2026 Motor Summer Tyre Test

Motor magazine tested 9 summer tyres in size 225/45 R17, a fitment used on popular models such as the VW Golf, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Skoda Octavia. The test covered wet braking, dry braking, longitudinal and lateral aquaplaning, wet and dry lap times, wet circle grip, handling properties, comfort, exterior noise, and rolling resistance. Testing was carried out in late autumn at a facility in Texas, USA, where conditions matched a European summer. The test track surfaces were made with European materials and hold the relevant certifications. Prices ranged from 310 to 448 PLN per tyre.

Continental PremiumContact 7 and Pirelli Cinturato C3 share the top spot with identical overall scores of 197.2 out of 200 points, both earning strong results across wet and dry tests. The biggest surprise is the Hankook Ventus Evo K137, a mid-segment tyre that finished third overall with 196.4 points - just 0.8 behind the winners - and actually posted the best wet score in the entire test. Fellow mid-segment product Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 also performed well in fourth place. On the other end, premium tyres Michelin Primacy 5 and Bridgestone Turanza 6 disappointed, finishing fifth and eighth respectively, behind several cheaper mid-segment alternatives.

Dry

Pirelli stops shortest at 35.7 m, with Continental close behind at 36.0 m. The gap to last-placed Vredestein (39.3 m) is 3.6 m - a meaningful difference at 100 km/h.

Continental sets the fastest dry lap at 73.4 s, with Pirelli just 0.2 s behind. Bridgestone is slowest at 76.2 s - nearly three seconds off the pace, which is a large gap on a 2450 m circuit.

Hankook earns the highest subjective handling score at 7.6 points, followed by Continental and Kumho on 7.4. There is a clear split between the top four and the rest - Michelin, Maxxis, Kleber, Bridgestone, and Vredestein all score below 6.6, suggesting a noticeable drop in steering precision and limit behaviour.

Wet

Hankook, Continental, and Pirelli are virtually tied at around 43.2-43.3 m, forming a clear lead group. The spread to last-placed Vredestein at 47.2 m is 4.0 m - a bigger gap than on dry tarmac, where differences in grip tend to be amplified by water on the surface.

Continental dominates the wet lap, posting 69.4 s - over a second faster than second-placed Pirelli at 70.7 s. That is a large margin on a 1535 m track. Bridgestone is last at 75.2 s, consistent with its weaker wet grip shown in braking and circle tests.

Continental again leads on lateral grip in the wet circle test at 0.801 g, followed by Pirelli at 0.775 g. Michelin records the lowest value at 0.692 g - a surprising result for a premium tyre and one of the main reasons it finishes fifth overall despite decent aquaplaning resistance.

Hankook resists straight-line aquaplaning best at 78.8 km/h, with Michelin and Pirelli close behind. Kumho is weakest at 71.4 km/h - a 7.4 km/h gap to the leader, which is significant given aquaplaning is a binary loss of control. Despite Continental's dominance elsewhere on wet surfaces, it sits mid-pack here at 74.9 km/h.

Continental and Hankook are almost identical at 3.85 and 3.84 m/s², leading the curved aquaplaning test. Kumho and Pirelli sit at the bottom, which is notable since Pirelli is otherwise one of the strongest wet performers - its tread pattern appears better suited to maintaining contact patch grip than clearing water on a curve.

Comfort

Continental, Michelin, and Kleber share the top comfort score at 6.9 points, while Kumho scores lowest at 6.1. The overall spread is narrow, suggesting no tyre in this test has a major comfort problem.

Michelin is the quietest at 64.6 dB, with Bridgestone and Hankook just behind. Continental is loudest at 66.1 dB - a trade-off perhaps linked to the tread compound and pattern that gives it such strong wet grip. The total spread of 1.5 dB is small in absolute terms.

Value

Bridgestone records the lowest rolling resistance at 0.632, well clear of the field. Michelin is second at 0.700. Hankook sits last at 0.876 - roughly 39% higher than Bridgestone, which would translate to a noticeable difference in fuel consumption over a set of tyres' lifetime. The two best performers on rolling resistance (Bridgestone and Michelin) are also among the weakest on grip, suggesting these tyres may have been optimised more for efficiency than outright traction.

