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Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response Test Results

Tested 2010 to 2012 6 publications

Tested 9 times by independent publications, the Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response averages a finish of 5th.

  • 9Independent tests
  • 0Test wins
  • 2Podium finishes
  • 5thAverage finish
  • 55%Field beaten on average
  • 6Publications

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tyres that have most often shared a test with the Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response. Only tyres tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Head-to-head record
Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Goodyear EfficientGrip 6 shared: 3 ahead, 3 behind 6 3 3 - 50%
Nokian V 5 shared: 3 ahead, 2 behind 5 3 2 - 60%
Pirelli CINTURA/TO P7 5 shared: 2 ahead, 3 behind 5 2 3 - 40%
Continental Premium Contact 2 5 shared: 0 ahead, 5 behind 5 0 5 - 0%
Michelin Energy Saver 4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind 4 4 0 - 100%
Sava intensa hp 4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind 4 4 0 - 100%
Vredestein Sportrac 3 4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind 4 2 2 - 50%
Hankook K425 Kinergy Eco 3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind 3 3 0 - 100%
Semperit Speed Life 3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind 3 3 0 - 100%
Continental Premium Contact 5 3 shared: 0 ahead, 3 behind 3 0 3 - 0%

Against its own line

The same record for the tyre it replaced and the tyre that replaced it.

Against its own line
Tyre Tests Wins Avg finish Field beaten
Dunlop SP3000a Predecessor 0 - - -
Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response This tyre 9 0 5th 55%
Dunlop Sport BluResponse Successor 38 4 6th 72%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 9 tests. Updated November 26, 2025.

Across nine summer tests, the Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response delivers solid, well-rounded performance with multiple top-four finishes and frequent praise for balance and ride comfort. It peaks with 2nd/14 (ACE 2012) and 3rd/14 (European 2012), and holds several 4th places, indicating competitive capability in touring-focused assessments. However, results are inconsistent across different test methodologies, with mid-pack outcomes and a last place in one 2010 test tempering its overall standing.

Consistent editorial notes highlight its balanced character and smooth ride, though mentions of rolling-resistance deficits and scattered lower rankings suggest efficiency and occasional performance variability as recurring weaknesses. Overall, it is a competent, versatile touring tyre rather than a category leader.

Performance Strengths

  • Overall Balance and Touring Performance Strong
    Details
    • 2nd place overall in 2012 ACE Touring Summer Tyre Test (2/14) with 'convincing all round performance'
    • 3rd place overall in 2012 European Summer Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 (3/14)
    • 4th place overall in 2012 Auto Express (4/8) in an ultra-close field (<2% spread)
    • 4th place overall in 2010 European Summer Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 (4/12) with 'very balanced' comment
  • Ride Comfort/Refinement Moderate
    Details
    • 2010 Auto Zeitung notes 'consistently good performance and a smooth ride'
    • Multiple 'balanced/good all round' editorial mentions (2010 European 185/65 R15, 2012 ACE)
  • Aquaplaning resistance Strong in 2 of 4 tests
    Details
  • Wet grip Strong in 2 of 4 tests
    Details
  • Road noise Minor in 1 of 4 tests
    Details
  • Steering feel Minor in 1 of 4 tests
    Details

Performance Weaknesses

  • Rolling Resistance/Fuel Efficiency Moderate
    Details
    • 2010 Auto Zeitung cites 'deficits in rolling resistance'
    • No counter-evidence of efficiency awards across nine tests
  • Result Variability/Consistency Strong
    Details
    • 7th place overall in 2012 Autoreview Touring Tyre Test (7/9)
    • 6th place overall in 2011 European 195/65 R15 (6/14)
    • 6th/6 in 2010 Autocar FWD test (last place)

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response (4 tests) and 82 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.

Where owners and testers agree

  • Dry grip strength in 1 of 4 tests 41 praise, 3 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet grip strength in 2 of 4 tests 28 praise, 2 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Steering feel strength in 1 of 4 tests 10 praise, 2 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Aquaplaning resistance strength in 2 of 4 tests 5 praise, 0 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews

Where they disagree

  • Ride comfort weakness in 1 of 4 tests 18 praise, 5 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet handling weakness in 1 of 4 tests 5 praise, 0 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews

Raised by owners, not by any test of this tyre

  • Dry handling no test mentions it 13 praise, 1 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Value for money no test mentions it 12 praise, 1 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews
  • High-speed stability no test mentions it 8 praise, 2 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Sidewall stiffness no test mentions it 1 praise, 6 criticise of 82 reviews · Read those reviews

Every test, newest first 9

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2012 4 tests
P4 of 8 Beat 43% of the field

2012 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test

Auto Express 205/55 R16

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

WinnerGoodyear EfficientGrip

2011 2 tests
P7 of 15 Beat 57% of the field

2011 Finnish ECO Touring Tyre Test

205/55 r16

The Dunlop Sport Fast Responce resists aquaplaning brilliantly but unfortunately has a high rolling resistance and isn't the most comfortable tyre in the test

WinnerContinental Premium Contact 2

2010 3 tests

Back to the Dunlop SP Sport Fast Response overview

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