205/65 R17 Tires

It's a pleasant surprise that the manufacturers chose to fit these on a subcompact of this price category (Elsewhere it's known as the Daihatsu Rocky or Toyota Raize). My brother-in-law who drives a new BMW was impressed too - he thought I had replaced whatever the original was with these Turanza when I got the car (Would not have done that because it'd be too exxtravagant and wasteful in my books). Anyway, 31 months later, there looks to be significant life left with these tires. They have been very good in the tropical climate where I am - hot days that could suddenly change to heavy rain within the hour. The car has handled well on these tires on both bone dry and wet conditions. Most likely I'd replace these with Bridgestone again, but the latest iteration - Turanza 6.

I purchased a new car in December 2023 which had VREDESTEIN Ultrac tires installed as standard. Best aspect for me was the notable reduced noise. Worst aspect was the extreme tire wear after only 12 months (

These tires are made from recycled banana skins treated with a generous amount of grease. In the dry they are fine. But if the road is slightly damp you would be safer dressed all in black trying to walk across eight lanes of the M25 at midnight while wearing a blindfold. The ABS kicks in while braking gently and traction control is regularly activated in 2nd gear if attempting to accelerate at any speed greater than the acceleration of your average snail.
Aquaplaning - I was aware of this phenomenon but had never experienced it in over 20 years of driving until I had these, now I can aquaplane with the best of them. In rain the car handles worse than Bambi trying to navigate a glacier after ten vodka red bulls. Yes, I know they are advertised as a summer tire, but unfortunately I had no choice in this tire purchase. If you live in an area where it never rains and the temperature never drops below 20 degrees then this is the ideal tire for you. But if you live in the U.K. and value your life then do not buy these tires. If you are a fleet manager purchasing tires for Sun, Daily Mail journalists or Piers Morgan then get your cheque book out immediately.