In their latest tyre test, Motor magazine has taken a unique approach to evaluating summer tyres, focusing on models that combine energy efficiency with high performance. The test specifically targeted tyres with the lowest rolling resistance ratings, examining whether fuel-saving characteristics would compromise grip and safety features.
Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
Recorded test conditions
Recorded test conditions
- Wet Braking
- 100 → 0 km/h
The testing team selected seven tyres in the popular 205/55 R16 size, a dimension commonly found on vehicles ranging from the Audi A3 to the Volvo V70. Six of the tested models carried the EU label's top "A" rating for both rolling resistance and wet grip, while the seventh tyre (Prinx XLAB Comfort EV) featured an "A" rating for rolling resistance but a "B" for wet grip.
Unfortunately the magazine didn't share that only the Continental and Prinx tyres are aftermarket tyres, the rest in AA EU label scores are OE tuned. Falken and Bridgestone are Audi, Michelin is a Peugeot tyre, Nexen is Renault, and the Goodyear was unmarked, but most likely VW as usually in replacement it is unmarked. We do not know exactly how tuned these tyres are, but we can expect they have traded some wet grip for rolling resistance in the process.
The results revealed a tight competition among most contenders, with the Continental UltraContact NXT emerging as the overall winner, demonstrating the best balance of wet and dry performance. The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and Michelin e.Primacy secured second and third places respectively, with Michelin particularly impressing with its outstanding rolling resistance results.
Perhaps most surprising was how mid-range tyres like the Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun matched premium models in many performance aspects, finishing tied for fourth place with the Bridgestone Turanza T005. Only the Chinese-made Prinx XLAB Comfort EV significantly underperformed, showing particularly concerning results in wet conditions despite its premium-level pricing.
Dry
The Michelin e.Primacy leads the dry braking test with a stopping distance of just 36.1 meters from 100 km/h, closely followed by the Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun at 36.3 meters. Continental's UltraContact NXT places third, showing good all-round capabilities. The Chinese Prinx XLAB Comfort EV struggles significantly, requiring 39.5 meters - over 3 meters more than the best performers.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in meters
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 36.1 m | Best | |
| 36.3 m | +0.20 m | |
| 36.6 m | +0.50 m | |
| 37.1 m | +1.00 m | |
| 37.6 m | +1.50 m | |
| 37.9 m | +1.80 m | |
| 39.5 m | +3.40 m |
The difference between best and worst was 9.4% (3.4 m ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths).
Continental takes the top spot in the dry handling test with a lap time of 52.5 seconds, demonstrating its balanced performance characteristics. Goodyear's EfficientGrip Performance 2 follows closely at 52.8 seconds, with Falken maintaining its strong dry performance in third. Despite its excellent dry braking, the Michelin e.Primacy falls to sixth place here, suggesting a less sporty handling character.
Dry Handling
Dry handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 52.5 s | Best | |
| 52.8 s | +0.30 s | |
| 52.9 s | +0.40 s | |
| 53 s | +0.50 s | |
| 53.2 s | +0.70 s | |
| 53.4 s | +0.90 s | |
| 53.6 s | +1.10 s |
All the tyres in the Dry Handling test finished less than 3% apart.
Test drivers rated the Continental UltraContact NXT highest for subjective handling feel, scoring 7.1 points. Bridgestone's Turanza T005 impresses with second place (6.9 points) despite middling results in objective tests. The Nexen N Blue S rates lowest at 5.7 points, indicating less precise steering response and driver confidence compared to its competitors.
Subj. Dry Handling
Subjective Dry Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 Points | Best | |
| 6.9 Points | -0.20 Points | |
| 6.7 Points | -0.40 Points | |
| 6.5 Points | -0.60 Points | |
| 6.3 Points | -0.80 Points | |
| 6 Points | -1.10 Points | |
| 5.7 Points | -1.40 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 19.7% (1.4 Points).
Wet
Continental dominates wet braking with a stopping distance of 50.2 meters, followed by Goodyear (51.1m) and Michelin (51.7m). This continues Continental's strong showing across both dry and wet disciplines. The Prinx tyre presents a serious safety concern with a dramatically longer stopping distance of 68.7 meters - nearly 18.5 meters (37%) more than the Continental.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50.2 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 51.1 m | +0.90 m | 17 km/h | |
| 51.7 m | +1.50 m | 22 km/h | |
| 53.8 m | +3.60 m | 34 km/h | |
| 53.9 m | +3.70 m | 34 km/h | |
| 54.2 m | +4.00 m | 35 km/h | |
| 68.7 m | +18.50 m | 67 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 36.9% (18.5 m ≈ 4.1 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Prinx XLAB Comfort EV would still be travelling at 67 km/h when the Continental UltraContact NXT had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Continental maintains its wet performance lead with the quickest lap time of 84.6 seconds, with Goodyear and Michelin following in the same order as the wet braking test. This consistent performance across wet tests demonstrates these premium brands' well-rounded wet-weather engineering. Again, the Prinx tyre lags significantly behind with a time of 94 seconds.
