Testing nine 225/45 R17 tyres on an Audi A3, Auto Review put the tyres through the usual wet and dry tests, but also covered detail such as tyre weight and kerb protector size.
While results were extremely close, each tyre had its own subjective differences, so be sure to read the whole test rather than just looking at the final position.
The Results
Grip on wet and dry roads, high resistance to aquaplaning, comfortable, quiet
Average handling on wet roads
The main advantage the Goodyear has is a combination of high-traction and an enviable level of comfort.
The car rolled silently down the road, and glided over joints of asphalt. When combined with the shortest braking distance on wet roads, and excellent resistance to aquaplaning you have a winner.
Auto Review recommends the F1 A2 to everyone: to those who wish to increase the limiting capabilities of the car, and those who, moving to larger diameter wheels exclusively for aesthetic motives, wants to maintain an acceptable level of comfort.
Misc: 10.1kgs, 7mm kerb protector
Total: 57.3
Dry
9.5
Wet
9.2
Comfort
10
Rolling Resistance
9
Noise
10
Overall
9.6
Low rolling resistance, grip on wet and dry roads, quiet
Average handling on wet roads, insufficient resistance to aquaplaning
The lightest tyres on test, when compared to the heaviest they save 11.6kgs of unsprung weight! Almost as comfortable as the Goodyears, with excellent rolling resistance, these tyres show a good sporting character. Excellent tyres for the sportier driver.
Misc: 8.4kgs, 6mm kerb protector
Total: 55.6
Dry
9
Wet
8.6
Comfort
9
Rolling Resistance
10
Noise
10
Overall
9
Grip and control on wet roads, quiet
Grip on dry roads, handling on dry roads
Not as sporty as the big brother Sport Contact 5P, the Sport Contact 5 still proved an excellent tyre on a wet track with a nice balanced behavior. Unfortunately in the dry the Continental isn't as strong, losing 3 meters to the leader in dry braking and feeling inaccurate over a lap. Very comfortable.
Misc: 8.8kgs, 6mm kerb protector
Total: 52
Dry
7.5
Wet
9.6
Comfort
9
Rolling Resistance
7
Noise
10
Overall
8.9
High resistance to aquaplaning, quiet
Average handling on dry and wet roads, price
Excellent aquaplaning results and good braking in the wet. Slightly less grip on a wet lap, but the tyre is easy to manage past the limit. Similar behavior in the dry, the price is just a little too high for a "mid range" brand. Excellent result.
Misc: 10.1kgs, 8mm kerb protector
Total: 53.7
Dry
8
Wet
8.8
Comfort
9
Rolling Resistance
9
Noise
10
Overall
8.9
High resistance to aquaplaning, grip on wet roads, comfort
Snappy handling on wet roads
Good grip in the wet, with high resistance to aquaplaning. Quick steering left the car nervous, causing early slip. A good level of comfort and good in the dry, the Hankook is a good mid range tyre offered in a wide range of sizes.
Misc: 9.7kgs, 7mm kerb protector
Total: 51.4
Dry
8.5
Wet
9
Comfort
9
Rolling Resistance
7
Noise
9
Overall
8.9
Handling on wet and dry roads, grip on wet roads, quiet
Braking performance on dry roads, high rolling resistance
High wet grip and good resistance to aquaplaning, these tyres give the vehicle a sporty feel. Long dry braking, but good lateral grip and fairly quiet for a sports tyre.
Misc: 11kgs, 4mm kerb protector
Total: 49.7
Dry
8.5
Wet
9.4
Comfort
8
Rolling Resistance
5
Noise
10
Overall
8.8
Grip on wet and dry roads, reliability of control on wet and dry roads
Low level of comfort, high rolling resistance
An extremely sturdy tyre which gives s sporty steering feel, but reduced comfort and a high tyre weight. Much better than the previous generation Potenza RE050A in the wet, the Bridgestone is a good all round tyre but a little off the pace of the leaders.
Misc: 11.3kgs, 8mm kerb protector
Total: 47.2
Dry
9.5
Wet
9
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
5
Noise
8
Overall
8.7
Grip on wet and dry roads, handling on wet and dry roads, comfort
Low resistance to aquaplaning
Average aquaplaning results, but otherwise the Nokian Hakka Black is little inferior to the leaders of the test. On wet roads the car starts to slide smoothly and always predictable. The same can be said about the handling on dry roads. Good tyres, but better to avoid deep puddles.
Misc: 9.8kgs, 2.5mm kerb protector
Total: 53.4
Dry
8.5
Wet
9.2
Comfort
9
Rolling Resistance
9
Noise
9
Overall
8.7
High resistance to aquaplaning, low rolling resistance, price
Grip on wet and dry roads, handling on wet and dry roads
The Kumho Ecsta LE Sport is most disappointing on wet roads. This applies to the braking, and the reactions to the actions of the wheel. Dry running isn't much better, with poor high speed stability. Good resistance to aquaplaning gives the Kumho some plus points.
Misc: 10.8kgs, 3.5mm kerb protector
Total: 49
Dry
7
Wet
7.2
Comfort
8
Rolling Resistance
10
Noise
9
Overall
7.8
The Pirelli in the picture is not a P Zero Rosso, it's a P Zero. Was the test also of the P Zero, and not the Rosso as stated?
The picture for the Rosso is incorrect on the site. I'll get it updated now
Why always the old brigestone S001 and never the new adrenalin RE002?
The RE002 is aimed a the tuner / aftermarket only and as such probably wouldn't score as well in these tests as the S001 does.
The rumour is Bridgestone are refreshing their entire range in the next 14 months to help with the poor test results...
Michelin Pilote Sport is missing :(