It looks like the Nexen N8000 is the sweet spot for me, a Korean tyre (should not be referred to as a "cheap China tyre"
) at a very low price with good test results both in dry and wet road conditions. On the down side is fast wear and increased fuel consumption which is no problem for me since I only drive 3000-4000 miles a year (of which 2/3 on summer tires and 1/3 of winter tires). Will take a while to wear down the tyres with such a low mileage ...
ADAC test results 2012: http://www.gumitebg.com/adactestssummertires2012-205/55_Nexen_N8000
Can be purchased from www.fipio-reifen.com in size 225/55 R16 at a total cost of EUR 77.20x4=308.80 (~248 pounds),
including freight costs to Sweden (slightly cheaper with delivery to the UK; EUR 305.04/~245 pounds).
http://www.fipio-reifen.com/reifen_nexen_profile_n_8000_details_225835.html
obviously korean tires different than cheaper china brands..
ther reason I recommend all season tires was they will keep their softness when the temperatures starts to drop..
and I'm not sure those tests will keep their validity for a wide temperature range..
I have used korean tires in the past.. at that time , their compounds were designed for long life instead of short (Hankooks) but sacrificing grip in cold weathers ( it was 1-2 mm less than original thread depth after 5 years and 40K kms

- ps: I have 2 cars) .. now they may have changed the design.. but from experience I know good quality rubber is always expensive which may hardly change.. there are tricks for factories to cheat in tests, but no one can cheat in cold weather

be it in autumn or winter or any other time..