It's the second test for the new Pirelli P Zero PZ5, and the second win! This years Auto Express summer tire test has tested nine popular summer tires in 225/40 R18, with some rather interesting results.

As always we suggest you visit the Auto Express website on the link below for the full details, but here is our summary.

Test Publication:

Test Size: 225/40 R18

Tires Tested: 9 tires

Test Categories:
4 categories (9 tests)

View Test Summary

Similar Tests

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Test Category	Best Performer	Worst Performer	Difference
Dry (2 tests)
Dry Braking	▲ Yokohama Advan Sport V107: 34 M	▼ Ceat SportDrive: 38.3 M	4.3 M (11.2%)
Dry Handling	▲ Pirelli P Zero PZ5: 82 s	▼ Ceat SportDrive: 83.8 s	1.8 s (2.1%)
Wet (5 tests)
Wet Braking	▲ Bridgestone Potenza Sport: 30 M	▼ Ceat SportDrive: 36.8 M	6.8 M (18.5%)
Wet Handling	▲ Pirelli P Zero PZ5: 90 s	▼ Ceat SportDrive: 97.7 s	7.7 s (7.9%)
Wet Circle	▲ Pirelli P Zero PZ5: 28 s	▼ Ceat SportDrive: 28.7 s	0.7 s (2.4%)
Straight Aqua	▲ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 88 Km/H	▼ Ceat SportDrive: 81.3 Km/H	6.7 Km/H (8.2%)
Curved Aquaplaning	▲ Michelin Pilot Sport 5: 0.85 m/sec2	▼ Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72: 0.7 m/sec2	0.2 m/sec2 (21.4%)
Comfort (1 tests)
Subj. Noise	▲ Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72: 10 Points	▼ Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6: 8.4 Points	1.6 Points (19.0%)
Value (1 tests)
Rolling Resistance	▲ Ceat SportDrive: 7 kg / t	▼ Yokohama Advan Sport V107: 8.97 kg / t	2.0 kg / t (22.0%)

Perhaps the most interesting result of this test was the Continental SportContact 7, which usually performs well in the wet, struggling in the wet conditions of the test facility. I asked Continental to comment and they are as confused as I am, I'll update this article if I hear something else in the future.

As Auto Express do not provide raw data, instead percentages to the best in test, the data below is based on estimated 'bests'. The percentage difference between the tires is accurate, but the numbers are based on guessing the best in category. As scoring is done on percentages this doesn't affect the score weighting calculator on the results tab but I thought it was important to share.

