Tires MICHELIN or OEM Volkswagen

I run grand-touring summers (H-rated Michelin Energy, used on the base Mini) on my Yaris year-'round here (Texas) and they are great, only getting a little scrabbly in sub-freezing temperatures. The summer Energy Saver (not the A/S) is the best all around tire I have ever had. Smooth, quiet, good steering response, excellent braking, tons of grip. If you slam on the brakes, it just STOPS without a bunch of scratching around and ABS intervention.

Michelin X Ice Snow for winter tires on my VW. Improved grip and stopping distance below 7C compared to all weather tires, even when there is no snow or ice.

I received my winter set today. Since we only get a handful of actual snow days a season and most of it cleaned within hours, I went with a "performance winter" set, the Michelins pilot alpine 5.

Michelin is the best tire brand.

I typically buy Cooper tires, good quality without the cost of Michelins.

For me it’s Michelin only; it’s the only tire where I can tell a difference between other tires

I always do Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.

My previous set were the Bridgestone Blizzaks. Now, I'm using a set of Michelin X-Ice. I've driven around the city and as far as Whistler/Big White (I used to go Cypress 3-4 times a week too during the winter). Blizzaks were a beast in heavy snow. But I think for what you're looking for, I would just go with the X-Ice. They're really quiet and the ride is really comfortable.

Among the low-cost good ones; Vredestein. Now I stick to Michelin (bought various X-Ice2/3/PA3) as I like that they won't feel like winter tires.

I think the single largest shortcoming is the tires. After that, probably the suspension. After I owned it for about 6 months I noticed that driving over potholes and speedbumps was not nearly as good as I was expecting out of a lifted car.