Replaced by the Sport BluResponse Replaces the SP3000a
The Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response is a premium summer ultra high performance tyre that comes across as a confident, easy-to-live-with all-rounder. Drivers consistently praise its wet-road security, reassuring braking and crisp steering response, while many also find it quiet and good value against pricier rivals. Professional testing broadly agrees on its balanced, comfortable character, though it tends to sit as a solid performer rather than a class benchmark.
In everyday use it earns its best feedback for wet grip, stability in heavy rain and dependable motorway manners, backed up by strong dry grip and a responsive, predictable feel. Comfort and refinement are another recurring theme, aligning with test commentary that highlights a smooth ride and well-rounded touring performance.
Where opinions and results soften is longevity and efficiency. A noticeable share of owners report faster-than-expected wear (and some increase in noise or a drop in wet confidence as tread gets low), while tests more often point to weaker rolling resistance versus leading alternatives. Test rankings also vary by methodology, reinforcing the idea that the Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response is a versatile, capable choice with a few trade-offs rather than a consistent segment leader.
Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tyre - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated January 2025.
Tested 9 times by independent publications, the Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response averages a finish of 5th.
Finishing position in each test
2012 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test P4 of 8
One of the sportier tyres on test, the Dunlop showed a strong balance between wet and dry performance. At the noisiest tyre on test, it was just beaten to 3rd by the Nexen
| Year | Test | Result | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2012 Auto Express Summer Tyre TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16 | P4 / 8 | |
| 2012 | 2012 Autoreview Touring Tyre TestAuto Review · 205/55 R16 | P7 / 9 | |
| 2012 | 2012 European Summer Tyre Test - 205/55 R16ADAC · 205/55 R16 | P3 / 15 | |
| 2012 | 2012 ACE Touring Summer Tyre TestACE · 205/55 R16 | P2 / 15 | |
| 2011 | 2011 Finnish ECO Touring Tyre Test205/55 r16 | P7 / 15 | |
| 2011 | 2011 European Summer Tyre Test - 195/65 R15ADAC · 195/65 r15 | P6 / 14 | |
| 2010 | 2010 Autocar Tyre Test - FWDAuto Car · 205/55 r16 | P6 / 6 | |
| 2010 | 2010 Auto Zeitung Premium Touring Tyre TestAuto Zeitung · 205/55 r16 | P4 / 10 | |
| 2010 | 2010 European Summer Tyre Test - 185/65 r15185/65 r15 | P4 / 15 |
On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict
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Size Range8 sizes available
175-225Width45-65Profile15-17Rim83-98 T-WLoad/
EU LabelAcross 8 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.
Fuel
Wet
Noise
70-71dB B
What owners say summarised from 85 reviews
Across 85 reviews, the Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response is generally described as a strong all-round tyre with standout wet-road confidence, secure braking, and responsive handling in both dry and rain. Many drivers also call it quiet and good value versus other premium options, with several reporting solid mileage when properly aligned and rotated. The most common drawback is that wear can be faster than expected for some vehicles/driving styles, and a noticeable minority report increased noise or a drop in grip as the tyre gets near the end of its life.
What owners mention most counted across 82 reviews
Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.
Owner ratings averaged from 103 ratings
“205 55 r16 Dunlop SP sport fast response lot of feedback, maybe too much, not very comfort but great in handling pirelli r17 is more comfortable they were old and after my 18000km they lost some pieces”
“Bought these 5000km ago and replaced unknown brand with big expectations. The road noise is excesive, the comfort is gone. I feel like they are very hard or very heavy. My mpg dropped down from 43 to 39mpg.Dont know...”
“I have these tyres for 4 year with ~50.000 km. I'm not sport's driver, living in region were we have snow in winter and hot days in summer meaning I have to change tyres to winter/summer season. So my opinion for those...”
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