Hi Everyone,

I just picked up a 2007 Polo GTI & I'm still learning my way round the considerations for changing wheel/tyre size & need some advice please.

It currently has stock:
WHEELS:
16" x 6.5 (5 x 100) 'Denvers'
38mm Offset
TYRES:
Size: 205/45ZR16 87W XL (KHUMO)

I'm considering the option of changing to 17" wheels, since the stock 16"s are pretty trashed & the cost to repair the wheels v a 2nd hand set wheels seems in the same ballpark.

I prefer the OEM look, so was looking at finding some:
WHEELS:
17" x 7 (5 x 100) 'Denvers' (Mk5 Polo GTI)
46mm Offset
TYRES:
Size: 215/40/R17

From what I gather, this offset & width change would reduce the clearance on the back side by 12-15mm & retract the wheel face by 2mm or so. Also increasing the total wheel/the diameter by about 1cm.

Question 1:
Would this size change introduce clearance issues?

Question 2:
Is an 8mm change in offset from 38 to 46 a no-no? Too drastic? Need spacers?

Question 3:
In what way might this size & offset change affect the cars handling?

Would be grateful to hear from anyone with experience using 17" wheels on a 2007 Polo GTI - especially the 17"x7 Denvers...

Please excuse my lack of knowledge & thanks heaps for your time