Dry

Dry Braking

Dry Handling

Wet

Wet Braking

Wet Handling

Wet Circle

Straight Aqua

Curved Aquaplaning

Comfort

Subj. Noise

Value

Rolling Resistance

Results

1st: Pirelli P Zero PZ5
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 35.2 M 34 M +1.2 M 96.59% Dry Handling 1st 82 s 100% Wet Braking 2nd 30.8 M 30 M +0.8 M 97.4% Wet Handling 1st 90 s 100% Wet Circle 1st 28 s 100% Straight Aqua 6th 84.5 Km/H 88 Km/H -3.5 Km/H 96.02% Curved Aquaplaning 5th 0.78 m/sec2 0.85 m/sec2 -0.07 m/sec2 91.76% Subj. Noise 3rd 9.3 Points 10 Points -0.7 Points 93% Rolling Resistance 7th 7.99 kg / t 7 kg / t +0.99 kg / t 87.61% The new Pirelli P Zero PZ5 impressed with three test wins—more than any other tire—including first place in both wet and dry handling. In the wet, it was agile, stable, and well-balanced, taking second in braking just 0.7m behind the leader, though its pace was greater than its feel suggested. Aquaplaning results were good but not class-leading. In the dry, it showed strong grip, throttle adjustability, and composure, matching the fastest lap time with Bridgestone and placing fourth in braking. Quiet and comfortable over rough asphalt, its only notable drawback was relatively high rolling resistance. Read Reviews
2nd: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 2nd 34.9 M 34 M +0.9 M 97.42% Dry Handling 1st 82 s 100% Wet Braking 1st 30 M 100% Wet Handling 3rd 90.6 s 90 s +0.6 s 99.34% Wet Circle 2nd 28.1 s 28 s +0.1 s 99.64% Straight Aqua 4th 85.2 Km/H 88 Km/H -2.8 Km/H 96.82% Curved Aquaplaning 7th 0.75 m/sec2 0.85 m/sec2 -0.1 m/sec2 88.24% Subj. Noise 5th 8.8 Points 10 Points -1.2 Points 88% Rolling Resistance 8th 8.25 kg / t 7 kg / t +1.25 kg / t 84.85% The Bridgestone, last year’s winner in this size, takes second place this time but delivers a dramatic turnaround in wet braking, topping the field at 27.5m—nearly a metre ahead of its nearest rival. It added third in wet handling and solid aquaplaning results, though felt less confident in standing water. In the dry, it matched Pirelli for the fastest lap, showing strong grip, precise transitions, and excellent traction, with joint-second braking just under a metre off the best. Quiet and consistent, its main drawback is high rolling resistance, but its balanced performance secures a strong overall result. Read Reviews    Buy from £229.99
3rd: Hankook Ventus Evo
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 6th 36.4 M 34 M +2.4 M 93.41% Dry Handling 7th 83.1 s 82 s +1.1 s 98.68% Wet Braking 4th 32.4 M 30 M +2.4 M 92.59% Wet Handling 2nd 90.2 s 90 s +0.2 s 99.78% Wet Circle 7th 28.5 s 28 s +0.5 s 98.25% Straight Aqua 2nd 86.5 Km/H 88 Km/H -1.5 Km/H 98.3% Curved Aquaplaning 1st 0.85 m/sec2 100% Subj. Noise 2nd 9.6 Points 10 Points -0.4 Points 96% Rolling Resistance 6th 7.9 kg / t 7 kg / t +0.9 kg / t 88.61% The new Hankook impressed with consistently strong wet-weather performance, earning third overall despite no outright wins. It was within a metre of the leader in wet braking and excelled on the wet handling circuit, combining grip, braking, traction, and composure for a lap just 0.2 seconds off the best. It also claimed second in both aquaplaning tests. Dry results were less competitive, with sixth in braking and seventh in handling, lacking the grip and precision of the leaders. Refinement was a highlight, with low cabin noise and good bump absorption, though rolling resistance was only average. Read Reviews
4th: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 7th 36.8 M 34 M +2.8 M 92.39% Dry Handling 7th 83.1 s 82 s +1.1 s 98.68% Wet Braking 3rd 31.6 M 30 M +1.6 M 94.94% Wet Handling 5th 91.1 s 90 s +1.1 s 98.79% Wet Circle 3rd 28.2 s 28 s +0.2 s 99.29% Straight Aqua 1st 88 Km/H 100% Curved Aquaplaning 1st 0.85 m/sec2 100% Subj. Noise 7th 8.7 Points 10 Points -1.3 Points 87% Rolling Resistance 3rd 7.45 kg / t 7 kg / t +0.45 kg / t 93.96% The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 repeats its fourth-place finish from last year, again showing standout aquaplaning ability with wins in both tests. It took third in wet cornering and wet braking—within a metre of the leader—but was only joint-fifth in wet handling despite feeling composed, grippy, and stable. Dry results were more modest, with seventh in both braking and handling, around 2.6m and several tenths off the best respectively, though it delivered a smooth, high-quality driving feel. While rather noisy in the cabin, it offered excellent fuel economy and a performance that felt stronger than the raw times suggested. Read Reviews
5th: Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 7th 36.8 M 34 M +2.8 M 92.39% Dry Handling 4th 82.8 s 82 s +0.8 s 99.03% Wet Braking 8th 35.9 M 30 M +5.9 M 83.57% Wet Handling 4th 90.9 s 90 s +0.9 s 99.01% Wet Circle 8th 28.6 s 28 s +0.6 s 97.9% Straight Aqua 8th 83.6 Km/H 88 Km/H -4.4 Km/H 95% Curved Aquaplaning 8th 0.7 m/sec2 0.85 m/sec2 -0.15 m/sec2 82.35% Subj. Noise 1st 10 Points 100% Rolling Resistance 2nd 7.36 kg / t 7 kg / t +0.36 kg / t 95.11% The new Kumho made an impressive debut with strong wet and dry handling performances and excellent refinement, despite weaknesses in other areas. It struggled in wet braking, aquaplaning, and wet cornering, ranking eighth in each, yet delivered the fourth-fastest wet lap thanks to great traction, stability, and precise balance. In the dry, it again paired poor braking with strong handling, finishing joint-fourth, though it needed assertive steering and was noisy under pressure. It excelled in comfort, recording the lowest noise levels and absorbing bumps well, and offered strong economy with the second-lowest rolling resistance. Read Reviews
