[Ms_Jam]

You might also check out the Pirelli pZero Nero.

After some research, I put these on my 2009 WS Zetec, and I am very happy with them. I had no complaints about the original Continentals, but the Pirellis are better. I was not keen on going to 17 inch wheels, on account of comfort and economy. Bigger wheels + fatter tyres = more petrol.

The ESP warning light has not come on - not once - since I had them. I had one scary moment when I had to do a hard swerve to avoid a collisiion, but the Pirellis stuck firmly to the road while I could feel the strain feed through the Fiesta's tough little body.

I am still on the original wheels, but despite a few big pot-holes on the Pirellis, the rims are still in good shape (I had them checked at the last alignment).

My interest in the Pirellis arose from noticing that a review model supplied by Ford to introduce the new Fiesta to the US had been shod with the pZero Nero.

If you go to the Tire sub-forum here, you will find that Bearman did an amazing progressive review of his experience with pZero Neros. Worth a look.

They are not inexpensive. But the question is not how much they cost, but how much more they cost than an acceptable alternative. Are the savings on a cheaper tire really worth it? I did a lot of ringing around, and the best price at the time came from Tyrepower in Reservoir. But I am aware that astoundingly attractive prices on Pirellis are sometimes available if you are shopping at the right time.

If you decide on the pZero Neros, just bear in mind that to get the best out of them, you need a decent alignment.