The 2024 summer tyre test conducted by Sport Auto magazine compared five premium-category summer tyres against an all-season tyre on a Hyundai i20 N. The test aimed to determine if the all-season tyre could compete with the best summer tyres had to offer during warm (approximately 25c / 77f air temperature) conditions.
Test Publication:
215/40 R18
6 tyres
4 categories
Images courtesy of Sport Auto
Test Publication:
Images courtesy of Sport Auto
Test Size:
215/40 R18
Tyres Tested:
6 tyres
Including an all-season tyre in a summer tyre test, which is something we will be doing towards the end of 2024, provides an interesting insight into the performance differences between dedicated summer tyres and all-season options. It highlights the performance gap between summer and all-season tyres under conditions where summer tyres are expected to excel. This can help consumers understand the trade-offs involved in opting for an all-season tyre, particularly in terms of grip, braking, and handling on both wet and dry surfaces.
The all season tyre chosen was the Goodyear Vector 4-Season Gen-3, which has won many all season tyres tests, including the 2023 Tyre Reviews all season tyre test. However, when compared to the summer tyres in the Sport Auto test, showed that it could not match the performance of summer-specific tyres, particularly in wet conditions and handling aspects.
Wet Performance: The all-season tyre had significantly longer braking distances in the wet compared to the best-performing summer tyres. This indicates a clear disadvantage in wet grip, which is a critical safety aspect in rainy conditions.
Dry Performance: While the all-season tyre may have offered adequate performance on dry roads, it still fell short of the summer tyres' capabilities, particularly in terms of handling and braking distances. Summer tyres exhibited better grip, shorter braking distances, and more dynamic handling on dry asphalt.
Aquaplaning Resistance: The all-season tyre showed weaker performance in aquaplaning resistance. The summer tyres, with their specialized tread patterns, were more effective at water displacement, reducing the risk of aquaplaning on wet roads.
Handling and Stability: In dynamic handling tests, the all-season tyre was found to be less responsive and offered less stability compared to summer tyres. The summer tyres demonstrated superior lateral support and more precise steering on both wet and dry tracks.
While the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 all-season tyre provided a versatile option suitable for varied conditions, it did not perform on par with summer tyres in the test, especially in critical areas like wet grip and handling. This performance gap underscores the trade-offs of using all-season tyres in conditions where summer tyres are optimized to excel.
Finally, it's worth noting that the Bridgestone Turanza T005 was the AO marked (Audi original) tyre, which will have been optimised for the Audi A1. We're not quite sure why this was in a test on a Hyundai, as a rule we do not test OE tyres.
Data
Michelin and Continental led the group, stopping the vehicle in 35.5 meters from 100km/h. The worst summer tyre, the Dunlop, took 37.1 meters and the all season tyre took 43.2 meters. The Goodyear has never been the best all season tyre in dry braking, but that's a significant gap.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
It was a similar story in dry handling with the Continental and Michelin leading the group, and the all season tyre slowest.
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
Wet
Continental again led wet braking, this time with Bridgestone being the next best tyre.
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
Continental was again best during the wet handling and wet circle tests.
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
The all season tyre continued to struggle in the deeper water of aquaplaning.
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
Comfort
The all season tyre did have the lowest pass by noise, it's only test win.
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Value
The Bridgestone Turanza T005 had the lowest rolling resistance, something the OE would tune the tyre towards.
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
- Michelin Pilot Sport 5
- Continental PremiumContact 7
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3
- Maxxis Victra Sport 5
Results
Extremely controllable in wet conditions, great steering precision, high protection against aquaplaning. Agile on dry surfaces, stable in tracking, very safe.
Minor comfort compromises with the rear axle.
Very grippy on wet and dry roads, very balanced and safe to drive.
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Dry Braking |
1st |
35.5 M |
|
|
100% |
| Dry Handling |
1st |
105.3 Km/H |
|
|
100% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Wet Braking |
1st |
29.8 M |
|
|
100% |
| Wet Handling |
1st |
80.2 Km/H |
|
|
100% |
| Wet Circle |
1st |
8.72 m/s |
|
|
100% |
| Straight Aqua |
4th |
76.4 Km/H |
77.2 Km/H |
-0.8 Km/H |
98.96% |
| Curved Aquaplaning |
1st |
8.45 m/sec2 |
|
|
100% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Noise |
5th |
71.9 dB |
71 dB |
+0.9 dB |
98.75% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Rolling Resistance |
3rd |
8.2 kg / t |
7.8 kg / t |
+0.4 kg / t |
95.12% |
Excellent controllability thanks to very high grip level on wet and dry tracks, shortest dry braking distances. Rolling resistance and pass-by noise are low.
Moderate aquaplaning protection in curves, partially somewhat bouncy ride.
Balanced and very safe to drive on both wet and dry roads.
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Dry Braking |
1st |
35.5 M |
|
|
100% |
| Dry Handling |
2nd |
105.1 Km/H |
105.3 Km/H |
-0.2 Km/H |
99.81% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Wet Braking |
3rd |
30.8 M |
29.8 M |
+1 M |
96.75% |
| Wet Handling |
2nd |
79.6 Km/H |
80.2 Km/H |
-0.6 Km/H |
99.25% |
| Wet Circle |
2nd |
8.71 m/s |
8.72 m/s |
-0.01 m/s |
99.89% |
| Straight Aqua |
3rd |
76.7 Km/H |
77.2 Km/H |
-0.5 Km/H |
99.35% |
| Curved Aquaplaning |
5th |
7.76 m/sec2 |
8.45 m/sec2 |
-0.69 m/sec2 |
91.83% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Noise |
6th |
72.2 dB |
71 dB |
+1.2 dB |
98.34% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Rolling Resistance |
3rd |
8.2 kg / t |
7.8 kg / t |
+0.4 kg / t |
95.12% |
The Turanza T005 AO, optimised for the Audi A1, is grippy on dry roads and when it rains. It has low rolling resistance, good rolling comfort, and high protection against longitudinal aquaplaning.
