You're not just settling for steel wheels with wheel covers, you might go out of your way to configure your car to avoid the alloy wheels.
What do you think?
Some cars take a small MPG penalty when configured with alloy wheels over the steelies that are standard on lower trims.
Two examples:
The Toyota Camry hybrid LE trim comes with steelies, rated at 43 city, 40 highway, but the more polished XLE trim with nicer alloys takes a 2mpg hit.
Also, the 2014 Corolla ECO model is rated 30 city, 42 highway when configured with the standard steel wheels with cover, the ECO Plus trim comes standard with alloy wheels and takes a 2mpg hit as well.
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The only thing we can conclude is that steel wheels with the wheel covers are very practical. It's simply a more aerodynamic wheel. The alloy wheels offered with the many visible spokes means air crosses the wheels and pushes the car back. They *DO* look good though.
Also, alloy wheels no longer really enjoy a weight advantage, most alloy wheels (except for very expensive forged wheels) weigh the same (or more) than steelies.
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Buyers don't care though, because if they did, manufacturers would solve the problem by coming up with more aerodynamic alloy wheels (like the ones on the Honda Civic Hybrid)
What do you think?
Some cars take a small MPG penalty when configured with alloy wheels over the steelies that are standard on lower trims.
Two examples:
The Toyota Camry hybrid LE trim comes with steelies, rated at 43 city, 40 highway, but the more polished XLE trim with nicer alloys takes a 2mpg hit.
Also, the 2014 Corolla ECO model is rated 30 city, 42 highway when configured with the standard steel wheels with cover, the ECO Plus trim comes standard with alloy wheels and takes a 2mpg hit as well.
--------------------------
The only thing we can conclude is that steel wheels with the wheel covers are very practical. It's simply a more aerodynamic wheel. The alloy wheels offered with the many visible spokes means air crosses the wheels and pushes the car back. They *DO* look good though.
Also, alloy wheels no longer really enjoy a weight advantage, most alloy wheels (except for very expensive forged wheels) weigh the same (or more) than steelies.
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Buyers don't care though, because if they did, manufacturers would solve the problem by coming up with more aerodynamic alloy wheels (like the ones on the Honda Civic Hybrid)
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