I've had a standard 2.0 GX since new which is fitted with Michelin Energy 195/60 R15s but have moved to a rural location and would like something with a little more front-end grip in the wet and on muddy roads.  True performance tyres don't come in this size and I don't want to buy a new set of wheels so does anyone have any recommendations for better tyres that fit this model.

do you mean more grip as in a more winter / commercial tyre style or more grip as in sticky when warm performance rubber?

Winter/commercial.  Something with a bit more bite than the standard tyre in day to day use and certainly grippy at the first corner or brake for a tractor coming the other way scenario.

 

Anyway it's too cold round here (Peak District) to get warm even if I drive hard :-)

I run michelin agilis 51's on my van and they are awesome in the winter and slippery conditions powering through the snow no problem at all

 

in the size you want michelin do the alpin A4 which is what I would go for

 

http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/michelin/alpin-a4/195/60/R15/T/88/m?returnurl=%2forder%2ftyres%3f%26width%3d195%26profile%3d60%26rim%3d15%26speed%3dAny%26wintertyre%3d1%26minpricerange%3d0%26maxpricerange%3d0%26displayall%3d6&tyre=27211618

 

or for a little more save you alloys

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/15-Subaru-Impreza-2-0i-GX-01-01-09-07-steel-wheels-and-winter-tyres-set-4-/150903717185

Thanks

 

Any idea why a winter tyre like the Alpin A4 only gets a C rating for braking in the rain ?  I would have thought that was what they were best at.

No idea - the Dunlops and Pirelli's get a B but I have no experience in the wet / slippery conditions with those brands

 

Dunlop is quieter and better on fuel economy according to those ratings -

 

http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/dunlop/sp-winter-response-2-%28winter-tyre%29/195/60/R15/T/88/m?returnurl=%2forder%2ftyres%3f%26width%3d195%26profile%3d60%26rim%3d15%26speed%3dAny%26wintertyre%3d1%26minpricerange%3d0%26maxpricerange%3d0%26displayall%3d999&tyre=32383209

http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/pirelli/winter-190-snowcontrol-serie-ii-%28winter-tyre%29/195/60/R15/T/88/m?returnurl=%2forder%2ftyres%3f%26width%3d195%26profile%3d60%26rim%3d15%26speed%3dAny%26wintertyre%3d1%26minpricerange%3d0%26maxpricerange%3d0%26displayall%3d999&tyre=26372354

Has anyone tried the Vredestein Sportrac 5 or Quadrac (3 or Lite) on a Scooby ?

I havent but its certainly a reputable brand

Same for me I've not used either make. And now need at new tyre myself :(

Hang on then if you're able and I'll let you know :-)

Well this is mine. How it never went pop I don't know :)

After talking to their UK office I went with the Vredestein Quadrac Lite since I don't do much motorway driving and the lower rolling resistance of the Sportrac isn't so much of an issue.   That said I had to go on a length of fast dual carriageway to get them and I will say they are a little 'vague-er' than the standard Michelins when cruising at high speed, though I think a tweak to the tracking would fix that.

 

However on corners there is a definite 'bite hard' on turning sharply in the dry and I'm having to not turn the wheel quite so much.  I'll let you know wet performance once it rains will should be soon.

sounds good!