It's rare you find tire tests specifically scoring subjective handling qualities as it's a very difficult thing for tire testers to quantify, but this latest tire test from the Finish publication Test World scores the tires subjective behavior out of a possible ten points in both the dry and wet. This is particularly interesting if you're not worried about that final 0.1 seconds of dry lap time, but do rate the subjective qualities of a tire such as steering feel, feedback and car balance.
This test covers sixteen 225/45 R17 UHP tire patterns using an Audi A3 - perhaps not the last word in dynamic handling but it is still an insight to the tires we don't usually get.
Dry
Strangely Test World didn't publish dry handling lap times, instead looking at dry braking from 56 mph and subjective points. Continental, Hankook and Michelin all scored well in the dry tests, offering short dry braking and good subjective handling.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 104 ft | Best | |
| 104 ft | Best | |
| 104 ft | Best | |
| 105 ft | +1 ft | |
| 105 ft | +1 ft | |
| 106 ft | +2 ft | |
| 107 ft | +3 ft | |
| 107 ft | +3 ft | |
| 108 ft | +4 ft | |
| 108 ft | +4 ft | |
| 108 ft | +4 ft | |
| 110 ft | +6 ft | |
| 112 ft | +8 ft | |
| 115 ft | +11 ft | |
| 115 ft | +11 ft | |
| 115 ft | +11 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 10.1% (11 ft ≈ 0.7 Car Lengths).
Subj. Dry Handling
Subjective Dry Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 9 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 8 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 8 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -3.00 Points | |
| 7 Points | -3.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 4 Points | -6.00 Points | |
| 3 Points | -7.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 70% (7 Points).
Wet
In the wet, Test World added wet handling and an aquaplaning test. As we've previously seen in 2018, the new Falken dominated wet braking, and was 0.4 seconds off during the wet handling lap.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 88 ft | Best | |
| 88 ft | Best | |
| 90 ft | +2 ft | |
| 90 ft | +2 ft | |
| 91 ft | +3 ft | |
| 91 ft | +3 ft | |
| 92 ft | +4 ft | |
| 92 ft | +4 ft | |
| 92 ft | +4 ft | |
| 92 ft | +4 ft | |
| 93 ft | +5 ft | |
| 93 ft | +5 ft | |
| 94 ft | +6 ft | |
| 94 ft | +6 ft | |
| 95 ft | +7 ft | |
| 95 ft | +7 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 8.6% (7 ft ≈ 0.5 Car Lengths).
Wet Handling
Wet handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 27.3 s | Best | |
| 27.3 s | Best | |
| 27.4 s | +0.10 s | |
| 27.5 s | +0.20 s | |
| 27.5 s | +0.20 s | |
| 27.6 s | +0.30 s | |
| 27.7 s | +0.40 s | |
| 27.8 s | +0.50 s | |
| 27.8 s | +0.50 s | |
| 27.9 s | +0.60 s | |
| 28 s | +0.70 s | |
| 28 s | +0.70 s | |
| 28 s | +0.70 s | |
| 28.1 s | +0.80 s | |
| 28.4 s | +1.10 s | |
| 29 s | +1.70 s |
The difference between best and worst was 6.2% (1.7 s).
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 55.0 mph | Best | |
| 54.2 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 53.7 mph | -1.3 mph | |
| 53.7 mph | -1.3 mph | |
| 53.6 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 53.6 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 52.9 mph | -2.1 mph | |
| 52.5 mph | -2.5 mph | |
| 52.3 mph | -2.7 mph | |
| 52.3 mph | -2.7 mph | |
| 52.2 mph | -2.8 mph | |
| 52.1 mph | -2.9 mph | |
| 51.9 mph | -3.1 mph | |
| 51.6 mph | -3.4 mph | |
| 50.7 mph | -4.3 mph | |
| 50.3 mph | -4.7 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 8.5% (4.7 mph).
Subj. Wet Handling
Subjective Wet Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Points | Best | |
| 10 Points | Best | |
| 10 Points | Best | |
| 9 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 9 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 9 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 8 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 8 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 8 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 8 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 8 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 6 Points | -4.00 Points | |
| 5 Points | -5.00 Points | |
| 4 Points | -6.00 Points | |
| 3 Points | -7.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 70% (7 Points).
Environment
Test world published the rolling resistance scoring as a percentage difference from the best tire on test. The Bridgestone had the lowest rolling resistance so was the 100% reference, Pirelli was mid pack using 2.6% more fuel than the Bridgestone, and the Yokohama tire finished last but still only 5.7% more fuel use than the winning tire.
