205/45's is the stock size of the 17in tires. 215/55's are just sleightly bigger in circumference and diameter than the stock 16in but should work

 

 

Is the tyre size 215 45 R17 a direct replacement swap for the 205 45 R17 size without any modifications to the alloy rims?

Thanks.

 

 

215s are a little wider than the 205 so they extend past the rim a little further. I didn't care for the added bulk of the tire when we went one width up on my son's mini (195 to 205). Before getting the wider tires for the my son's car last year I was going to go with 215s on my '06 but now I will stick with 205s when I get new tires this spring.

 

I like that the 215/45-17 tires pooch out past the wheel rim a little, it helps to keep from curbing the wheels as easily.

 

Pooch - funny. Muffin sidewalls I like 'em lean.
Reminds me too much of American muscle cars.