Since you still need winter tires, I have been using Nokian Hakkapalliitta R2 tires and have been really happy with them. Coupled with quattro, they are a match made in winter driving heaven.

Any of the hakka line are superior winter tires, I have been using them for years.

 

I bought Aoteli brand all season tires for my 2005 a4, using for 4 months and happy.

cheap $390 (in Canada) with balancing and alignment all 4.

 

I have read some reviews on the Michelin tire. some people state fuel economy drops. ???? any comment on this ?

 

In reality I think it could be difficult to prove. Maybe the extra grip this brand provides could mean you drive harder around on/off ramps and the windy bits, hence consuming more fuel. IMO driving style/technique has a far larger impact on fuel consumption than the tire brand