I normally use Nokian Hakkapeliittas on my Golf and while they still have more than enough legal tread, I don't believe they're optimum for hardpacked snow. Unfortunately, there's a waitlist for new Nokians, so I'm going with Continental Wintercontacts, which have a sterling rating.
I have Hakka R2's on my Golf R and they are spectacular. Zero complaints, other than the price. To me they are the Pilot Sport 4S of the winter tire market: if you have unlimited budget you just buy them.
Put on Michelin X ice snow on my vw golf for last season in saskatoon and with the snow we got it was so worth it.
Both are really good tires, but the DWS are definitely giving up some warm weather performance in exchange for some limited cold weather usage (they are not going to replace a full-on snow tire). I live in the south, so that trade-off would not be worth it on my R--I freaking love the wet/dry grip of the PS4s, it is better than the PSS (which was a great tire in its own right).
I personally love the DWS and used them as my "winter tire" in the PNW. I did find them to lack the sidewall support for giving me confidence in the dry, however if you aren't pushing the car hard, they are a fantastic all year tire
More: Goodyear Eagle Sport tires @ 60K. These are the best overall tires I've ever had. Put them on my Beetle too.
After one week of ownership I purchased a new set of General Altimax rt43's (replaced the OEM Conti's) that are rated V, max 149 mph. They have worn like iron, have great grip and are very quiet, even after 20k miles.
About 800 miles on mine (2018 GSW S 4mo). Can only echo what others have said. Excellent dry traction, excellent in the rain, and based on limited snow darn good there as well! Very quiet with a firm, connected feel.
Been there, done that: 205/55-16 summer tires (Conti ExtremeContact DW) on steel wheels It was alright, sidewalls were a bit soft. Great for city driving, like Toronto, or better yet, Montreal, roads there are just terrible.
In the Northeast through a TERRIBLE winter with 4 Nor'easters in as many weeks the car was awesome even on the dodgy stock Hankook all seasons.
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