In considering a purchase of a new Volvo V40 the standard wheel/tyre is a 16-inch alloys (called Matres) with 205/55 tyres. A paying option (assumed to be an improvement) is to select the 17-inch alloys (called Mannan) with 205/50 tyres.

Wheels seem to get larger on the more expensive models. I would assume that the depth of tyre would have to be larger on the smaller diameter wheel, for the speedo to be equally accurate compared with a lower profile tyre on the larger diameter wheel, but what does wheel size do for comfort and ride?

I'm guessing that the smaller wheel would give a softer ride, by having more rubber under, which assumes that the overall diameter of each of the wheel/tyre options is the same. Have I misunderstood something?

What is the preferred choice?

Thanks

David