TDI 2008 - VW Polo 1.4 match - polo jenny

This car is fitted with alloy wheels 15 inch. Tyres fitted are Accelera 195.55.R15.85 marked XL - extra load. The ride on this vehicle is extremely hard and finds every small bump transmitted back to the body. The road noise is also very loud. Recommended tyre pressure suggests 32-34 psi. I have tried reducing this to 25 psi. but even then the ride is terribly harsh. Is this a problem with tyre wall flexibility or lack of i ? Would you recommend an alternative tyre ? This is not the Polo that everyone raves about !

TDI 2008 - VW Polo 1.4 match - brum

Those are budget tyres and are likely to be cheap and nasty. Tyre noise varies greatly with tyre design, most cheap tyres are dire. New tyres have an EU noise rating with A being best and F being worst. Tyre sellers will have this information on their web sites.

Look at this parameter when selecting new tyres,.

TDI 2008 - VW Polo 1.4 match - Wackyracer

Tyres with XL marking are extra load tyres and not ideally suited to small cars like the Polo. Check in the drivers handbook for the correct size and load rating for your car.

TDI 2008 - VW Polo 1.4 match - Simon

You might improve it by changing the tyres for something of higher quality but I can't imagine you will improve the ride quality dramaticaly. Its a Polo on 55 profile tyres, it is never going to be silky smooth.

TDI 2008 - VW Polo 1.4 match - Snakey

I had a 2008 1.2 Polo for while, with the 15 inch alloys and I have to admit the ride felt fine to me. IIRC it had Michelin tyres all round and I certainly never felt the ride was hard.

Maybe the cheaper tyres/heavier diesel engine (and presumably heavier duty suspension to match) are making the ride hard?