Spare wheel size - VW say NO

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Daytel
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:12 pm

Post by Daytel »

I have a T Cross R line on 215/45/R18 wheels.
It came with a factory fitted spare wheel 205/55/R16.

I have on order an R Line VW Tiago (coupe version of the T Cross).
Built on the same platform, and I have added the same size 215/45/R18 wheels.

Part of the deal was that I could retain my existing spare, and the dealer keeps the tyre repair kit from the new car subject to compatibility. As the dealer had not received a demonstrator yet confirmation was not readily available.

I emailed VW customer services out of curiosity, but wished I hadn’t bothered.
They replied “Unfortunately we cannot comment on whether your T Cross space saver spare wheel (205/55/R16) is compatible with a Taigo that has 18" wheels.”……..
Not happy with this reply it got escalated to a Customer relations manager.
I asked why not? but got an equally vague reply so E mailed a director who passed it onto the Executive offIce.
They replied “The T-Cross and Taigo are both allowed to have a 205/60/R16 or a 205/55/R17 tyre. However they cannot have an 205/55/R16 tyre”.
Mmmm, so they supplied me with a spare that they will no longer allow on what is essentially an identical vehicle other than having a sloping roofline, and no one will tell me why not.

Whilst the 205/60/R16 is a nearer match, the 205/55/R16 still seems within the tolerance of 2.5 - 3%.
Do I add a spare to the factory order, or chance that the 205/55/R16 will suffice?
VW Taigo R Line 1.5 DSG
Pure White with Pearl Black roof
Black mirror housing pack
Panoramic sunroof (so no roof rails)
Rear view camera
18” Misano wheels
Spare Wheel

Daytel
Posts: 34
Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:12 pm

Post by Daytel »

VW still say the spare wheel 205/55/R16 will fit the T Cross RLine and is safe, but WILL NOT FIT the Taigo.
I have not had a reply to my last E Mail asking why not.
I emailed my dealer without disclosing I was trying to get this resolved with Customer services, and said that in the unlikely event they don’t think it is comparable then I would need to know why…..
I was invited in to speak to their Technician, and take the opportunity to view the car in the showroom which wasn’t available when I placed the order.
Looking at the plate on the drivers door pillar it shows 205/55/R17, yes R17.
My worry was that if I used my T cross spare R16 against their advice, and it caused damage, then I may have contravened the warranty,
He went off to fetch the Technician, but came back with the message from his manager that THEY WILL ADD A SPARE WHEEL TO MY ORDER AT NO COST TO ME AS A GOOD WILL GESTURE.
Obviously very pleased with my dealer, (who also allowed me to change the colour and add another option today), but remain curious about the lack of a definite answer,
VW Taigo R Line 1.5 DSG
Pure White with Pearl Black roof
Black mirror housing pack
Panoramic sunroof (so no roof rails)
Rear view camera
18” Misano wheels
Spare Wheel
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