Why pay more for 'premium' Summer tyres?

Premium tyres size 235/40/18Y cost about £180 per wheel for my Mondeo. Budget tyres same specification cost about £70 per wheel. What am I getting for spending an extre £400 for premium tyres?

Asked on 6 December 2011 by P. Ratcliffe

Answered by Honest John
Much better tyres that are quieter, hold the road better, last longer and give better fuel economy. See www.tyrereviews.co.uk
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I would like to offer a tip concerning tyres, as I have read lots of advice but no reference to tyre tests. Even amongst premium brands, let alone the 'cheap and cheerful' ones which are often a safety...
I am due to renew all tyres on my 2008 Volvo V50 SE (205 50 R17 93) and have found Hankook Ventus Prime 2 K115 tyres as a possibility. These tyres appear to have scored well on the 'tyre labelling' system...
Do tyre speed ratings have any meaning in this country? The rating for my vehicle is H (up to a sustained speed of 130mph) Could I save myself some money by buying T rated tyres (up to 118mph)? Would...
Related models
Very good to drive. Refined and comfortable to travel in. Massively roomy cabin and huge boot. Reasonable value. Efficient ECOnetic and EcoBoost models.