Ended up with Yokohaha Geolander 52's in 255/55/18 after finding the reviews section in i think it was tireracks website they had the best overall score on noise and snow/ice ratings in my price range. $668 installed.

So far i'm very impressed, they are definitely way quieter and smoother than the stock bridgestones, my driveway is all ice and snow at the moment and they get me up and down there much better too.

So, thanks everyone for the input, incidentally i did try the local Cooper tires dealer, they would not supply them as they were a different rating to what was called for for the VX, softer wall i think he said.

Pete