Below is the data from the Die-Reifen summer touring tire test which tested seven popular summer tires in 205/55 R17 using a VW T-Roc.
Test Size:
205/55 R17
Tires Tested:
7 tires
Test Categories:
3 categories (7 tests)
3 categories (7 tests)
| Test Category | Best Performer | Worst Performer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (2 tests) | |||
| Dry Braking | ▲ Falken ZIEX ZE320: 35.47 M | ▼ Imperial Ecosport 2: 40.06 M | 4.6 M (11.5%) |
| Subj. Dry Handling | ▲ Falken ZIEX ZE320: 80 Points | ▼ Imperial Ecosport 2: 66 Points | 14.0 Points (21.2%) |
| Wet (3 tests) | |||
| Wet Braking | ▲ Falken ZIEX ZE320: 23.19 M | ▼ Imperial Ecosport 2: 26.68 M | 3.5 M (13.1%) |
| Subj. Wet Handling | ▲ Falken ZIEX ZE320: 84 Points | ▼ Imperial Ecosport 2: 66 Points | 18.0 Points (27.3%) |
| Straight Aqua | ▲ Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN: 81.9 Km/H | ▼ Hankook Ventus Prime 4: 74.5 Km/H | 7.4 Km/H (9.9%) |
| Comfort (2 tests) | |||
| Subj. Comfort | ▲ Pirelli Cinturato C3: 81 Points | ▼ Imperial Ecosport 2: 76 Points | 5.0 Points (6.6%) |
| Subj. Noise | ▲ Pirelli Cinturato C3: 82 Points | ▼ Falken ZIEX ZE320: 74 Points | 8.0 Points (10.8%) |
You can view the full test and video via the link above (in German.) It's worth noting that they do not publish lap times for dry and wet handling, only subjective scores.
Dry
Dry Braking
Subj. Dry Handling
Wet
Wet Braking
Subj. Wet Handling
Straight Aqua
Comfort
Subj. Comfort
Subj. Noise
Results
1st: Falken ZIEX ZE320 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The new Falken immediately emerged as a stand‑out performer. The Ziex delivered unexpectedly high sporting capability while remaining well balanced and comfortable. In handling tests it guided the VW T‑Cross with “stoic calm” through corners and avoided any pushing or wobbling, giving drivers plenty of confidence and driving pleasure. This blend of agility, stability and comfort earned it overall victory. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2nd: Pirelli Cinturato C3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Pirelli’s fresh C3 proved a very strong second overall. The tire offered precise steering, balanced side‑grip build‑up and predictable behaviour under load changes. Testers called it a prototype of the modern tire: safe, sporty, balanced and comfortable. Its only real weakness was that the Falken beat it in both wet and dry braking, but below that high dynamic threshold the Pirelli impressed. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3rd: Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Firestone’s Roadhawk 2 quietly worked its way into the spotlight. Testers noted that it behaved benignly and could match premium names like Continental in handling and braking. Its character is less dominant than Pirelli’s or Falken’s, but its reliability and predictability make it a trustworthy everyday companion. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4th: Continental PremiumContact 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Continental performed competently yet fell short of the leaders. The tire exhibited a pronounced tendency to understeer, and testers said it was occasionally a bit too eager, pressing the rear end during load changes. ESP kept these traits manageable and overall stability remained good, so it still earned a “Good” rating. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5th: Michelin Primacy 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Michelin’s fifth‑generation Primacy behaved like a docile understeerer that has no ambitions to play the first violin. It was praised as a reliable, pleasant tire that does its job unobtrusively and rolls very comfortably. Long life is expected, but its conservative handling meant it finished mid‑pack. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6th: Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Hankook showed a mixed performance. It competed near the front in dry braking, but could not repeat that in the wet and lagged behind in handling grip. Testers concluded that although it did not play a starring role, its balanced nature makes it perfectly adequate for everyday use; however, caution is advised on wet road. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7th: Imperial Ecosport 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Imperial represented the budget end of the test and struggled against stronger rivals. Testers found its behaviour unsettling, with pronounced load‑change reactions and poor wet grip forcing ESP to work hard. The tire’s tetchy nature in both wet and dry conditions led to only a "Sufficient" overall verdict; the low price cannot compensate for the lack of safety. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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