Results

Continental and Pirelli share the win with 197.2 points each, both offering the strongest grip on dry and wet surfaces. Hankook is the standout value result, finishing third as a mid-segment tyre just 0.8 points behind the winners, while premium products Michelin and Bridgestone end up fifth and eighth - behind several cheaper alternatives.

1^st

Continental PremiumContact 7

225/45 R17

• Origin: Portugal
• Price: 406.00

The Continental PremiumContact 7 delivers strong performance across all tests on both wet and dry surfaces. It offers stable handling and very good grip in corners, with short braking distances regardless of conditions. It also scores highest for lateral aquaplaning resistance. The main weakness is average rolling resistance, which could affect fuel consumption.

Dry

98.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	36 M	35.7 M	+0.3 M	99.17%
Dry Handling	1st	73.4 s			100%
Subj. Dry Handling	2nd	7.4 Points	7.6 Points	-0.2 Points	97.37%

Wet

99%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	43.3 M	43.2 M	+0.1 M	99.77%
Wet Handling	1st	69.4 s			100%
Wet Circle	1st	0.801 m/s			100%
Straight Aqua	5th	74.9 Km/H	78.8 Km/H	-3.9 Km/H	95.05%
Curved Aquaplaning	1st	3.85 m/sec2			100%

Comfort

98.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	1st	6.9 Points			100%
Noise	9th	66.1 dB	64.6 dB	+1.5 dB	97.73%

Value

75.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	8th	0.833 kg / t	0.632 kg / t	+0.2 kg / t	75.87%

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1^st

Pirelli Cinturato C3

225/45 R17

• Origin: Romania
• Price: 400.00

The Pirelli Cinturato C3 matches Continental's overall score and shares the top position. It performs well on both dry and wet tarmac, providing precise steering response and short braking distances. Like the Continental, its rolling resistance is average rather than competitive.

Dry

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	35.7 M			100%
Dry Handling	2nd	73.6 s	73.4 s	+0.2 s	99.73%
Subj. Dry Handling	4th	7.3 Points	7.6 Points	-0.3 Points	96.05%

Wet

96.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	43.3 M	43.2 M	+0.1 M	99.77%
Wet Handling	2nd	70.7 s	69.4 s	+1.3 s	98.16%
Wet Circle	2nd	0.775 m/s	0.801 m/s	-0.03 m/s	96.75%
Straight Aqua	3rd	76.9 Km/H	78.8 Km/H	-1.9 Km/H	97.59%
Curved Aquaplaning	8th	3.42 m/sec2	3.85 m/sec2	-0.43 m/sec2	88.83%

Comfort

96.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	4th	6.6 Points	6.9 Points	-0.3 Points	95.65%
Noise	8th	65.8 dB	64.6 dB	+1.2 dB	98.18%

Value

77.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	7th	0.818 kg / t	0.632 kg / t	+0.19 kg / t	77.26%

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3^rd

Hankook Ventus Evo

225/45 R17

• Origin: South Korea
• Price: 380.00

The Hankook Ventus Evo K137 finishes on the podium with the second-highest point total. It is particularly strong on wet surfaces, winning both the longitudinal aquaplaning and wet braking tests. On dry tarmac it falls only slightly behind the two winners. As a mid-segment product, it demonstrates that cheaper tyres can compete directly with premium offerings. Rolling resistance is the highest in the test.

Dry

98.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	37.3 M	35.7 M	+1.6 M	95.71%
Dry Handling	3rd	74.2 s	73.4 s	+0.8 s	98.92%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	7.6 Points			100%

Wet

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	43.2 M			100%
Wet Handling	3rd	70.9 s	69.4 s	+1.5 s	97.88%
Wet Circle	3rd	0.765 m/s	0.801 m/s	-0.04 m/s	95.51%
Straight Aqua	1st	78.8 Km/H			100%
Curved Aquaplaning	2nd	3.84 m/sec2	3.85 m/sec2	-0.01 m/sec2	99.74%

Comfort

96.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	6th	6.5 Points	6.9 Points	-0.4 Points	94.2%
Noise	3rd	64.8 dB	64.6 dB	+0.2 dB	99.69%

Value

72.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	9th	0.876 kg / t	0.632 kg / t	+0.24 kg / t	72.15%

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4^th

Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72

225/45 R17

• Origin: South Korea
• Price: 315.00

The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 takes fourth place with a strong overall result. It loses ground to higher-ranked rivals on wet surfaces mainly due to below-average aquaplaning resistance. Otherwise, its performance across tests is consistently good. Rolling resistance is on the poor side.

