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I think it's more important to take into account that 17" wheels make room for larger brake disks, so find out if larger brakes are part of the 17" package. My Beach came from the factory with 16" wheels, with higher sidewalls than 17s, and therefor tend to be better at absorbing bumps from potholes and dirt roads, and have decided that there would be no point in changing to 17s unless I changed the brakes to the larger setup. If I were ordering from new I would probably order the larger brakes, mainly because the VW diesel injection, like most manufactures, is set up to severely limit engine braking when you take your foot off the pedal. The instant consumption gauge on the multifunction screen says consumption is zero when your foot is off the pedal, but just enough is injected to limit engine braking, so on long downhill slopes I have to use the brakes far more than used to be normal with a manual gearbox. At very low speeds in first and second gears this is disabled and engine braking is strong, so it does work on steep dirt roads in the mountains. I assume all this has something to do with emissions, but don't know the details.
Fuel consumption will be slightly better on 16” as the tyres, alloys, brake discs weigh less versus 17”. Vans payload will also be slightly more. Risk of kerb damage is less on 16”.
As you have changed the question, I’ll give a sensible answer!
We’ve run ours on 16” for 12 years. I honestly think the smaller wheels give a better ride.
I think the steelies with triangle cutouts are 17s.
You’re right, so it’s coming with 16”s instead of 17”s…
That’s not correct. An ocean comes with bigger brakes with a 150 engine compared to the standard Coast 150 engine.
Stand corrected on that bundled in feature on Ocean 6.1
if I were to buy again I would buy the 199hp because the power of the 150 isnt really enough for me, on that basis I reckon smaller daimeter wheels are better given the gearing.
The overall rolling diameter will be the same, as the tyre profile is different to make up that adjustment. 150bhp is the only engine option on the current UK Coast model.
Always stick to/go for the smallest wheels size (IMHO), so 16", unless you are planning to use your Cali as an ambulance, or looking for "a nice look" > Smaller wheels means (relatively) higher tyres > "better bumps absorption" and more MPGs. Bigger wheels means lower tyres > better road holding properties and it "looks nice"... It's up to you...
Bargain!
The smaller tyres run at higher pressures & that makes for a more uncomfortable ride.
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