Had 15" 195/65/15 winter tyres WINTER CONDITIONS four years - soft ride due to higher tire, but the whole car felt wobbly through corners at higher speed, but could be controlled without a problem.The tyre is narrow and the car is heavy. At higher speed on the motorway no problem at all, higher grip in snow, but also a bit lower ride, could touch ice sometimes.On diesel I had consumption 4.8l/100 with winter and summer 225/45/17 I had 5.2 or 5.3l.
205/55/16 winter tyres one winter, very comfortable,quiet, predictable ride without any problems.Nice cornering.
225/45/17 summer tyres 5 seasons, a bit of a bumpy ride on bad roads, the whole car is harder, goes through sharp turns like an arrow, feels glued to the road, but as I said on poor roads it can be harsh for the car and the driver.Sometimes I feel pain when I drive into the pothole I could not avoid and I hear the bump. On highway the car has no problems and is predictable, only a bit louder than 16 inch. Except when you go across bridges and you drive over 20cm of steel frame on both sides of the bridge, I makes a funny noise.
For maximum comfort allround use I would choose 16inch. Or if it was possible a bit higher 17inch and 50 instead of 45, but it is against the law. 18 with height 40 is too low, although the car looks nice. My car has default springs and it is not lowered.
Due to the looks I have 225/45/17, and I avoid potholes and bad roads.
Consumption is just a bit higher.