Wet Handling
Wet handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 84.6 s | Best | |
| 85 s | +0.40 s | |
| 85.5 s | +0.90 s | |
| 86.1 s | +1.50 s | |
| 86.5 s | +1.90 s | |
| 86.9 s | +2.30 s | |
| 94 s | +9.40 s |
The difference between best and worst was 11.1% (9.4 s).
Nexen N Blue S surprisingly excels in straight-line aquaplaning resistance with a float speed of 76.7 km/h, significantly outperforming tyres that lead in other wet categories. Bridgestone places second (74.5 km/h), showing good water evacuation capabilities. Despite their strong performance in other wet tests, both Michelin and Prinx struggle with the lowest float speeds of 71.5 and 71.1 km/h respectively.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in Km/H
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 76.7 km/h | Best | |
| 74.5 km/h | -2.20 km/h | |
| 74.3 km/h | -2.40 km/h | |
| 74.1 km/h | -2.60 km/h | |
| 73.7 km/h | -3.00 km/h | |
| 71.5 km/h | -5.20 km/h | |
| 71.1 km/h | -5.60 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 7.3% (5.6 Km/H).
Bridgestone Turanza T005 dominates curved aquaplaning resistance with 2.98 m/sec² of remaining lateral acceleration, followed closely by Nexen at 2.89 m/sec². These results align with their strong straight aquaplaning performance. Michelin shows its weakest result here at 2.28 m/sec² - significantly behind the competition and reinforcing its weakness in water evacuation tests.
Curved Aquaplaning
Remaining lateral acceleration
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 2.98 m/sec2 | Best | |
| 2.89 m/sec2 | -0.09 m/sec2 | |
| 2.77 m/sec2 | -0.21 m/sec2 | |
| 2.75 m/sec2 | -0.23 m/sec2 | |
| 2.72 m/sec2 | -0.26 m/sec2 | |
| 2.56 m/sec2 | -0.42 m/sec2 | |
| 2.28 m/sec2 | -0.70 m/sec2 |
The difference between best and worst was 23.5% (0.7 m/sec2).
Comfort
Continental, Goodyear, and Michelin tie for first place with 7.0 points each, showing that low rolling resistance doesn't necessarily compromise ride comfort. The remaining tyres score reasonably well, with only the Prinx noticeably behind at 6.0 points.
Subj. Comfort
Subjective Comfort Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Points | Best | |
| 7 Points | Best | |
| 7 Points | Best | |
| 6.5 Points | -0.50 Points | |
| 6.5 Points | -0.50 Points | |
| 6.5 Points | -0.50 Points | |
| 6 Points | -1.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 14.3% (1 Points).
Goodyear produces the lowest external noise at 63.4 dB, with Continental and Michelin following closely. Bridgestone measures noticeably louder at 66.8 dB, a full 3.4 dB above the quietest tyre. Interestingly, the budget Prinx tyre performs relatively well in this test, placing fourth with 64.1 dB, one of its few stronger showings.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 63.4 dB | Best | |
| 63.8 dB | +0.40 dB | |
| 63.9 dB | +0.50 dB | |
| 64.1 dB | +0.70 dB | |
| 65 dB | +1.60 dB | |
| 65.2 dB | +1.80 dB | |
| 66.8 dB | +3.40 dB |
The difference between best and worst was 5.4% (3.4 dB).
