Menu

The BEST Performance Summer Tyres for 2026 Tested!

Jonathan Benson
Tested and written by Jonathan Benson
11 min read
Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Testing Methodology
    1. Categories Tested
  3. Dry
  4. Wet
  5. Comfort
  6. Value
  7. Results
  8. Pirelli P Zero R
  9. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
  10. Continental SportContact 7
  11. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
  12. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
  13. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
  14. Falken Azenis RS820
  15. Kingboss G866

For enthusiastic drivers subjective handling, as in how this tyre reacts to steering, how balanced the tyre is, and how much ability you have to adjust things mid-corner, is often more important than outright grip. In this test I take eight of the very best ultra ultra high performance summer tyres and put them through my usual array of dry, wet, noise, comfort, and rolling resistance testing but with a heavy focus on subjective handling to find out which tyre will make you feel the happiest when driving!

One of the most interesting aspects of this test to be the inclusion of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, which Michelin say is an 80% track tyre and 20% road tyre, whereas the rest of the tyres are more road-biased. Seeing how the Michelin track product performed in a group of street tyres was fascinating and some of the data will certainly surprise you. 

Testing Methodology

Test Driver
Jonathan Benson
Tyre Size
235/35 R19
Test Vehicle
VW Golf 8 GTI ClubSport
Test Location
Professional Proving Ground
Tyre Pressures
2.5
Test Year
2026
Tyres Tested
8
Show full testing methodology Hide methodology

Every tyre is tested using calibrated instrumented measurement and structured subjective assessment. Reference tyres are retested throughout each session to correct for changing conditions, ensuring fair, repeatable comparisons. Multiple reference sets are used where needed so that control tyre wear does not affect accuracy.

We use professional-grade testing equipment including GPS data loggers, accelerometers, and calibrated microphones. All tyres are broken in and conditioned before testing begins. For full details on our equipment, preparation process, and calibration procedures, see our complete testing methodology.

Categories Tested

Dry Braking

For dry braking, I drive the test vehicle at an entry speed of 110 km/h and apply full braking effort to a standstill with ABS active on clean, dry asphalt. I typically use an 100–5 km/h measurement window. My standard programme is five runs per tyre set where possible, although the sequence can extend to as many as fifteen runs if conditions and tyre category justify it. I analyse the full set of runs and discard statistical outliers before averaging. Reference tyres are run repeatedly throughout the session to correct for changing conditions.

Dry Handling

For dry handling, I drive at the limit of adhesion around a dedicated handling circuit with ESC disabled where possible so I can assess the tyre's natural balance, transient response, and limit behaviour without electronic intervention masking the result. I usually complete between two and five timed laps per tyre set, depending on the circuit, tyre type, and consistency of conditions. I exclude laps affected by clear driver error or obvious environmental inconsistency. Control runs are carried out frequently throughout the session, and I often use multiple sets of control tyres so that wear on the references does not become a meaningful variable. For more track-focused products, I also do endurance testing, which is a set number of laps at race pace to determine tire wear patterns and heat resistance over longer driving.

Subj. Dry Handling

Objective data is only part of the picture, so I also carry out a structured subjective handling assessment at the limit of adhesion on a dedicated dry handling circuit. I score steering precision, steering response, turn-in behaviour, mid-corner balance, corner-exit traction, breakaway characteristics, and overall confidence using a standardised 1–10 scale used consistently across my testing. The final assessment combines numeric scoring with written technical commentary. I complete familiarisation laps on the control tyre before evaluating each candidate.

Wet Braking

For wet braking, I drive the test vehicle at an entry speed of 88 km/h and apply full braking effort to a standstill with ABS active on an asphalt surface with a controlled water film. I typically use an 80–5 km/h measurement window to isolate tyre performance from variability in the initial brake application. My standard programme is eight runs per tyre set where possible, although the sequence can extend to as many as fifteen runs if conditions and tyre category justify it. I analyse the full set of runs and discard statistical outliers before averaging. To correct for changing conditions, I run reference tyres repeatedly throughout the session — in wet testing, typically every three candidate test sets.

