Fabia Tdi 105 Scout tyres OE - XL or not?

Hi,

Fabia II Scout 1.6 tdi (105) 2011

I'm about to shift the winters off the wife's Scout but have realised that I'd already binned the summers last autumn as they were too worn.  However, I can't remember whether the most recent summers were XL or not, or indeed if the OE were XL. The current winter tyres are XL but I may have bought them as XL due to v restricted choice of tyres available as its extremely difficult to source winter tyres in the OE wheel size.  I seems to recall that the Fabia arrived (nearly new) with Bridgestone Turanza ER300s on (and not XL?)- but I may have dreamt that up!

Wheel size is 205/45 R16

Any help much appreciated.

Also, I'm looking at replacing with Bridgestones, but other premium tyres would be considered. I know it's often subjective, and we all often have our own allegiances, but any brands, models worth considering?  Top aim is safety first.  We live in a v rural area of the North Pennines with lots of wet, winding and sometimes muddy roads, with only occasional motorway driving undertaken less than a dozen times a year.   Occasional, short distances (100 metres) over rough track (not needing 4x4) driving to and fro a local farm.    

Thanks again