I have had my Mark VI GTI for about a week, and while I love the car, I find the GTI ride with the 18 "225/40 tyres hard / harsh. The various Melbourne roads with repairs all jolt a little much. Not just suburban roads, but even highways one notices all the undulations a bit much.

Now I am probably a little soft having had a Honda Accord Euro before (with standard 17" 225/45s) with no doubt softer suspension.

Firstly, what is the main cause - wheels or shocks? I love the wheels, don't want to change to 17" if I can avoid it. Is it the shocks? If so, what do people recommend ? Anyone else notice this? (in reading other threads, most want lower profile tyres, lower suspension, .......).