Wet Handling

For wet handling, I drive at the limit of adhesion around a dedicated handling circuit. I generally use specialist wet circuits with kerb-watering systems designed to maintain a consistent surface condition. ESC is disabled where possible so I can assess the tyre's natural balance, transient response, and limit behaviour without electronic intervention masking the result. I usually complete between two and five timed laps per tyre set, depending on the circuit, tyre type, and consistency of conditions. I exclude laps affected by clear driver error or obvious environmental inconsistency. Control runs are carried out frequently throughout the session, and I often use multiple sets of control tyres so that wear on the references does not become a meaningful variable.

Subj. Wet Handling

Objective data is only part of the picture, so I also carry out a structured subjective handling assessment at the limit of adhesion on a dedicated wet handling circuit. I score steering precision, steering response, turn-in behaviour, mid-corner balance, aquaplaning resistance, breakaway characteristics, and overall confidence using a standardised 1–10 scale used consistently across my testing. The final assessment combines numeric scoring with written technical commentary. I complete familiarisation laps on the control tyre before evaluating each candidate.

Straight Aqua

To measure straight-line aquaplaning resistance, I drive one side of the vehicle through a water trough of controlled depth, typically around 7 mm, while the opposite side remains on dry pavement. I enter at a fixed speed and then accelerate progressively. I define aquaplaning onset as the point at which the wheel travelling through the water exceeds a specified slip threshold relative to the dry-side reference wheel. I usually perform four runs per tyre set and average the valid results.

Subj. Comfort

To assess comfort, I drive on a wide range of road surfaces (often dedicated comfort tracks at test facilities) at speeds from 50 to 120 km/h, including smooth motorway, coarse surfaces, expansion joints, broken pavement, and sharp-edged obstacles. I evaluate primary ride quality, secondary ride quality, impact harshness, seat-transmitted vibration, and the tyre's ability to absorb sharp inputs. Ratings are assigned on a 1–10 scale relative to the reference tyre.

Noise

I measure external pass-by noise in accordance with UNECE Regulation 117 and ISO 13325 using the coast-by method on a compliant test surface. Calibrated microphones are positioned beside the test lane, and the vehicle coasts through the measurement zone under controlled conditions. I record the maximum A-weighted sound pressure level in dB(A), complete multiple runs over the relevant speed range, and normalise the result to the reference speed required by the procedure.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance is measured under controlled laboratory conditions in accordance with ISO 28580 and UNECE Regulation 117 Annex 6. The tyre is mounted on a test wheel and loaded against a large-diameter steel drum. After thermal stabilisation at the prescribed test speed, rolling resistance force is measured at the spindle and corrected according to the relevant procedure. The result is expressed as rolling resistance coefficient, typically in kg/tonne.

Standards: UNECE Regulation 117 ISO 13325 ISO 28580 UNECE Regulation 117 Annex 6
Score Weighting Hide Score Weighting

How each category is weighted in the overall score:

Dry 45%
Dry Braking 30%
Dry Handling 50%
Subj. Dry Handling 20%
Wet 45%
Wet Braking 30%
Wet Handling 50%
Subj. Wet Handling 10%
Straight Aqua 10%
Comfort 5%
Subj. Comfort 50%
Noise 50%
Value 5%
Rolling Resistance 100%

Dry

Starting with the King Boss, in isolation it didn't feel terrible - steering reaction was acceptable and grip seemed adequate - but it was six seconds a lap down on the fastest, which tells the full story. Moving up, the Falken was a clear step forward; turn-in to lock was perhaps a touch slower than ideal but it was beautifully weighted and built up progressively, and it put in a consistent lap time. The Hankook was similar, though it wasn't quite as direct as the Falken on initial turn-in, with a very slight two-stage feel where the front and rear would build up at slightly different speeds - a small quirk but noticeable in a group this competitive.

The Continental Sport Contact 7 showed a duality I've observed before: around centre there is just a slight elasticity to the steering that isn't my favourite, but once you're genuinely committed to a corner it comes alive, turns hard and feels very stable. It's clearly leaning into its road-focused character.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport was a step up in steering directness and outright grip over the Continental, Hankook, and Falken, and it was one of the few tyres that got meaningfully quicker on its second lap once the compound was fully up to temperature. The one mild criticism is that before it's fully warm, it felt slightly numb on the limit - just a fraction short of the feedback of the very best here.

The Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo once again did what I can only describe as Bridgestone things. Its steering ramp-up is non-linear - you turn and then suddenly you are turning faster and faster without additional steering input - which isn't objectively ideal but delivers a genuinely thrilling, exciting feel even at sub-limit pace. On the lap it was fast, aggressive, and rewarding.

Then came the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2. Sub-limit it felt sensational, with the sharpest front-end steering reaction of the group by a small but definite margin, and wonderful granularity through the front axle. However, on lap one turn one the front bit hard and then a split second later the rear came round - I had to correct it, losing around two seconds in the opening corners. Even giving it an extra warm-up lap, and despite having clear advantages in very high-speed, high-load corners, it was bleeding small amounts of time in braking zones, low-speed corners and traction zones everywhere else.

The Pirelli P Zero R was shockingly fast. Its steering has a linear ramp-up - not quite the manic edge of the Bridgestone - but it is still very sporty and possibly the best overall front-end feel of the group. Under braking on the first lap I had to roll off and re-apply the brakes because I was stopping more quickly than I had anticipated. It was a second faster than the Bridgestone in the dry and, despite genuine effort to close the gap with the Michelin, the P Zero R was faster in almost every part of the lap. Whatever Pirelli have been doing recently, it is working.

Dry Handling

Spread: 5.73 s (7.5%)|Avg: 78.53 s
Dry handling time in seconds (15 - 16 c) (Lower is better)
  1. Pirelli P Zero R
    76.48 s
  2. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
    76.80 s
  3. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    77.38 s
  4. Continental SportContact 7
    78.42 s
  5. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    78.66 s
  6. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    79.15 s
  7. Falken Azenis RS820
    79.17 s
  8. Kingboss G866
    82.21 s

Subj. Dry Handling

Spread: 1.75 Points (20%)|Avg: 8.13 Points
Subjective Dry Handling Score (Higher is better)
  1. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
    8.75 Points
  2. Pirelli P Zero R
    8.75 Points
  3. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    8.50 Points
  4. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    8.25 Points
  5. Continental SportContact 7
    8.00 Points
  6. Falken Azenis RS820
    8.00 Points
  7. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    7.75 Points
  8. Kingboss G866
    7.00 Points

Dry braking was very closely aligned with dry handling, which always makes me happy. That also means the Pirelli P Zero R was once again the best, Cup 2 second best, Bridgestone third and Continental fourth.

Dry Braking

Spread: 7.22 M (22.8%)|Avg: 34.04 M
Dry braking in meters (100 - 10 km/h) (Lower is better)
Dry Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre

Wet

The King Boss was simply outclassed; with no useful wet grip. The Falken didn't feel especially sporty in the wet - it wasn't as direct or sharp as the rest and broke into understeer fairly early, though in absolute terms it still posted a respectable time in a very competitive field. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 shared the same lap time as the Falken in this test, though they arrived there very differently. The Cup 2 felt excellent on surface where it had proper contact - grippy, direct and with the nicest steering of the group - but in the deeper standing water it would lift, making the rear axle a little unpredictable. The ambient air temperature was over 18 degrees and the water temperature was warm so in the real world on the road in the wet things would be even trickier. 

The Hankook and Continental were remarkably similar to each other. Neither had quite the front-axle bite of the very fastest in the group, but both were genuinely lovely to drive - completely manageable across the full two-minute lap from damp surface to standing water with no aquaplaning concerns and a well-planted rear end.

The Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo was once again remarkable in the wet. The front-end bite was excellent, steering off-centre was quick and well-weighted, the rear remained stable throughout, and aquaplaning was rarely an issue. It was noticeably faster than the Continental and I came away once again deeply impressed by this tyre.

However, the Pirelli P Zero R was faster still - another two seconds over the Bridgestone. It appeared to have unlimited front grip, allowing later turn-in, continued adjustment mid-corner, and earlier and harder power application than anything else in the group. The rear was completely planted throughout; there was no hint of the rear wanting to fight you. Both the Bridgestone and Pirelli received my highest steering enjoyment scores of the group - with hindsight the Bridgestone may have had a marginal edge in reactivity and granularity, but the Pirelli's outright grip level was simply on another level. For a tyre positioned as more dry-focused, its wet performance was extraordinary.