Again, the in-cabin noise levels were very close, with the best and worst tires on test less than 2 dB apart.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 61.8 dB | Best | |
| 61.9 dB | +0.10 dB | |
| 61.9 dB | +0.10 dB | |
| 62.2 dB | +0.40 dB | |
| 62.2 dB | +0.40 dB | |
| 62.2 dB | +0.40 dB | |
| 62.2 dB | +0.40 dB | |
| 62.2 dB | +0.40 dB | |
| 62.2 dB | +0.40 dB | |
| 62.4 dB | +0.60 dB | |
| 62.4 dB | +0.60 dB | |
| 62.5 dB | +0.70 dB | |
| 62.8 dB | +1.00 dB | |
| 62.8 dB | +1.00 dB | |
| 63.2 dB | +1.40 dB | |
| 63.4 dB | +1.60 dB |
All the tires in the Noise test finished less than 3% apart.
Results
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 28 |
| Subjective | 9 |
| Wet Subjective | 10 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 8 |
| Overall | 8.9 |
Total: 79.9
Nokian Hakka Black 2
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 9 |
| Wet | 24 |
| Subjective | 9 |
| Wet Subjective | 10 |
| Rolling Resistance | 7 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Total: 76.5
Falken Azenis FK510
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 9 |
| Wet | 25 |
| Subjective | 8 |
| Wet Subjective | 8 |
| Rolling Resistance | 7 |
| Noise | 10 |
| Overall | 8.3 |
Total: 75.3
Continental Premium Contact 6
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 21 |
| Subjective | 10 |
| Wet Subjective | 9 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 8 |
| Overall | 8.1 |
Total: 72.1
Bridgestone Turanza T005
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8 |
| Wet | 22 |
| Subjective | 6 |
| Wet Subjective | 10 |
| Rolling Resistance | 10 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 7.9 |
Total: 72.9
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 24 |
| Subjective | 6 |
| Wet Subjective | 9 |
| Rolling Resistance | 4 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 7.8 |
Total: 69.8
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 22 |
| Subjective | 8 |
| Wet Subjective | 8 |
| Rolling Resistance | 4 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 7.7 |
Total: 68.7
Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 6 |
| Wet | 22 |
| Subjective | 6 |
| Wet Subjective | 8 |
| Rolling Resistance | 8 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Total: 66.5
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8 |
| Wet | 21 |
| Subjective | 7 |
| Wet Subjective | 9 |
| Rolling Resistance | 7 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Total: 68.5
Kumho Ecsta PS71
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 7 |
| Wet | 24 |
| Subjective | 7 |
| Wet Subjective | 6 |
| Rolling Resistance | 7 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Total: 67.5
Pirelli CINTURATO P7
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 6 |
| Wet | 20 |
| Subjective | 6 |
| Wet Subjective | 8 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 9 |
| Overall | 7 |
Total: 62
Cooper Zeon CS8
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 6 |
| Wet | 19 |
| Subjective | 6 |
| Wet Subjective | 5 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 |
| Noise | 10 |
| Overall | 6.1 |
Total: 58.1
Yokohama Advan Sport V105
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 8 |
| Wet | 17 |
| Subjective | 6 |
| Wet Subjective | 8 |
| Rolling Resistance | 2 |
| Noise | 6 |
| Overall | 6 |
Total: 53
Nankang Sportnex AS2+
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 3 |
| Wet | 21 |
| Subjective | 4 |
| Wet Subjective | 6 |
| Rolling Resistance | 3 |
| Noise | 6 |
| Overall | 5.4 |
Total: 48.4
Triangle Sportex TSH11
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 3 |
| Wet | 16 |
| Subjective | 6 |
| Wet Subjective | 4 |
| Rolling Resistance | 5 |
| Noise | 8 |
| Overall | 5.1 |
Total: 47.1
Gislaved Ultra Speed
225/45 R17
All discipline results (7)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 3 |
| Wet | 12 |
| Subjective | 3 |
| Wet Subjective | 3 |
| Rolling Resistance | 9 |
| Noise | 10 |
| Overall | 4.4 |
Total: 44.4
Uh… I have tried both the Advan Sport V105 and Cinturato P7 on my 2019 STi, and this report is not accurate regarding the Advan.