6th: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 5th 35.6 M 34 M +1.6 M 95.51% Dry Handling 6th 82.9 s 82 s +0.9 s 98.91% Wet Braking 6th 34.1 M 30 M +4.1 M 87.98% Wet Handling 5th 91.1 s 90 s +1.1 s 98.79% Wet Circle 4th 28.3 s 28 s +0.3 s 98.94% Straight Aqua 3rd 85.4 Km/H 88 Km/H -2.6 Km/H 97.05% Curved Aquaplaning 4th 0.79 m/sec2 0.85 m/sec2 -0.06 m/sec2 92.94% Subj. Noise 9th 8.4 Points 10 Points -1.6 Points 84% Rolling Resistance 4th 7.63 kg / t 7 kg / t +0.63 kg / t 91.74% The Goodyear, a previous triple test winner and close runner-up, delivered a solid but less dominant performance this time, with no outright wins. In the wet, it placed sixth in braking, fourth in cornering, and fifth in handling, showing good balance and composure when driven smoothly, and ranked third in straight-line aquaplaning. Dry results were similarly mid-pack, with average braking and sixth in handling, just 0.6 seconds off the best, offering precision and strong traction but lacking the sharpness of the top performers. High cabin noise and some harshness over ridges were drawbacks, though rolling resistance was competitive, making it a capable all-rounder in a tougher field. Read Reviews
7th: Yokohama Advan Sport V107
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 1st 34 M 100% Dry Handling 4th 82.8 s 82 s +0.8 s 99.03% Wet Braking 5th 33.2 M 30 M +3.2 M 90.36% Wet Handling 7th 91.8 s 90 s +1.8 s 98.04% Wet Circle 4th 28.3 s 28 s +0.3 s 98.94% Straight Aqua 7th 83.8 Km/H 88 Km/H -4.2 Km/H 95.23% Curved Aquaplaning 3rd 0.83 m/sec2 0.85 m/sec2 -0.02 m/sec2 97.65% Subj. Noise 5th 8.8 Points 10 Points -1.2 Points 88% Rolling Resistance 9th 8.97 kg / t 7 kg / t +1.97 kg / t 78.04% The new Yokohama Advan Sport V107 delivers a competitive showing among major European rivals, excelling more in dry conditions than wet. It topped dry braking with a class-leading 32.2m stop from 60mph and ranked joint-fourth in dry handling, feeling grippy and tidy if slightly demanding to drive at the limit. Wet performance was more mixed, with fifth in straight-line braking, equal-seventh in handling due to limited traction and stability, and mid-pack aquaplaning results. It offered low cabin noise but was louder over sharp bumps, and its high rolling resistance made it the least fuel-efficient tire tested. Overall, its performance was still within 2% of the best in the group. Read Reviews
8th: Continental SportContact 7
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 2nd 34.9 M 34 M +0.9 M 97.42% Dry Handling 3rd 82.5 s 82 s +0.5 s 99.39% Wet Braking 7th 35 M 30 M +5 M 85.71% Wet Handling 7th 91.8 s 90 s +1.8 s 98.04% Wet Circle 6th 28.4 s 28 s +0.4 s 98.59% Straight Aqua 5th 84.8 Km/H 88 Km/H -3.2 Km/H 96.36% Curved Aquaplaning 8th 0.7 m/sec2 0.85 m/sec2 -0.15 m/sec2 82.35% Subj. Noise 7th 8.7 Points 10 Points -1.3 Points 87% Rolling Resistance 4th 7.63 kg / t 7 kg / t +0.63 kg / t 91.74% The Continental SportContact 7, last year’s third-place finisher in the 17-inch test, ranks eighth here despite being only 2% off the top performer. Its wet performance was the main weakness, placing seventh in straight-line braking—2.5m longer than the leader—eighth in wet handling, and mid-pack in aquaplaning. While traction was good, it felt unsettled over standing water and light at the rear in fast sweeps. In the dry, it excelled with joint-second braking and third in handling, showing superb grip, precision, and composure, though slightly off the fastest time. Noise levels were moderate, comfort was good, and rolling resistance was mid-range. Read Reviews
9th: Ceat SportDrive
225/40 R18 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 9th 38.3 M 34 M +4.3 M 88.77% Dry Handling 9th 83.8 s 82 s +1.8 s 97.85% Wet Braking 9th 36.8 M 30 M +6.8 M 81.52% Wet Handling 9th 97.7 s 90 s +7.7 s 92.12% Wet Circle 9th 28.7 s 28 s +0.7 s 97.56% Straight Aqua 9th 81.3 Km/H 88 Km/H -6.7 Km/H 92.39% Curved Aquaplaning 6th 0.77 m/sec2 0.85 m/sec2 -0.08 m/sec2 90.59% Subj. Noise 4th 9 Points 10 Points -1 Points 90% Rolling Resistance 1st 7 kg / t 100% The Ceat SportDrive, a newcomer to testing, delivered a mixed performance, showing particular weakness in the wet. It was last in nearly all objective tests, including straight-line wet braking, where it took over 6m longer to stop than the leader, and struggled for grip and traction on the wet handling circuit. The Golf GTI felt light and tentative on them, requiring gentle inputs to maintain balance. Dry performance was also lacking, with braking more than 4m behind the best and handling two seconds off the pace, though it could be guided onto the right line. It was refined, offered the lowest rolling resistance despite an unfavourable EU label, but was surprisingly one of the most expensive tires tested. Read Reviews