Wet Handling

Spread: 17.76 s (17.9%)|Avg: 105.76 s
Wet handling time in seconds (18 - 20 c) (Lower is better)
  1. Pirelli P Zero R
    99.38 s
  2. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    102.58 s
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    102.70 s
  4. Continental SportContact 7
    104.40 s
  5. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    105.19 s
  6. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
    107.09 s
  7. Falken Azenis RS820
    107.59 s
  8. Kingboss G866
    117.14 s

Subj. Wet Handling

Spread: 2.00 Points (25%)|Avg: 7.53 Points
Subjective Wet Handling Score (Higher is better)
  1. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    8.00 Points
  2. Pirelli P Zero R
    8.00 Points
  3. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    8.00 Points
  4. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    7.75 Points
  5. Continental SportContact 7
    7.75 Points
  6. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
    7.50 Points
  7. Falken Azenis RS820
    7.25 Points
  8. Kingboss G866
    6.00 Points

Continental managed to just beat Pirelli in wet braking, with the Bridgestone close behind. The Pilot Sport Cup 2 did impressively well considering its low starting tread depth but it couldn't match the more road-focused tyres.

Wet Braking

Spread: 6.94 M (28.3%)|Avg: 26.61 M
Wet braking in meters (80 - 10 km/h) (Lower is better)
Wet Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre

Straight aquaplaning was closer than expected, given the differing natures of the products. Hankook was the best, with Continental once again at the sharp end, with the Pirelli and Michelin very close overall. It's likely curved aquaplaning would have separated these tyres further.

Straight Aqua

Spread: 3.20 Km/H (4.1%)|Avg: 76.86 Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H (Higher is better)
  1. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    78.20 Km/H
  2. Continental SportContact 7
    78.00 Km/H
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    77.60 Km/H
  4. Falken Azenis RS820
    77.00 Km/H
  5. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    76.90 Km/H
  6. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
    76.10 Km/H
  7. Pirelli P Zero R
    76.10 Km/H
  8. Kingboss G866
    75.00 Km/H

Comfort

As always I did run subjective noise and comfort on a reasonably long road route. Unfortunately it started raining so I couldn't do subjective noise across all of the sets. However, to the three of us in the car while doing the comfort testing, it was pretty clear that the Goodyear, Continental and even the Bridgestone were very good in comfort. The Falcon, Hankook, and Pirelli were just a little bit firmer, with the Cup 2 noticeably firmer.

Again, perhaps you don't really care as you are probably willing to sacrifice some comfort for the best handling possible. I know I am. 

During the road drive I did also assess the steering response on the road, which was also very close. Goodyear was my favourite by a tiny margin on the road but Bridgestone, Michelin, and Pirelli were all excellent. I haven't scored this category but I thought it would be worth mentioning.

Subj. Comfort

Spread: 1.00 Points (13.8%)|Avg: 6.84 Points
Subjective Comfort Score (Higher is better)
  1. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    7.25 Points
  2. Continental SportContact 7
    7.00 Points
  3. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    7.00 Points
  4. Kingboss G866
    7.00 Points
  5. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    6.75 Points
  6. Falken Azenis RS820
    6.75 Points
  7. Pirelli P Zero R
    6.75 Points
  8. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
    6.25 Points

The external noise test had the Michelin best again, which again might be counterintuitive but that's because noise is also a factor of tread depth. The Falken was the next best. All of them were split by just 3.3% 

Noise

Spread: 2.40 dB (3.4%)|Avg: 72.84 dB
External noise in dB (Lower is better)
  1. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
    71.30 dB
  2. Falken Azenis RS820
    71.60 dB
  3. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    72.40 dB
  4. Pirelli P Zero R
    73.20 dB
  5. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    73.30 dB
  6. Continental SportContact 7
    73.60 dB
  7. Kingboss G866
    73.60 dB
  8. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    73.70 dB

Value

To me, the rolling resistance of this category of tyres is less important than regular summer tyres, But as these are intended for everyday use, other than maybe the cup 2, the rolling resistance is still a factor so I've tested it.

