Other than the heavy feeling at low speed (and a little bit of throttle fixes that), I think that most of the difference that I've experienced so far can be pinned on tires rather than the rack itself - feedback of the 14" Cooper H rated tires are slow and sloppy when compared to the BFG summer tires on our other car. I do like the faster ratio of the manual rack though, and I can feel the tug of the tires in rutted suburban streets, so feedback is good, if a little muted through the tires.
Reviews of Cooper tires
1185 votes
ive got those same coopers on my geo and they seem to do well. but they are clearly an AT tire.
Recommend a switch to "Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring" tires. I have a 2011 Tiguan SE. Replaced my stock 17-inch Continentals after 7,500 miles because they were too noisy and I had 2 flats within a month. Did considerable research on all-weather tires before I settled on the Cooper CS5 . . a new unique tread design and rubber compounds. There was a 100% improvement in my SUV's handling, as well as a soft, quiet ride. Now have 54k on this SUV, and my W-rated tires remain almost like new.
Audis run on Continental Winter Contacts, have had Nokians, Hankooks and Coopers. All worked well but the Coopers were noisiest of the bunch.
I just saw a sedan with this package and it looked like quite an upgrade compared to a regular Focus. Playing around with the configurator it doesn't seem like it is available on the hatch for some reason, but it really changed the character of the sedan. The tires are wide and it looks hunkered down with a restrained body kit.
I had some cooper trendsetters when I was poor on my camry, they were hilariously bad on wet roads. Sliding every corner.
I was always a Michelin fan until I started dealing with Cooper/Mastercraft tires in 2010 or so. Haven't put anything else on a car. I'm not pleased by the Cooper CTS I put on my moms car but those will be warrantied no problem.
I've been exceptionally happy with the Cooper RS3 tires on my Focus - I'd take a serious look for your car. They are sticky, quiet and good in the rain.
I am in St. John's, Newfoundland and have Cooper Weather-Master WSC in a 235/55r17. I didn't stud them and they are excellent.
Just replaced the crappy Bridgestones at 37k miles with Cooper CS4 touring, very nice and stable ride, excellent in wet and a good looking tire to boot.
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