All the Mazda 3's handle very well ....  I am driving one with 195/65/R15's
......has some tire roll when pushing it hard ...... but the chassis and
suspension are awesome ...  The slightly larger tire will (16 to 17) give
you slightly more grip .... they look better .... but cost more to replace
$$$$$

On the new Mazda 3 S, you can get the option of 17" alloy wheels. Is this a
big plus over the 16" standard?

Kevin

I have the Mazda 3 S with 17" alloys.  The handling is fantastic.  Wife
could think that feeling all of the little bumps is annoying.
MJC