The Continental and the King Boss were joint-tied for the best rolling resistance, with surprisingly the Cup 2 in third place. It's not what you would imagine when looking at that kind of category of tyre, it is a track-focused product afterall so why would they care about rolling resistance, well rolling resistance is quite aligned with tread depth and void, and the Cup 2 has the lowest starting tread depth and the least pattern here so it kind of makes sense.

The rest of the tyres were in a little group of their own, which is not going to make much difference in real-world other than maybe the Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Sport, which is showing its age at 10.4 kg/t.

Rolling Resistance

Spread: 1.60 kg / t (18.2%)|Avg: 9.50 kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t (Lower is better)
  1. Continental SportContact 7
    8.80 kg / t
  2. Kingboss G866
    8.80 kg / t
  3. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
    9.20 kg / t
  4. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    9.50 kg / t
  5. Falken Azenis RS820
    9.60 kg / t
  6. Pirelli P Zero R
    9.80 kg / t
  7. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
    9.90 kg / t
  8. Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
    10.40 kg / t

19,000 km
£1.45/L
--
Annual Difference
--
Lifetime Savings
--
Extra Fuel/Energy
--
Extra CO2

Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tyre age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Results

The BEST Performance Summer Tyres for 2026 Tested!Watch the full video of this test on YouTube Watch on YouTube
1st

Pirelli P Zero R

235/35 R19 91Y
Pirelli P Zero R
  • EU Label: D/A/72
  • Rim Protection: Medium
  • Weight: 9.6 kgs
  • Tread: 6.5 mm
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 1st 31.7 M 100%
Dry Handling 1st 76.48 s 100%
Subj. Dry Handling 1st 8.75 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 2nd 24.89 M 24.54 M +0.35 M 98.59%
Wet Handling 1st 99.38 s 100%
Subj. Wet Handling 1st 8 Points 100%
Straight Aqua 6th 76.1 Km/H 78.2 Km/H -2.1 Km/H 97.31%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 5th 6.75 Points 7.25 Points -0.5 Points 93.1%
Noise 4th 73.2 dB 71.3 dB +1.9 dB 97.4%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 6th 9.8 kg / t 8.8 kg / t +1 kg / t 89.8%
Test Winner 2026 Performance Tyre Test Pirelli P Zero R
2nd

Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo

235/35 R19 91Y
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
  • EU Label: D/A/72
  • Rim Protection: Massive
  • Weight: 10.2 kgs
  • Tread: 7 mm
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 3rd 33.2 M 31.7 M +1.5 M 95.48%
Dry Handling 3rd 77.38 s 76.48 s +0.9 s 98.84%
Subj. Dry Handling 3rd 8.5 Points 8.75 Points -0.25 Points 97.14%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 3rd 24.96 M 24.54 M +0.42 M 98.32%
Wet Handling 2nd 102.58 s 99.38 s +3.2 s 96.88%
Subj. Wet Handling 1st 8 Points 100%
Straight Aqua 5th 76.9 Km/H 78.2 Km/H -1.3 Km/H 98.34%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 2nd 7 Points 7.25 Points -0.25 Points 96.55%
Noise 8th 73.7 dB 71.3 dB +2.4 dB 96.74%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 4th 9.5 kg / t 8.8 kg / t +0.7 kg / t 92.63%
Highly Recommended 2026 Performance Tyre Test Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
3rd

Continental SportContact 7

235/35 R19 91Y
Continental SportContact 7
  • EU Label: D/A/72
  • Rim Protection: Large
  • Weight: 10.2 kgs
  • Tread: 6.9 mm
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 4th 33.39 M 31.7 M +1.69 M 94.94%
Dry Handling 4th 78.42 s 76.48 s +1.94 s 97.53%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 8.75 Points -0.75 Points 91.43%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 1st 24.54 M 100%
Wet Handling 4th 104.4 s 99.38 s +5.02 s 95.19%
Subj. Wet Handling 4th 7.75 Points 8 Points -0.25 Points 96.88%
Straight Aqua 2nd 78 Km/H 78.2 Km/H -0.2 Km/H 99.74%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 2nd 7 Points 7.25 Points -0.25 Points 96.55%
Noise 6th 73.6 dB 71.3 dB +2.3 dB 96.88%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 1st 8.8 kg / t 100%
Highly Recommended 2026 Performance Tyre Test Continental SportContact 7
4th

Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport

235/35 R19 91Y
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
  • EU Label: C/A/70
  • Rim Protection: Massive
  • Weight: 10.2 kgs
  • Tread: 7.3 mm
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 7th 34.18 M 31.7 M +2.48 M 92.74%
Dry Handling 5th 78.66 s 76.48 s +2.18 s 97.23%
Subj. Dry Handling 4th 8.25 Points 8.75 Points -0.5 Points 94.29%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 6th 26.95 M 24.54 M +2.41 M 91.06%
Wet Handling 3rd 102.7 s 99.38 s +3.32 s 96.77%
Subj. Wet Handling 1st 8 Points 100%
Straight Aqua 3rd 77.6 Km/H 78.2 Km/H -0.6 Km/H 99.23%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 1st 7.25 Points 100%
Noise 3rd 72.4 dB 71.3 dB +1.1 dB 98.48%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 8th 10.4 kg / t 8.8 kg / t +1.6 kg / t 84.62%
Recommended 2026 Performance Tyre Test Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
4th

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2

235/35 R19 91Y
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
  • EU Label: D/C/70
  • Rim Protection: Small
  • Weight: 10.2 kgs
  • Tread: 5.7 mm
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 2nd 32.97 M 31.7 M +1.27 M 96.15%
Dry Handling 2nd 76.8 s 76.48 s +0.32 s 99.58%
Subj. Dry Handling 1st 8.75 Points 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 7th 28.04 M 24.54 M +3.5 M 87.52%
Wet Handling 6th 107.09 s 99.38 s +7.71 s 92.8%
Subj. Wet Handling 6th 7.5 Points 8 Points -0.5 Points 93.75%
Straight Aqua 6th 76.1 Km/H 78.2 Km/H -2.1 Km/H 97.31%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 8th 6.25 Points 7.25 Points -1 Points 86.21%
Noise 1st 71.3 dB 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 3rd 9.2 kg / t 8.8 kg / t +0.4 kg / t 95.65%
Recommended 2026 Performance Tyre Test Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
6th

Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129

235/35 R19 91Y
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
  • EU Label: D/A/72
  • Rim Protection: Small
  • Weight: 10.2 kgs
  • Tread: 6.9 mm
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 5th 33.93 M 31.7 M +2.23 M 93.43%
Dry Handling 6th 79.15 s 76.48 s +2.67 s 96.63%
Subj. Dry Handling 7th 7.75 Points 8.75 Points -1 Points 88.57%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 4th 25.71 M 24.54 M +1.17 M 95.45%
Wet Handling 5th 105.19 s 99.38 s +5.81 s 94.48%
Subj. Wet Handling 4th 7.75 Points 8 Points -0.25 Points 96.88%
Straight Aqua 1st 78.2 Km/H 100%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 5th 6.75 Points 7.25 Points -0.5 Points 93.1%
Noise 5th 73.3 dB 71.3 dB +2 dB 97.27%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 7th 9.9 kg / t 8.8 kg / t +1.1 kg / t 88.89%
Recommended 2026 Performance Tyre Test Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
7th

Falken Azenis RS820

235/35 R19 91Y
Falken Azenis RS820
  • EU Label: D/A/70
  • Rim Protection: Medium
  • Weight: 10.8 kgs
  • Tread: 7.1 mm
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 6th 34.05 M 31.7 M +2.35 M 93.1%
Dry Handling 7th 79.17 s 76.48 s +2.69 s 96.6%
Subj. Dry Handling 5th 8 Points 8.75 Points -0.75 Points 91.43%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 5th 26.29 M 24.54 M +1.75 M 93.34%
Wet Handling 7th 107.59 s 99.38 s +8.21 s 92.37%
Subj. Wet Handling 7th 7.25 Points 8 Points -0.75 Points 90.63%
Straight Aqua 4th 77 Km/H 78.2 Km/H -1.2 Km/H 98.47%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 5th 6.75 Points 7.25 Points -0.5 Points 93.1%
Noise 2nd 71.6 dB 71.3 dB +0.3 dB 99.58%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 5th 9.6 kg / t 8.8 kg / t +0.8 kg / t 91.67%
Recommended 2026 Performance Tyre Test Falken Azenis RS820
8th