Dry

97.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	37.1 M	35.7 M	+1.4 M	96.23%
Dry Handling	3rd	74.2 s	73.4 s	+0.8 s	98.92%
Subj. Dry Handling	2nd	7.4 Points	7.6 Points	-0.2 Points	97.37%

Wet

93.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	44.3 M	43.2 M	+1.1 M	97.52%
Wet Handling	4th	71 s	69.4 s	+1.6 s	97.75%
Wet Circle	4th	0.761 m/s	0.801 m/s	-0.04 m/s	95.01%
Straight Aqua	9th	71.4 Km/H	78.8 Km/H	-7.4 Km/H	90.61%
Curved Aquaplaning	9th	3.32 m/sec2	3.85 m/sec2	-0.53 m/sec2	86.23%

Comfort

93.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	9th	6.1 Points	6.9 Points	-0.8 Points	88.41%
Noise	5th	65.2 dB	64.6 dB	+0.6 dB	99.08%

Value

78.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	6th	0.804 kg / t	0.632 kg / t	+0.17 kg / t	78.61%

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5^th

Michelin Primacy 5

225/45 R17

• Origin: Germany
• Price: 448.00

The Michelin Primacy 5 finishes fifth, behind two mid-segment tyres, which is disappointing for a premium product. Its wet performance is uneven - aquaplaning resistance is good, but lateral grip on wet surfaces is the lowest in the test. Dry performance is average. On the positive side, it has low rolling resistance, produces the least noise at city speeds, and rides comfortably.

Dry

92.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	38.4 M	35.7 M	+2.7 M	92.97%
Dry Handling	7th	75.2 s	73.4 s	+1.8 s	97.61%
Subj. Dry Handling	5th	6.6 Points	7.6 Points	-1 Points	86.84%

Wet

93.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	46.5 M	43.2 M	+3.3 M	92.9%
Wet Handling	8th	74 s	69.4 s	+4.6 s	93.78%
Wet Circle	9th	0.692 m/s	0.801 m/s	-0.11 m/s	86.39%
Straight Aqua	2nd	77 Km/H	78.8 Km/H	-1.8 Km/H	97.72%
Curved Aquaplaning	4th	3.72 m/sec2	3.85 m/sec2	-0.13 m/sec2	96.62%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	1st	6.9 Points			100%
Noise	1st	64.6 dB			100%

Value

90.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	2nd	0.7 kg / t	0.632 kg / t	+0.07 kg / t	90.29%

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6^th

Maxxis Premitra HP6

225/45 R17

• Origin: China
• Price: 310.00

The Maxxis Premitra 6 loses just 0.4 points to the Michelin, which is a notable result for the cheapest tyre in the test. Its main strength is consistency - it finishes mid-pack in nearly every test without any weak spots. This means it is unlikely to surprise the driver in any conditions. Rolling resistance is at a good level.

Dry

91.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	38.7 M	35.7 M	+3 M	92.25%
Dry Handling	5th	74.7 s	73.4 s	+1.3 s	98.26%
Subj. Dry Handling	6th	6.4 Points	7.6 Points	-1.2 Points	84.21%

Wet

94.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	46.1 M	43.2 M	+2.9 M	93.71%
Wet Handling	5th	73.1 s	69.4 s	+3.7 s	94.94%
Wet Circle	5th	0.733 m/s	0.801 m/s	-0.07 m/s	91.51%
Straight Aqua	6th	74.6 Km/H	78.8 Km/H	-4.2 Km/H	94.67%
Curved Aquaplaning	5th	3.68 m/sec2	3.85 m/sec2	-0.17 m/sec2	95.58%

Comfort

97.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	4th	6.6 Points	6.9 Points	-0.3 Points	95.65%
Noise	4th	65 dB	64.6 dB	+0.4 dB	99.38%

Value

83.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	0.758 kg / t	0.632 kg / t	+0.13 kg / t	83.38%

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7^th

Kleber Dynaxer HP5

225/45 R17

• Origin: Poland
• Price: 324.00

The Kleber Dynaxer HP5 finishes just 0.2 points behind Maxxis with a similarly balanced profile. It scores at a steady level across all tests without any standout weakness, which gives a safe and predictable feel behind the wheel. Rolling resistance is decent and the price is competitive.

