Testing nine 225/45 R17 tyres on an Audi A3, Auto Review put the tyres through the usual wet and dry tests, but also covered detail such as tyre weight and kerb protector size.
While results were extremely close, each tyre had its own subjective differences, so be sure to read the whole test rather than just looking at the final position.
The Results
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
225/45 R17
The main advantage the Goodyear has is a combination of high-traction and an enviable level of comfort.
The car rolled silently down the road, and glided over joints of asphalt. When combined with the shortest braking distance on wet roads, and excellent resistance to aquaplaning you have a winner.
Auto Review recommends the F1 A2 to everyone: to those who wish to increase the limiting capabilities of the car, and those who, moving to larger diameter wheels exclusively for aesthetic motives, wants to maintain an acceptable level of comfort.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 9.5 |
| Wet | 9.2 |
| Comfort | 10 |
| Rolling Resistance | 9 |
| Noise | 10 |
| Overall | 9.6 |
Total: 57.3
Dunlop SportMaxx RT
225/45 R17
The lightest tyres on test, when compared to the heaviest they save 11.6kgs of unsprung weight! Almost as comfortable as the Goodyears, with excellent rolling resistance, these tyres show a good sporting character. Excellent tyres for the sportier driver.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 9 |
| Wet | 8.6 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Rolling Resistance | 10 |
| Noise | 10 |
| Overall | 9 |
Total: 55.6
Continental Sport Contact 5
225/45 R17
Not as sporty as the big brother Sport Contact 5P, the Sport Contact 5 still proved an excellent tyre on a wet track with a nice balanced behavior. Unfortunately in the dry the Continental isn't as strong, losing 3 meters to the leader in dry braking and feeling inaccurate over a lap. Very comfortable.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 7.5 |
| Wet | 9.6 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Rolling Resistance | 7 |
| Noise | 10 |
| Overall | 8.9 |
Total: 52
Fulda SportControl
225/45 R17
Excellent aquaplaning results and good braking in the wet. Slightly less grip on a wet lap, but the tyre is easy to manage past the limit. Similar behavior in the dry, the price is just a little too high for a "mid range" brand. Excellent result.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8 |
| Wet | 8.8 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Rolling Resistance | 9 |
| Noise | 10 |
| Overall | 8.9 |
Total: 53.7
Hankook Ventus V12 evo k110
225/45 R17
Good grip in the wet, with high resistance to aquaplaning. Quick steering left the car nervous, causing early slip. A good level of comfort and good in the dry, the Hankook is a good mid range tyre offered in a wide range of sizes.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8.5 |
| Wet | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Rolling Resistance | 7 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 8.9 |
Total: 51.4
Pirelli PZero Rosso
225/45 R17
High wet grip and good resistance to aquaplaning, these tyres give the vehicle a sporty feel. Long dry braking, but good lateral grip and fairly quiet for a sports tyre.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8.5 |
| Wet | 9.4 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Rolling Resistance | 5 |
| Noise | 10 |
| Overall | 8.8 |
Total: 49.7
Bridgestone Potenza S001
225/45 R17
An extremely sturdy tyre which gives s sporty steering feel, but reduced comfort and a high tyre weight. Much better than the previous generation Potenza RE050A in the wet, the Bridgestone is a good all round tyre but a little off the pace of the leaders.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 9.5 |
| Wet | 9 |
| Comfort | 7 |
| Rolling Resistance | 5 |
| Noise | 8 |
| Overall | 8.7 |
Total: 47.2
Nokian Hakka Black
225/45 R17
Average aquaplaning results, but otherwise the Nokian Hakka Black is little inferior to the leaders of the test. On wet roads the car starts to slide smoothly and always predictable. The same can be said about the handling on dry roads. Good tyres, but better to avoid deep puddles.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8.5 |
| Wet | 9.2 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Rolling Resistance | 9 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 8.7 |
Total: 53.4
Kumho Ecsta LE Sport
225/45 R17
The Kumho Ecsta LE Sport is most disappointing on wet roads. This applies to the braking, and the reactions to the actions of the wheel. Dry running isn't much better, with poor high speed stability. Good resistance to aquaplaning gives the Kumho some plus points.
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 7 |
| Wet | 7.2 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Rolling Resistance | 10 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 7.8 |
Total: 49
The Pirelli in the picture is not a P Zero Rosso, it's a P Zero. Was the test also of the P Zero, and not the Rosso as stated?
The picture for the Rosso is incorrect on the site. I'll get it updated now
Why always the old brigestone S001 and never the new adrenalin RE002?
The RE002 is aimed a the tuner / aftermarket only and as such probably wouldn't score as well in these tests as the S001 does.
The rumour is Bridgestone are refreshing their entire range in the next 14 months to help with the poor test results...
Michelin Pilote Sport is missing :(