OK, maybe a bit harsh, more midrange-ish. I am running them on the S3 at the moment, and they have some odd characteristics in the corners when compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport 2's I was running previously. Whilst they seem fine in the dry, and in a straight line, I wouldn't put them back on again, but as I needed 4 tyres together it was a financially driven choice, and with Haldex lending a helping hand I can cope with the lower wet weather performance they seem to offer against the premium alternatives (Conti's / Goodyear / Michelin).