Tires MICHELIN or OEM Mazda

I had X-ice Xi3s on the Fiesta ST I owned for just over 2 years, and I actually liked driving on them more than the stock Bridgestone Potenza RE50A. Obviously not as much grip in drier weather, but for anything below 40 degrees or so, and certainly any snow, they were fantastic, and a lot easier to live with (much quieter; much more compliant, although part of that was also being on a smaller winter wheel).

Sell your tires and buy 4 Michelin Primacy, you will immediately see the night and day grip difference

Really? I had LTX's on my car for years, and they were awesome, no issues at all.

I have NO issues with wet weather traction with the Michelin PSS on my GTI. Much better than the stock Pirelli all-season tires.

Also, to answer your question regarding the Michelin PSS - I made the switch from the stock all seasons over a year and a half ago...They absolutely transform the car. The stiffer sidewall increases steering feel and responsiveness, and the softer compound not only rides better but also grips like hell in the corners. Wet traction and confidence also increased significantly.

I've gotten Michelin Pilots fitted and can't go wrong, they're pretty decent tires.

+1 on PSS. Best all around tire with a perfect blend of dry and wet grip, turn in response, longevity, road noise, etc. I'm going to be grabbing my second set in a few days after getting 22,000 miles on my first.

I run Michelin X-Ice on my stock 17" wheels.

I've had very good luck when I have michelins on the car. Much better grip/wear/noise than the factory goodyears.

It is an EXTREMELY common problem on Mk4's to show cupping on inside of rear tires even with everything at spec. After you rotate them, the \"good front\" tires on rear will then begin cupping also, and the noise problem will increase as they wear more... the rears will \"sing\" with the cupped fronts (formerly on rear) and you can get some pretty loud droning at low speeds, only becoming less noticable at high speeds.