Tires GOODRIDGE or GENERAL TIRE
Another vote for the General Altimax Arctic. Got a set last winter and was pleased. Seems a good compromise for high speed drives too - a quiet tire with good grip. Made in Germany, FWIW.
Best bang for buck = General Altimax Arctic. It's outright won several winter tire comparisons (where a certain Nokian wasn't entered) and still was one of the cheapest entrants.
On my Passat 4Motion, I replaced a set of Michelin Exaltos with the HPs. To my butt, there wasn't much noticeable difference between them. For the price difference, I'd go with the Generals again hands down.
I have those Generals on my TDI. They're quiet, very resistant to hydroplaning, and have very good wet traction. I run them year round in the DC area. They are a light tire, which may affect their long term durability (potholes, and the such) They aren't performance tires, but they're very competent, and I push them up to, and often beyond their limits with confidence.
My Jetta had Altimax HP when i bought it. They rode very quiet and smooth, and helped return good fuel economy with a light foot. Not a sports tire but perfectly acceptable for normal driving.
The general altimax is the tire I fit on all my sedans. I used to run the Goodyear assurance triple tread, but I feel these are sportier, and have better wet traction. The sidewall is a little soft, so I run a little higher pressure. Between an Acura CL, Audi A4 and JSW the altimax have never let me down.
I'm running General Exclaim UHPs on my E30, I think in the same side you're looking for. Some say the sidewall is too soft, but I think it's fine for me. Road noise is a little high though. Grip is very good in both the wet and dry.
Yes, I have that size, there is some minor running when the steering is locked all the way..right or left - can't remember. But I've had them on the van for over a year now and they're fine. They're General Altimax RT. I'd buy them again.
I just installed 4 General Ultramax HP for $480 total. The price was excellent and the ratings on Tirerack were pretty good so I gave it a shot. I've had it on for about 1 week and it's been great. Very quiet.
I've happily used UHP 235/45R17 tires on my Passat and Beetle 18T convertible with nothing but smooth cruising. I tried 38 psi but backed off, the slightly tauter steering wasn't worth the harshness on SoCal's crumbling surface streets. Mine were all German origin.
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