The rear axle is more susceptible to load changes at the limit.
Generally grippy and easy-rolling. Could be more balanced.
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Dry Braking |
4th |
36.4 M |
35.5 M |
+0.9 M |
97.53% |
| Dry Handling |
5th |
103.5 Km/H |
105.3 Km/H |
-1.8 Km/H |
98.29% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Wet Braking |
2nd |
30.6 M |
29.8 M |
+0.8 M |
97.39% |
| Wet Handling |
3rd |
79.1 Km/H |
80.2 Km/H |
-1.1 Km/H |
98.63% |
| Wet Circle |
4th |
8.68 m/s |
8.72 m/s |
-0.04 m/s |
99.54% |
| Straight Aqua |
1st |
77.2 Km/H |
|
|
100% |
| Curved Aquaplaning |
3rd |
7.96 m/sec2 |
8.45 m/sec2 |
-0.49 m/sec2 |
94.2% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Noise |
4th |
71.8 dB |
71 dB |
+0.8 dB |
98.89% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Rolling Resistance |
1st |
7.8 kg / t |
|
|
100% |
High lateral support in wet conditions, spontaneous steering response, precise in switchback curves. Dynamic dry handling with high lane change safety.
Fairly long braking distances in the wet, somewhat delayed steering response in dry conditions, high rolling resistance.
Dynamic handling, but long braking distances in the wet.
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Dry Braking |
3rd |
35.9 M |
35.5 M |
+0.4 M |
98.89% |
| Dry Handling |
3rd |
103.8 Km/H |
105.3 Km/H |
-1.5 Km/H |
98.58% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Wet Braking |
4th |
31.5 M |
29.8 M |
+1.7 M |
94.6% |
| Wet Handling |
3rd |
79.1 Km/H |
80.2 Km/H |
-1.1 Km/H |
98.63% |
| Wet Circle |
2nd |
8.71 m/s |
8.72 m/s |
-0.01 m/s |
99.89% |
| Straight Aqua |
5th |
76.3 Km/H |
77.2 Km/H |
-0.9 Km/H |
98.83% |
| Curved Aquaplaning |
4th |
7.95 m/sec2 |
8.45 m/sec2 |
-0.5 m/sec2 |
94.08% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Noise |
3rd |
71.5 dB |
71 dB |
+0.5 dB |
99.3% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Rolling Resistance |
6th |
9.2 kg / t |
7.8 kg / t |
+1.4 kg / t |
84.78% |
Helps save fuel due to low rolling resistance, good water displacement during longitudinal driving through puddles.
Braking in wet conditions not at top level, sluggish in wet handling, partially unharmonious in dry conditions.
Low rolling resistance, but minor grip deficits – both wet and dry.
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Dry Braking |
5th |
37.1 M |
35.5 M |
+1.6 M |
95.69% |
| Dry Handling |
4th |
103.7 Km/H |
105.3 Km/H |
-1.6 Km/H |
98.48% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Wet Braking |
5th |
32 M |
29.8 M |
+2.2 M |
93.13% |
| Wet Handling |
5th |
78.1 Km/H |
80.2 Km/H |
-2.1 Km/H |
97.38% |
| Wet Circle |
5th |
8.54 m/s |
8.72 m/s |
-0.18 m/s |
97.94% |
| Straight Aqua |
2nd |
76.8 Km/H |
77.2 Km/H |
-0.4 Km/H |
99.48% |
| Curved Aquaplaning |
2nd |
8.15 m/sec2 |
8.45 m/sec2 |
-0.3 m/sec2 |
96.45% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Noise |
2nd |
71.4 dB |
71 dB |
+0.4 dB |
99.44% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Rolling Resistance |
2nd |
7.9 kg / t |
7.8 kg / t |
+0.1 kg / t |
98.73% |
Quiet pass-by noise, high lane change safety on dry asphalt, good rolling comfort.
Almost six meters longer braking distance in wet conditions compared to the best summer tyre, poor aquaplaning resistance, low dry grip.
On dry surfaces: quiet, stable during lane changes, comfortable. Insufficient grip in wet conditions.
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Dry Braking |
6th |
43.2 M |
35.5 M |
+7.7 M |
82.18% |
| Dry Handling |
6th |
101.4 Km/H |
105.3 Km/H |
-3.9 Km/H |
96.3% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Wet Braking |
6th |
35.6 M |
29.8 M |
+5.8 M |
83.71% |
| Wet Handling |
6th |
76.6 Km/H |
80.2 Km/H |
-3.6 Km/H |
95.51% |
| Wet Circle |
6th |
8.07 m/s |
8.72 m/s |
-0.65 m/s |
92.55% |
| Straight Aqua |
6th |
71.2 Km/H |
77.2 Km/H |
-6 Km/H |
92.23% |
| Curved Aquaplaning |
6th |
5.32 m/sec2 |
8.45 m/sec2 |
-3.13 m/sec2 |
62.96% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Noise |
1st |
71 dB |
|
|
100% |
| Test |
# |
Result |
Best |
Diff |
% |
| Rolling Resistance |
5th |
8.8 kg / t |
7.8 kg / t |
+1 kg / t |
88.64% |
