Coming to this thread a little late, but hey ho.
I never bought anything but Michelin ES for my two previous vehicles. On the 07 Focus that I had for seven years they were 205s, so pretty expensive, but as said above being the only part of the tyre touching the road, you don't skimp.
On my B Max I went for the 185/16s, again in the ES, which cost about £86 from a local fitter, and my current Jazz ES has had two 175/15 Energy Savers to replace both rear tyres, which in previous very low mileage ownership had perished from lack of use. It'll get two more for the front when pocket allows because I always believe in starting afresh tyre-wise after buying a new used car.
I'm considering Avons for the front to save a few quid, but will probably stick with what I know.