Pothole damage has got me looking for new tyres much earlier than expected. The premium brands (had and liked PS3's before on Fabia vRS) in 225/40/18/92/Y most on internet sale seem to be XL rated. 

 

The factory fit Conti 2's are 92 rating but not XL.

 

If XL's are all there is then so be it, but I recall the ride firmed up a good bit on the Fabia vRS and that wasn't a particularly lightweight small car.

 

Does the 92 load rating mean they're all XL rated in a 40 aspect ratio because of the low profile?

A 92XL tyre will actually handle a lower load than a 92 tyre at normal pressures.  Too handle the higher load the XL is designed to run at higher pressures.  Search for an earlier post of mine quoting  Michelin.