Manufacturers like Continental and Michelin heavily invest each year in research and development (R&D), formulating and testing new compounds (the rubber), tyre tread patterns and structures. Professional test drivers, like Continental’s Scott Armstrong, put tyre prototypes through their paces in both real and simulated conditions, and if they don’t come up to scratch, the process starts over again. According to Kwik-Fit, premium tyres are safer, last longer (as they wear more slowly), are more fuel-efficient and are generally quieter too. In our view, it's very much a get what you pay for situation. Premium tyres are more expensive but, as with everything in life, will offer more in the long run. As for finding tyres that offer both fuel economy and grip, you'll likely need to spend more to get both - and the stats vary between sizes. But take the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance, for example. It scores an A for wet grip and fuel economy. Likewise, the Continental Eco Contact 6 has an A rating in both I think. If you don't want to spend a premium, I'd recommend finding something that's a balance between both. I certainly wouldn't get anything with a fuel economy or grip rating below a C, but the tyres themselves are measured in much more than just the basic stats.