2015 Auto Review Summer Tyre Test

The Russians always put on an interesting tyre test. Usually, their tyre tests crun big, ultra high performance tyres on powerful cars, and give an excellent account of just how each tyre feels on the limit. This time, it's a little bit different.

Testing "touring / high performance" tyres in 225/45 R17 on an Audi A3 Saloon, Auto Review have tried to test eight of the latest non-ultra high performance tyres, and included a Pirelli P Zero as a benchmark ultra high performance tyre. While this is a great idea in theory, the entry from Continental and Hankook are classified as ultra high performance, so the inclusion of the "extra" Pirelli seems a little confusing. Still, it gives us a nice mixed tyre test, and allows each tyre to highlight its strengths.

As usual, the tyres get a good workout, covering all the normal dry and wet tests you can expect, along with an added "shock / impact" test. For this test, the magazine run the car into a 45 degree, curb sized steel block at increasing speeds until the tyre fails. Unsurprisingly, the results from this destructive test shows rough correlation between the lighter, more comfortable, low rolling resistance tyres failing earlier than the less comfortable, sportier tyres.

The difference between the UHP Pirelli P Zero and the rest? As you'd expect, the P Zero is the tyre to have fitted if you're after the ultimate driving experience, and the equally as sporty Continental Sport Contact 5 isn't far behind. The best premium touring tyre, the Michelin Primacy 3 trades a little of that sporty feel for higher levels of comfort, lower noise and better fuel economy.

Full Results

1^st

Continental Sport Contact 5

225/45 R17

While the Sport Contact 5 was bettered in the the aquaplaning tests by Hankook and Nokian, the Continental proved to be the wet master, with good traction, the best braking and the quickest time on wet roads. Confirming its remarkable blend of qualities, the Continental also had the shortest stopping distance in the dry, and was one of the second fastest time in dry handling. It didn't look as though the tyre wore badly either, so they haven't compromised wear for grip! Negative point, not the most comfortable or quiet tyres on test, but that was balanced with a good impact resistance.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	18
Wet	49
Comfort	8
Rolling Resistance	7
Toughness	8
Overall	9.2

Total: 99.2

2^nd

Pirelli P Zero

225/45 R17

The only UHP tyre included (we're not sure we agree, the Conti is a UHP tyre), Auto Review included it to highlight the differences between touring and performance tyres. Naturally, the P Zero had a performance bias. It had the highest rolling resistance, one of the lowest levels of comfort and the strongest sidewall, but in the wet and dry tests it was trading places with the Continental for top spot. For the ultimate lap time, the testers would pick the P Zero as not only was it the fastest, it offered the best subjective feel too with the fastest reactions to steering.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	19
Wet	46
Comfort	8
Rolling Resistance	7
Toughness	10
Overall	9

Total: 99

3^rd

Michelin Primacy 3

225/45 R17

Excellent wet performance, but slightly sluggish steering in the dry. Good wet and dry braking. Quiet and comfortable tyres, and with a mid pack impact test score the Michelin Primacy 3 is a well balanced, safe, comfortable tyres with a low rolling resistance.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	16
Wet	45
Comfort	10
Rolling Resistance	9
Toughness	8
Overall	8.8

Total: 96.8

4^th

Hankook Ventus S1 evo2

225/45 R17

Every year Hankook tyres are getting better and better, and with the Korean company now OE on cars like the Mercedes Benz S Class, the 'big 6' tyre companies really need to watch out. The Ventus S1 EVO 2 is strong in the wet and dry, scoring particularly well in the aquaplaning tests. In the dry, the Hankook has a nice balance of safety with strong braking and stable high speed maneuvers. Negative points? Not the best comfort on test, or shock resistance, but a low price wins it back some points.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	17
Wet	47
Comfort	8
Rolling Resistance	7
Toughness	7
Overall	8.7

Total: 94.7

5^th

Nokian Hakka Blue

225/45 R17

The Nokian has the second best aquaplaning resistance, and an all round strong wet performance, but isn't quite a match for the best in the dry. The tyre offers good comfort, shock resistance and rolling resistance

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	15
Wet	45
Comfort	10
Rolling Resistance	7
Toughness	8
Overall	8.6

Total: 93.6

6^th

Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue

225/45 R17

Low rolling resistance combined with excellent wet braking and grip and very high comfort. Average dry performance, low aquaplaning resistance and low shock resistance.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	16
Wet	40
Comfort	10
Rolling Resistance	10
Toughness	6
Overall	8.4

Total: 90.4

7^th

Toyo Proxes CF2

225/45 R17

Excellent shock resistance, good dry braking and handling, but a weak wet formance and average comfort leaves Toyo sixth. Well priced.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	15
Wet	42
Comfort	9
Rolling Resistance	8
Toughness	9
Overall	8.3

Total: 91.3

8^th

Bridgestone Turanza T001

225/45 R17

Bridgestones reputation has been somewhat saved by Dunlop, as the Bridgestone T001 proved to be average in nearly all areas. Slow in the dry and wet, the only good result was in the aquaplaning test. Despite being loud and uncomfortable, the Bridgestone also failed early in the impact test. Not good value for money.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	15
Wet	40
Comfort	8
Rolling Resistance	8
Toughness	8
Overall	7.8

Total: 86.8

9^th

Dunlop SP Sport LM704

225/45 R17

Not available in the UK market, Auto Review found the Dunlop LM704's dangerous thanks to a shocking performance in the wet. OK for hot climates with pot holed roads that don't see rain. No where else.

All discipline results (6)

Test	Result
Dry	15
Wet	20
Comfort	9
Rolling Resistance	6
Toughness	9
Overall	5.8

Total: 64.8