After my last experience (with Uniroyal Rainsport 2's (which I found a bit noisy)), I decided to go for a set of x4 Semperit Speed Life's. Why? Because like the other reviewer notes, they appeared to be a cost effective alternative to Continental (Continental own Semperit). Initially, I was pleased with my choice. The tires seemed well constructed, and the ??Alpine proven' slogan on the tire wall filled me with optimism. Firstly, from a ride perspective, I like them ?? They're much quieter than the Rainsport's, and unlike the other reviewer in this section mentions, I didn't notice any detrimental effect on economy (in fact to the contrary, I recently travelled 500 miles on a tank (that's 40+mpg, which for a Saab is practically unheard of!)). No, all of these things were fine ?? What's not fine is the wear. Just 3,500 miles in, and the fronts are wearing fast. I haven't measured the remaining depth of tread, but I reckon there must be only 50% of the tread remaining. This will give the tires a 7,500 mile life, which to me, and compared to other tire brands I've had, is low. I'm going to get the fronts and backs swapped around, in order to breathe some life into matters, and I'll update this post when I've got some more to say, but for the moment ?? NOT IMPRESSED.