Hi Ompsingh,

Could you please share cost of each tyre and how much did you get for the stock tyres.

Regards.

[altius]

Replaced the 5 year old Yoko C Drives in my Honda Jazz with S Drives a few days back. The tyre size was 195/60 R15. It was also the most cost effective option of the tyres I was considering - Yoko Earth 1 and S Drive, Michelin XM2 and P3 ST and Continental CPC. It being a sporty tyre was a added bonus.

[automobilophile]

Replaced my 185/70/R14 (Michelin XM2 on steel wheel) with 195/60/R15 ( Yokohama S-drive on Advanti alloys).
The grip has increased substantially over XM2. I had several instances where XM2 would just give up even in sub 80 speeds under hard breaking or cornerings.
At present noise is slightly more than XM2 and ride quality is worser compared to XM2 too.

This is my first S-drive. I hope it doesnt become too noisy (unbearable levels) like few have mentioned here.