I just wanted to share my experience with new set of tires that I got yesterday. Originally I had OEM Michelines, and I just got Bridgestone Potenza G009s. What a difference!! Given that I have stock 16" wheels with stock suspension on my Avant, I figured I would not really notice anything new. No... Steering response is immediate, car bounces less over the bumps, and it really improved the ride. It is crispier.

There were other options like Micheline Pilot Exalto and Bridgestone AE960 Pole position, but they were too expensive with lesser tread life. And of course I am not racing my Avant (Station wagon).

I really haven't had a chance to use it that much, but I recommand these tires.

 

FYI-- New tires are almost always more responsive because theedges are sharper and they bite quicker. In technical words - it takes less of a slip angle to produce the cornering force.