I recently carried out a lot of research on this querry of yours. Members were very helpful with their informative replies on this forum.
My Honda Civic Exi 1997 (1500cc) has 13" wheels (factory fitted) but then the ride was too low and with grown up family members sitting in the backseat, the car would hit almost every speedbreaker from underneath. I checked the suspension, it was ok. So I called Honda North (Peshawar) and the tech guy said the recommended tyre/wheel size for my model was 185/70 R14. Off I went to the local market, being low on budget and the need for switching to alloys, I was frustrated. Finally I struck a deal. Traded my 6 months old used YOKOHAMA 13" tyres and standard rims and bought used (in so so condition) 14" Honda Alloys alongwith used Kabuli tyres installed. After 2kms drive, I started hating myself to have comitted the biggest sin on earth.
So, forced myself to try to accept this but ultimately failed.
Today I visited a local tyre and wheel shop. Bought brand new full aluminium alloy wheels 15" with 7" width for Rs 19,000/-. Great looking, worth every penny, no regrets at all. Got low profile tyres 195/50 R15.
Honestly, my advice for you is:
Priority One: Dunlop Le Mans 185/60 R15 with 15" alloys. If you feel the steering wheel to be too heavy, then find 175/60 R15. These would LOOK GOOD and wont be a burden on your car, plus Dunlop Le Mans are cost effective yet trendy and comfy. If you want to scarifice a little comfy drive for more sporty look, better handling and speed, then go for low profile 195/55 R15 on 15" alloys.
Priority Two: 14" alloys with a tyre specs of 185/65 R14 or 185/60 R14.
Hope this helps.