Anyway, keeping this section active, here is my latest question.
Still thinking of winter tyres for the car but the selection for the 17 inch wheels is dismal, and very expensive. I've settled on Nokian WR D3 as the tyre of choice for cost and quality but not sure about the rim size, and tyre width. 195/50/16 would be my guess, but someone may already have put winter tyres on and be able to guide me. Looked at steel wheels, yet at least one site has said they aren't appropriate for the ST. I'm thinking thats because of the max power output, which isn't going to get used, especially with the road conditions. Anyone have any thoughts on this subject?

You will find most spare wheels are 14 or 15 rim and wont go over the brake caliper.

Which seems strange as the spare provided for my car is a 14 inch wheel. Must check that out before I have to rely on it.

Should fit over the rear. So if you get a puncture in the front you would have to put the spare on the back and put the alloy from the back on the front. We have this problem with the 300mm brake conversion on the mk6.

i would say get a set of cheap steels from a breakers 16inch

Focus st170 spare wheel is 16"

Thanks for the replies guys. Washed the car today, during a damn heavy shower and can see how the front caliper is way too big to allow a 14 inch wheel as my wheel brush only just fits between caliper and wheel. Would be even less room with 16 inches. Typical uk weather, now I've finished its beautifully sunny.

The spare for the mk7 fits over the front brakes as I had to use it a couple of weeks ago

As the spare I got was fitted to a non ST Fiesta as the dealer didn't get one in for me, so swapped it, I'd better make sure it does.

you should get 15" wheels over the brakes unless you've upgraded, there are so many cheap 4 stud ford fitment wheels out there, my track wheels in my sig were £20 for the set, i spent more on paint than the wheels

Hi,
Have the same dilemma with my wife's soon to be built ST. Insurance says I will need to notify them twice/annum when I fit and remove 16 ins wheels(even if I use Ford 16ins wheels).This will cost £52/annum but as ford say the summer tyres are not to be used in the winter, I have no option and have ordered Ronal 42 wheels and Nokian WR A3 195/50 R16 tyres from Tyreleader (£560 total cost) As tyreleader do not fit tyres to wheel, that will increase the overall cost. Somewhat cheaper than buying Ford 16 ins wheel. I see no point in buying a performance car and then fitting steel wheels.

If it just for winter and you dint mind the looks then use the steels.
Are you here or abroad?

Or just buy 205/40r17 Winter tyres

Unless you're living in a country with snow guaranteed throughout winter, then I wouldn't swap to winter tyres. In the UK, there is absolutely no point at all. The worst we get is a couple of days of snow at a time, the rest of the time its damp tarmac - something that standard 'summer' tyres are more than capable of dealing with.

Just my opinion of course! If you feel like you need them and have the spare cash then just get any set of Ford 16" wheels (Mondeo Si are a good shout) and whatever winter tyres you like.

I agree with Nick on this one. The only reason I could see having a 2nd set of wheels is for Track use as Dan does or simply to protect your wheels from the winter salts and dirt.