Agreed
I would say it is a toss up between a softer and more comfortable ride with 16" tires and better handling for more sporty driving techniques with 18" tires. For me I prefer the 18" rubber. You get a much firmer ride no doubt, but also no rubbery feeling in the steering and more precise steering control. I chose the CX3 for its precise driving characteristics over other cars in the same class and the 18" tires um, drive the point home.
And just my thoughts on this matter as well, I have had my car for a while now, it was factory fitted with 18's, I thought for a short wheel base car the ride was quite good, compared to my previous Car with Coil Overs fitted that was a harsh ride.
I then Lowered my Car via Eibach Coils, that certainly stiffened up the car, still not too bad for me plus cornering was significantly better(much less body roll).
I then fitted 19" wheels to it, again not much difference in ride.
I sold my 19's and have now got 20's with 235/35 tyres, again could not really tell the difference, until now
I have now taken out the Eibach's and fitted CorkSport Lowered Coils, wow what a huge difference this has made, my car basically feels nearly the same as when it came from the factory, except for the better stance and better wheels.
This is just my 2 cents worth, and thought I would share this info with all.
Darren