Value
Michelin e.Primacy demonstrates its efficiency focus with the lowest rolling resistance coefficient of 5.48 kg/t, followed closely by Goodyear at 5.61 kg/t. Despite winning multiple performance categories, Continental places sixth at 6.58 kg/t, suggesting its optimisation focused more on grip than efficiency. The Prinx tyre shows the worst efficiency at 6.81 kg/t, contradicting its "Comfort EV" naming which implies energy efficiency.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.48 kg/t | Best | £0 | |
| 5.61 kg/t | +0.13 kg/t | £10 | |
| 6.04 kg/t | +0.56 kg/t | £45 | |
| 6.08 kg/t | +0.60 kg/t | £48 | |
| 6.35 kg/t | +0.87 kg/t | £70 | |
| 6.58 kg/t | +1.10 kg/t | £88 | |
| 6.81 kg/t | +1.33 kg/t | £107 |
The difference between best and worst was 24.3% (1.33 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Prinx XLAB Comfort EV uses about 74 L (£107) more fuel than the Michelin e.Primacy.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Results
Continental UltraContact NXT
205/55 R16Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 36.6 m | +0.50 m |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 52.5 s | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 7.1 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 50.2 m | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 84.6 s | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 0.841 m/s | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 74.1 km/h | -2.60 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 2.75 m/sec2 | -0.23 m/sec2 |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 7 Points | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 63.8 dB | +0.40 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 6th / 7 | 6.58 kg/t | +1.10 kg/t |
- EU Label
- A/A/
- Origin
- Portugal
- Price
- 479.00
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
205/55 R16Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 37.1 m | +1.00 m |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 52.8 s | +0.30 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 6.5 Points | -0.60 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 51.1 m | +0.90 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 85 s | +0.40 s |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 0.84 m/s | 0.00 m/s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 73.7 km/h | -3.00 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 2.77 m/sec2 | -0.21 m/sec2 |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 7 Points | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 1st / 7 | 63.4 dB | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 5.61 kg/t | +0.13 kg/t |
- EU Label
- A/A/
- Origin
- Poland
- Price
- 436.00
Michelin e.Primacy
205/55 R16Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 36.1 m | Best in this discipline |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 53.4 s | +0.90 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 6.3 Points | -0.80 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 51.7 m | +1.50 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 85.5 s | +0.90 s |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 0.802 m/s | -0.04 m/s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 71.5 km/h | -5.20 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 2.28 m/sec2 | -0.70 m/sec2 |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 7 Points | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 63.9 dB | +0.50 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 7 | 5.48 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
- EU Label
- A/A/
- Origin
- Germany
- Price
- 415.00
Bridgestone Turanza T005
205/55 R16Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 37.9 m | +1.80 m |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 53 s | +0.50 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 6.9 Points | -0.20 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 54.2 m | +4.00 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 86.9 s | +2.30 s |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 0.817 m/s | -0.02 m/s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 74.5 km/h | -2.20 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 2.98 m/sec2 | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 6.5 Points | -0.50 Points |
| NoiseLower is better | 7th / 7 | 66.8 dB | +3.40 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 4th / 7 | 6.08 kg/t | +0.60 kg/t |
- EU Label
- A/A/
- Origin
- Hungary
- Price
- 437.00
Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun
205/55 R16Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 36.3 m | +0.20 m |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 52.9 s | +0.40 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 6.7 Points | -0.40 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 53.8 m | +3.60 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 86.1 s | +1.50 s |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 0.814 m/s | -0.03 m/s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 74.3 km/h | -2.40 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 2.56 m/sec2 | -0.42 m/sec2 |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 6.5 Points | -0.50 Points |
| NoiseLower is better | 5th / 7 | 65 dB | +1.60 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 5th / 7 | 6.35 kg/t | +0.87 kg/t |
- EU Label
- A/A/
- Origin
- Turkey
- Price
- 336.00
Nexen N Blue S
205/55 R16Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 37.6 m | +1.50 m |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 53.2 s | +0.70 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 5.7 Points | -1.40 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 53.9 m | +3.70 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 86.5 s | +1.90 s |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 0.801 m/s | -0.04 m/s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 76.7 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 2.89 m/sec2 | -0.09 m/sec2 |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 6.5 Points | -0.50 Points |
| NoiseLower is better | 6th / 7 | 65.2 dB | +1.80 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 6.04 kg/t | +0.56 kg/t |
- EU Label
- A/A/
- Origin
- South Korea
- Price
- 253.00
Prinx XLAB Comfort EV
205/55 R16Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (11)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 39.5 m | +3.40 m |
| Dry HandlingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 53.6 s | +1.10 s |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 6 Points | -1.10 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 68.7 m | +18.50 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 94 s | +9.40 s |
| Wet CircleHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 0.755 m/s | -0.09 m/s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 71.1 km/h | -5.60 km/h |
| Curved AquaplaningHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 2.72 m/sec2 | -0.26 m/sec2 |
| Subj. ComfortHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 6 Points | -1.00 Points |
| NoiseLower is better | 4th / 7 | 64.1 dB | +0.70 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 7th / 7 | 6.81 kg/t | +1.33 kg/t |
- EU Label
- A/B/
- Origin
- China
- Price
- 321.00


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