The Advan is a much more confident tire than the P7, especially in the wet. I get ESC lights frequently when trying to corner in rain at speeds like 50-70kph with the P7 on, almost crossing the lane and crashing into oncoming traffic once when doing a hairpin on a local hill in light rain because somehow the car's rear bolted free. (It shouldn't!) Fortunately I was quick enough to countersteer, but the guy in the car on the other lane must have been scared shitless. The Advan has much more grip, but they are rated the same for wet performance? And even below the P7 for dry performance? Seriously? Makes me think if they've mistaken the P Zero for the P7…
I fully agree with the inclusion of subjective data - as "feel" and confidence play a big part in making driving relaxed and enjoyable.
On another subject, I do think it would be helpful to list when and where these various tests were performed: the temperature sensistivity of tires seems to vary quite a bit, and there can be a world of difference between Ladoux in July and the A7 on an October morning!
I agree, test temperatures would be a huge plus, but very few magazines include it, even in all season and winter tests where temperature is a key factor.
Maybe TireReviews should organise a UK tire test done under typical British conditions i.e. damp and not too warm!
BTW, thanks for the site, very useful :-)
The problem with testing is you need it to be dry so you can do the dry testing, then you can wet the track to do wet testing. That means most of the tracks we use are in south Europe and super warm :/
I can see the problem, but given a bit of time and effort I wouldn't have thought the difficulties are insurmountable. If you study weather a bit, there are places that are cool & reasonably dry in spring, Madrid and central/eastern Poland spring to mind, though if you were to venture further afield there would be better places around the globe I'm sure. Even Norfolk (Snetterton?) might fit the bill given a normal winter. However I guess the issue as per always would be making it financially worthwhile.....
Renting somewhere like snetterton for the day is upwards of £10,000, and you risk wasting that money if it's wet (which lets face it in the UK is anyone's guess.)
Most tire tests happen on tire manufacturers test tracks for free, and their test facilities are usually in the best places for the longest possible year round testing!
There is what seems to be an increasing weight/bias being put on this 'subjective' feel concept which by definition cannot be measured and has appeared in tire tests since the launch of the Michelin PS4 and Conti Premium Contact 6. What it does is allow magazines to award top marks to a tire that really didn't get 'top marks' by data. EVO's 2017 tire test (and others) is an example of this , the PZ4 wins 3 out the 4 criteria yet loses the test to the PS4??? Crikey... undoing the whole point of the data and hard data is why tire tests were invented. I've got to the point of ignoring the test winner and looking only at the measured data.
Many tests still only look at objective data, but I think it's a good thing others are looking at subjective handling. I've experienced tires which can be very fast over a wet handling lap, but you have to be absolutely on it to extract that speed, which isn't always safe or fun on the road.
EVO does place a high importance on subjective, but its sister publication Auto Express places almost none so there's balance.
With the gap between the best tires on test almost nothing, I feel like it's important to consider both criteria.
Trouble with that though is it allows greater scope for 'opinion' over fact...1 tester may prefer tire A another tester tire B. So when subjective 'feel' adds to or detracts from a tire's score (as opposed to being a 'test note' which they used to be and welcomed) then overall scoring a hence final result can be manipulated in any direction and historically some have been caught out before (Nokian) and others even admitting to test specific tires (Continental).
Aside from this its interesting that according to TUV SUD tire test (report# 713112819) that the Turanza T005 was 8% better in wet braking than the Cinturato P7 which is at odds with the above result albeit in a different size (205/55 R16).
Ultimately tire sales are king and favorable/unfavorable reviews transfer millions of currency.
A couple of unusual tire selections included in this test (Bridgestone's Turanza T005 and the Pirelli Cinturato P7.) Both of which I thought belonged in the premium touring tire segment rather than the UHP one?
Either way it demonstrates just what a good job Bridgestone has made of the T005. While the P7 looks to be showing it's age.
It also shows how little confidence Bridgestone have in their S001 product!
very true Gary....the PS4 should be put up against the P Zero PZ4 and not the Cinturato P7 apples and oranges
I believe there's an internal update for the PZ4 P Zero coming so Pirelli aren't submitting the current tire to tests.
Strange you saying that..... as they are supposed to be bought on the open market for any objective tire test and they're availabel on the open market.
The tire manufacturers still tell the magazines what version (or DOT) of the tire they want them to buy on the open market. The tire magazines recovers the cost of tires from the manufacturer so if the manufacturer doesn't want to be part of it, they generally can't afford to buy the tires without the rebate.