Ford Fiesta Zetec S 123 Tires

These tires were fitted brand-new to the front of a Fiesta Zetec-S I bought last summer. The rear had the original Continentals with about 15000 miles wear. I have to say I'd never heard of the Compasals and had a sense of foreboding about them as I'd figured the dealer had just fitted the cheapest replacement possible.
Unfortunately I was right!
On my way back to base (150-odd miles) on a hot, dry July evening, the tires seemed ok as they scrubbed in. Eventually I was on roads I knew backwards and decided to test the tires...
I was now on B-roads and there is a particular Left-hand corner I know and love on both car and bike, but I digress...
I approached said corner, changing down in preparation for what was to come, took a deep breath, pitched it in and floored it. Annnnd. SsssssKerrrrccchhhhh as the car moved swiftly towards the offside of the corner.
'Hmmm', I thought absently as I juggled the wheel, 'that doesn't usually happen.'
Still, it was provoked.
Several months later it is now cold and wet. If provoked at all, it is slither time.
Two days ago (with warm tires - 50 miles into a trip) I accelerated hard away from a junction. Except when I dropped the clutch the car jumped about 6" sideways instead of moving forwards in an orderly manner.
That was the last straw. A replacement pair has been ordered despite the total wear of about 4000 miles on the Smachers. How much does even the slightest accident cost these days?
The fairest way to describe these tires is to say they resemble the Japanese tires of the 70's. Nice'n'shiny and plastiky - but I'm sure they'd last ever such a long time if you drive in straight lines in Arizona.

Superior wet performance to Kumho! Soft tires with slightly less life in them than Ecsta HS51s, but a substantial change in driving terrain might be a contributor. Huge exterior groove seems to make them very resistant to slipping in the wet - be careful with frame ramps, they tend to catch.

Had them on the front with a set of part-worn (~5mm) Ecsta HS51s on the rear and so far that seems the perfect setup on my car.