Kingboss G866

235/35 R19 91W
Kingboss G866
  • EU Label: D/C/72
  • Rim Protection: Small
  • Weight: 10.5 kgs
  • Tread: 6.35 mm
Test # Result Best Diff %
Dry Braking 8th 38.92 M 31.7 M +7.22 M 81.45%
Dry Handling 8th 82.21 s 76.48 s +5.73 s 93.03%
Subj. Dry Handling 8th 7 Points 8.75 Points -1.75 Points 80%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Wet Braking 8th 31.48 M 24.54 M +6.94 M 77.95%
Wet Handling 8th 117.14 s 99.38 s +17.76 s 84.84%
Subj. Wet Handling 8th 6 Points 8 Points -2 Points 75%
Straight Aqua 8th 75 Km/H 78.2 Km/H -3.2 Km/H 95.91%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Subj. Comfort 2nd 7 Points 7.25 Points -0.25 Points 96.55%
Noise 6th 73.6 dB 71.3 dB +2.3 dB 96.88%
Test # Result Best Diff %
Rolling Resistance 1st 8.8 kg / t 100%

Discussion

17 comments
  1. Ron Havelock archived

    Can you tell me how you tested the Pirelli P Zero R when they are not in production yet? Or at least not in the UK yet.

    #10602
  2. juraj archived

    Naming tyres Kingboss needs a significant dose of overconfidence and serious lack of invention ???

    #10587
  3. Michealknight archived

    so, best one for 18" goes on Bridgestone?

    #10586
  4. Andrew Watson archived

    This is a FWD car.

    Would love to see the exact tyre test on a mid engined car to see what the differences are.

    And if using a 4.0 718 GTS Boxster, doing the wet laps with the top down to dodge the sprinklers. Would be a fun end to the video...

    #10579
  5. Róbert archived

    This Pirelli is crazy. Lets be honest, dry handling is the only major thing for these tyres. And the Pirelli beat the semislick CUP2? What the hell. And its not a hard compund, so its not a pain for everyday use, to heat them up before the playtime. I hate Pirelli from my heart... having 3 different compounds in the last 4 years, and every single one of those gone rubish after 3-4years passed...they are getting harder, rigid, and very very very bad...dangeouros wet performance. Do you have any kind of information if these latest class leading tyres are somehownl different? (I had issues with the classic P Zero, and sottozero 2) I'm a follower since about 10years, and was waiting to have something better then PS4S. Last year I went with the SC7, since that is a tiny bit better. Vut omg!!! 2 seconds improvement? Perfect feeling? Semislick killer??? It was never heard. 2 seconds is a unuverse difference. I have to try this . My mk3 Focus Rs has the exact sime size :D .
    Btw what happened? Last years the SC7 was the awesome perfect nonplusultra. (Much better then Supersport) but now seems mediocre. Did the compoune change?

    #10575
    1. Andrew Watson Róbert archived

      I completely disagree, living in the UK. Last 6 months in the UK have been 50% more rain than the long term average. Now finally the sun came out and took my MX5 for a spin

      Stuck behind
      Learner
      Dustbin van
      Two blokes on 1950s motobikes
      cyclists

      In that order.

      Not sure my tyres even warmed up !

      Having said that, the Pirelli R does seem fast.

      #10578
      1. Róbert Andrew Watson archived

        Yeah, we can agree, that in the UK its hard to have a proper weather for a spirited drive. I dont live in the UK, I can have my sprints in the dry :D

        #10580
  6. Steph archived

    Thanks for the review !
    Now it's getting a bit older, good to see where the Continental is
    Too bad :( It seams this new Pirelli is only available from 19" at the moment :-/ (My car drives on 18")
    I would have like to see the Kumho Ecsta PS72 instead of this KingBoss

    #10573
  7. Heinz archived

    Thanks a lot. The "Pirelli P Zero R" is a positive surprise!
    Please consider for next test: Use Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect instead of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (without Connect) as tire rubber compound (among other things) has changed in 2020 with version "Connect" (off. treadwear 240 instead of 180 .. / change is more on paper). "Connect" rubber with slightly better results in wet and cold conditions.