Dry

91.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	38 M	35.7 M	+2.3 M	93.95%
Dry Handling	6th	75.1 s	73.4 s	+1.7 s	97.74%
Subj. Dry Handling	7th	6.3 Points	7.6 Points	-1.3 Points	82.89%

Wet

92.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	45.5 M	43.2 M	+2.3 M	94.95%
Wet Handling	6th	73.7 s	69.4 s	+4.3 s	94.17%
Wet Circle	6th	0.711 m/s	0.801 m/s	-0.09 m/s	88.76%
Straight Aqua	7th	73.4 Km/H	78.8 Km/H	-5.4 Km/H	93.15%
Curved Aquaplaning	6th	3.59 m/sec2	3.85 m/sec2	-0.26 m/sec2	93.25%

Comfort

99.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	1st	6.9 Points			100%
Noise	7th	65.6 dB	64.6 dB	+1 dB	98.48%

Value

82.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	5th	0.77 kg / t	0.632 kg / t	+0.14 kg / t	82.08%

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8^th

Bridgestone Turanza 6

225/45 R17

• Origin: Poland
• Price: 393.00

The Bridgestone Turanza 6 ends up in eighth place, which is a poor result for a premium tyre - its performance sits at the level of mid-segment products. It does not fail in any single test, maintaining adequate safety throughout, but it never leads either. Its standout feature is the best rolling resistance in the entire test, which may partly explain the lower grip levels.

Dry

91.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	37.4 M	35.7 M	+1.7 M	95.45%
Dry Handling	9th	76.2 s	73.4 s	+2.8 s	96.33%
Subj. Dry Handling	7th	6.3 Points	7.6 Points	-1.3 Points	82.89%

Wet

91.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	46.1 M	43.2 M	+2.9 M	93.71%
Wet Handling	9th	75.2 s	69.4 s	+5.8 s	92.29%
Wet Circle	8th	0.709 m/s	0.801 m/s	-0.09 m/s	88.51%
Straight Aqua	8th	72.2 Km/H	78.8 Km/H	-6.6 Km/H	91.62%
Curved Aquaplaning	6th	3.59 m/sec2	3.85 m/sec2	-0.26 m/sec2	93.25%

Comfort

94.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	8th	6.2 Points	6.9 Points	-0.7 Points	89.86%
Noise	2nd	64.7 dB	64.6 dB	+0.1 dB	99.85%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	1st	0.632 kg / t			100%

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9^th

Vredestein Ultrac plus

225/45 R17

• Origin: Hungary
• Price: 361.00

The Vredestein Ultrac+ finishes last but still provides acceptable safety. Its wet performance is inconsistent - aquaplaning resistance is respectable, but lateral grip and wet braking distance are the weakest in the group. Dry performance is also below the rest of the field. Rolling resistance is at a reasonable level.

Dry

89.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	9th	39.3 M	35.7 M	+3.6 M	90.84%
Dry Handling	8th	75.4 s	73.4 s	+2 s	97.35%
Subj. Dry Handling	9th	6.1 Points	7.6 Points	-1.5 Points	80.26%

Wet

93.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	9th	47.2 M	43.2 M	+4 M	91.53%
Wet Handling	7th	73.8 s	69.4 s	+4.4 s	94.04%
Wet Circle	6th	0.711 m/s	0.801 m/s	-0.09 m/s	88.76%
Straight Aqua	4th	75.4 Km/H	78.8 Km/H	-3.4 Km/H	95.69%
Curved Aquaplaning	3rd	3.76 m/sec2	3.85 m/sec2	-0.09 m/sec2	97.66%

Comfort

95.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	7th	6.4 Points	6.9 Points	-0.5 Points	92.75%
Noise	5th	65.2 dB	64.6 dB	+0.6 dB	99.08%

Value

82.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	4th	0.762 kg / t	0.632 kg / t	+0.13 kg / t	82.94%

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