Tire Size 205/50R17: Dimensions & Fitment

Hi.

a general question about wheels:

I have 7.5" rims with 235-width tires (original VW). The current V50 has only 0.5" (or 1.25 cm) narrower rims, but 3 cm narrower tires!

Do I have balloons on my car, or does Volvo really want the wheels to stick out?

I'm more familiar with 225/45 R17 as a common tire size for a Golf, rather than a standard size for 7x17 inch wheels (like those found on Santa Monica or Long Beach models).

m;