    #10571
  8. Teun archived

    Thanks for the great data. I’ll probably go with the Potenza Sport Evos for my Golf MK 8 GTE. I was debating between the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and the Pirelli PZ5, but considering the milder climate here in the Netherlands, I think this might be the best choice.

    #10569
    1. Chuck Teun archived

      Yep. Same for me. I'm currently on GY Asym 6 on my Fiesta ST. Brilliant tyre but fitted as you don't get the really good tyres in 17 inch so the 6 does a fine job. But Bridgestone have seen the light ! Happy days.

      #10570
      1. Andrew Watson Chuck archived

        Exellent point, I have exactly the same problem with my MX5 which has 17 inch wheels, so also went with the Asym 6 and will be going Bridgestone next also. 17 inch wheels are also limited in choice.

        I think some companies are missing out a trick not doing 16/17 inch anymore. Certainly limits our choice, which is unfortunate.

        #10572
        1. Victor B. Melo Andrew Watson archived

          I also have an ND MX-5 and I’m currently running 5-year-old Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2s. Since I’ve never had to shop for tyres before, I’ve been trying to do as much research as possible.

          Right now I’m leaning towards the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 or something from Continental. Unfortunately, the roads where I live are pretty rough, and the Miata is my daily driver.

          One thing I really miss is steering feedback, which is why I’ve pretty much ruled out the Michelin PS5 and PS4S - from what I’ve gathered, they’re very grippy but a bit numb and less communicative.

          I’m mainly looking for something that’s fun and progressive, with good feedback and more controllable oversteer compared to my current tyres (which are fun but can be a bit snappy and hard to catch, especially now that they’re worn).

          Curious to hear what you guys are running in 205/45 R17 on stock 17" wheels.

          Unfortunately I can’t change tyre sizes here without paying around €200 for legalisation, so I’m sticking with OEM size.

          #10574
          1. Andrew Watson Victor B. Melo archived

            Well I am running the Asymetric 6 but not done enough miles in all conditons to give you advice on your particular requirement of a good feedback tyre that stops it going from great to pear shaped very quickly.

            Previously I had Michelin Pilot SuperSports on which were very grippy on track, but then I ended up in a nettle patch on a cold wet UK day with them.

            I think the Continentals might be a good bet, but they probably cost more. The Goodyears have always been a good bang for buck tyre and a jack of all trades tyre, which is not a negative comment, they are well rounded, good on those spider graphs tyre companies love.

            Good luck, and great choice of car of course :)

            #10577
            1. Chuck Andrew Watson archived

              Agree with all that. Also have supersports on my Lotus, would like to try the Pzero R but size not available. Will settle for Corsa's next.

              #10582
            2. Victor B. Melo Andrew Watson archived

              Thanks guys, I think I’m going to go with the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6.

              After checking a bunch of local shops, it seems to be the best all-round bang for buck. It’s about €100-150 cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport, and only around €60 more than the Falken FK520.

              Best prices I've found for 4x Tyres (including fitting, balancing, and alignment):

              PS5 - €668
              Asym 6 - €568
              Potenza Sport - €668
              Falken FK520 - €508

              Given that, the Goodyear just feels like the sweet spot for a daily-driven ND.

              Also, if anyone here is from Portugal and looking for a good shop, I had the best experience/quotes from Riamar Pneus - highly recommended.

              I’ll probably pair them with a custom alignment setup as well to improve steering feedback, something along the lines of the Flying Miata specs.

              #10583
          2. Chuck Victor B. Melo archived

            I don't think you will be disappointed with the Goodyear. It's a fantastic tyre, good price point to ( in the UK). I found it sharper than the Pilot Sport 4 which I guess is it's nearest competitor). We still stick with the PS4 for the wifes BMW as its slightly more comfortable on a very stiff BM and one thing MIchelin excell in ( I think ) is still very good wet braking when worn down. Perfect for the wife. GY but now moving to Bridgestone for me. (205/40/17)

            #10581