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Nankang Econex NA1 - Test Results

Test Statistics

3

Tests Completed

10th

Average Position

3rd

Best Result

14th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Nankang Econex NA1 - Official Image

Across three summer tests, the Nankang Econex NA1 shows a split personality: competitive pace in a budget-only field but clearly outclassed versus mainstream premium touring tyres. It can deliver solid lap times and aquaplaning resistance, but braking-especially in the wet-lags notably, and subjective stability is undermined by persistent oversteer. Rolling resistance is a major liability, and comfort/noise are middling.
Overall, the tyre's best results cluster around objective handling pace and aquaplaning in the budget comparison, yet broader tests against premium rivals expose substantial deficits in wet safety metrics, subjective control, and efficiency.

Performance Strengths
  • Wet and Dry Objective Handling Pace Moderate
    • 2nd place dry handling (+1%) in 2023 budget test
    • 3rd place wet handling (+5.3%) in 2023 budget test
    • 2nd place wet circle (+3.5%) in 2023 budget test
  • Aquaplaning Resistance Moderate
    • 2nd place straight aquaplaning (+1%) in 2023 budget test
    • 2nd place curved aquaplaning (+3%) in 2023 budget test
    • Midfield aquaplaning vs premiums (9th-10th/13 in 2023 premium test) indicating not worst-in-class
  • Affordability Strong
    • Price 3rd/9 in 2023 budget test (+1.8% from best)
    • Price 2nd/13 in 2023 premium test (+16.3% from best)
Performance Weaknesses
  • Wet Safety (Braking and Control) Strong
    • Wet braking 12th/13 (+25.4%) in 2023 premium test
    • Wet handling 12th/13 (+5.4%) in 2023 premium test
    • Subjective wet handling 12th/13 (+30%) in 2023 premium test with repeated oversteer comments
  • Subjective Stability and Lane-Change Behavior Strong
    • Article: 'a lot more oversteer with this tyre than any other tyre' (2023 premium test)
    • Article: 'wanted to oversteer you off the track' (2023 budget test)
    • Subjective dry handling 12th/13 (+25%) in 2023 premium test
  • Rolling Resistance / Efficiency Strong
    • Rolling resistance 13th/13 (+35.8%) in 2023 premium test
    • Rolling resistance 7th/9 (+10.9%) in 2023 budget test
  • Dry Braking and Comfort/Noise Moderate
    • Dry braking 12th/13 (+9%) in 2023 premium test
    • Subjective comfort 11th/13 (+10%) in 2023 premium test
    • Comfort 8th/9 (+10%) in 2023 budget test
  • Overall Competitiveness vs Premium Field Strong
    • Overall 12th/13 in 2023 premium touring test
    • Overall 14th/15 in 2015 Test World summer test
Performance Over Time

Test History

3
of 9
Are Budget Tyres Finally Good Enough? 8 Cheap Tyres VS 1 Premium Tyre

2023
Winner: Continental PremiumContact 7

As we've seen in other tests, the Nankang Econex NA-1 objectively performed well, for the price point it had good grip in grip tests, and had good aquaplaning resistance and low noise, however subj...
Strong:
Dry Handling, Curved Aquaplaning, Straight Aqua, Wet Circle
Weak:
Subj. Comfort
View Test
12
of 13
Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres

2023
Winner: Continental PremiumContact 7

The Nankang Econex NA1 was next up, considerably better than the Doublecoin but perhaps not a tyre that could be classified as great as it had long braking distances in the dry and wet, poor aquapl...
Strong:
Price
Weak:
Dry Braking, Subj. Dry Handling, Rolling Resistance, Subj. Wet Handling, Wet Braking, Wet Handling
View Test
14
of 15
2015 Test World Summer Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 5

The Nankang Econex NA-1 have long braking distances and a very weak lateral grip on wet surfaces. Sharp manoeuvres are unlikely to succeed because the tyres can dramatically lose contact with the...
View Test