I have a 2002 Fabia Comfort 1.9 TDI on 185x60 R14 tyres.

Looking to replace this with a new face lifted Fabia Elegance 1.6CR on 205x45 R16's.

As the wife & I have bad backs, is the ride likely to be significantly firmer, on the new car, fitted with lower profile tyres on bigger rims?

The tyres will have a smaller sidewall (being lower profile), so probably will have a harsher ride.

205/45 16 are the same size as the Mk1 Fabia vRS. There are many threads about tyres in there if you use the search button. There may be threads about comfort, I don't know if they will answer your question.

Edited 1 May, 201016 yr by Jim H

As Jim says, 205/45/16 are what the original vRS had on, and I would never call that car uncomfortable. As long as the springs and damping are right, the ride won't be affected that much against the 14's

My brother's Octy vRS has the optional 18" wheels on with 40 profile tyres, it's ride is amazingly good! I think it's just as good as my Dad's Octy Elegance, which shows how well Skoda have sorted the suspension setup.

Once you go below 40 profile you'll really start to notice.

The best way is to find a dealer that has a Fabia 2 in their secondhand stock with 16's on and ask to test drive it, I doubt you'll notice the difference.

I have a Fabia 2 with that wheel size. The ride is very comfortable which is surprising considering the low profile. As already said probably best to test a Fabia in 3 spec to see for yourself.