C 4 Wheels - 15 or 16

I have just received my C4 without options. This means the 15 inch aluminum wheels with 175-65-15 tires and the very nice 31.4 foot turning circle. I have driven C4's with 15 inch and 16 inch wheels. Personally, I would not buy the C4 with 16 inch wheels. The ride quality is noticeably more harsh with the 16 wheels and the turning circle grows from 31.4 to an unacceptable 37.4 feet.

 

True, the 15 wheels offer a better drive, while the 16s look great but will give a much harsher ride. Sometimes the engineers really do get it right!

 

I'd go for the MINI harsh!

 

Have the 16's and love the tight tight ride - I wouldn't call it "harsh" but yes it feels the road like a Mini. So then the question is, do you like that sort of ride, or do you want a cushier ride?
The turning radius is reduced, yes, but even in a big city I don't really care – again depends on your comfort level in tight driving conditions.

 

Not saying the wheels aren't terrific and very cool! Just prefer a little softer ride.

 

In Canada you don't have a choice. If you go for the equivalent of the US C4 you only get16's. I don't have any complaints though

 

Yeah, you guys get less flexible option packages, but you also get something we don't in the US - even as an option. Low profile rear head rests.

 

No

we don't. Mine are just the same as the us model

 

My C4 has the 15" tires and ride is very nice and it has the better turning radius. Main thing with the 16" tires is they may give a hard ride due to less rubber between you and road. Not worth the cost in my opinion, but that is my opinion.

 

Hmm...wonder why Toyota.ca shows that photo? Maybe you have the option.

 

We've had previous reports of large rear headrests in Canada too:

Rear Head Rest Changed | Page 2 | PriusChat

It's interesting on the Canadian website, the PDF brochure and feature images in the gallery show low-profile headrests, but the main image on the overview page and the same image on the "Gallery & Colours" page with the car you can change colours, does actually have the larger headrests visible inside the car.

I really should try to take photos inside mine like I keep promising... problem is it's too dark in the car park for good photos and when I'm out I'd rather drive it.

 

The Canadian site also mentions something about a leather dash trim on the top model. It is incorrect. I removed the headrests. I found some caps for the holes in a dollar store.

 

No. We do not have an option with regards to the headrest. Same as USA. We also don't get that free service on the navigation unit like you have in the USA. And we pay at least 10 - 15 % more.

 

Having driven 18.5K miles with the 16"s:
Pros: Stability and better handling. Quicker steering rack. Car feels planted on the highway, even with high winds, semi's, etc.

Cons: Harsher ride. I feel every highway imperfection. No LRR tires in 195/50/16 that I can find. Less MPGs and a wider turning circle. If you life in an urban environment, I would not recommend giving up 6' of turning radius. For a highway commuter like me, not such a big deal.

Had I the choice, I would not have gotten the 16" wheels.