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 setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking: 62.1 → 0.0 mph
Wet Braking: 49.7 → 0.0 mph

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 It's worth noting that they do not publish lap times for dry and wet handling, only subjective scores.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

Dry Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Falken ZIEX ZE320	116 ft	Best	0 mph
2Continental PremiumContact 7	120 ft	+4 ft	14 mph
2Pirelli Cinturato C3	120 ft	+4 ft	14 mph
4Hankook Ventus Prime 4	121 ft	+5 ft	15 mph
5Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	122 ft	+6 ft	17 mph
6Michelin Primacy 5	123 ft	+7 ft	19 mph
7Imperial Ecosport 2	131 ft	+15 ft	27 mph

The difference between best and worst was 12.9% (15 ft ≈ 1 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Imperial Ecosport 2 would still be travelling at 27 mph when the Falken ZIEX ZE320 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Subj. Dry Handling

Subj. Dry Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Falken ZIEX ZE320	80 Points	Best
2Pirelli Cinturato C3	78 Points	-2.00 Points
3Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	77 Points	-3.00 Points
4Hankook Ventus Prime 4	76 Points	-4.00 Points
5Michelin Primacy 5	75 Points	-5.00 Points
6Continental PremiumContact 7	73 Points	-7.00 Points
7Imperial Ecosport 2	66 Points	-14.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 17.5% (14 Points).

Wet

Wet Braking

Wet Braking
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best	Residual speed
1Falken ZIEX ZE320	76 ft	Best	0 mph
2Continental PremiumContact 7	79 ft	+3 ft	16 mph
3Pirelli Cinturato C3	79 ft	+3 ft	16 mph
4Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	79 ft	+3 ft	16 mph
5Michelin Primacy 5	84 ft	+8 ft	24 mph
6Hankook Ventus Prime 4	87 ft	+11 ft	29 mph
7Imperial Ecosport 2	88 ft	+12 ft	29 mph

The difference between best and worst was 15% (12 ft ≈ 0.8 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Imperial Ecosport 2 would still be travelling at 29 mph when the Falken ZIEX ZE320 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Subj. Wet Handling

Subj. Wet Handling
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Falken ZIEX ZE320	84 Points	Best
2Pirelli Cinturato C3	82 Points	-2.00 Points
3Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	77 Points	-7.00 Points
4Continental PremiumContact 7	76 Points	-8.00 Points
5Michelin Primacy 5	73 Points	-11.00 Points
6Hankook Ventus Prime 4	71 Points	-13.00 Points
7Imperial Ecosport 2	66 Points	-18.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 21.4% (18 Points).

Straight Aqua

Straight Aqua
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	50.9 mph	Best
2Pirelli Cinturato C3	50.4 mph	-0.5 mph
3Falken ZIEX ZE320	50.0 mph	-0.9 mph
4Michelin Primacy 5	49.9 mph	-1.0 mph
5Continental PremiumContact 7	49.0 mph	-1.9 mph
6Imperial Ecosport 2	47.1 mph	-3.8 mph
7Hankook Ventus Prime 4	46.3 mph	-4.6 mph

The difference between best and worst was 9% (4.6 mph).

Comfort

Subj. Comfort

Subj. Comfort
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato C3	81 Points	Best
2Michelin Primacy 5	80 Points	-1.00 Points
3Falken ZIEX ZE320	78 Points	-3.00 Points
4Hankook Ventus Prime 4	77 Points	-4.00 Points
4Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	77 Points	-4.00 Points
6Imperial Ecosport 2	76 Points	-5.00 Points
6Continental PremiumContact 7	76 Points	-5.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 6.2% (5 Points).

Subj. Noise

Subj. Noise
Position / Tire	Result	Gap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato C3	82 Points	Best
2Continental PremiumContact 7	80 Points	-2.00 Points
3Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN	78 Points	-4.00 Points
4Imperial Ecosport 2	76 Points	-6.00 Points
4Hankook Ventus Prime 4	76 Points	-6.00 Points
4Michelin Primacy 5	76 Points	-6.00 Points
7Falken ZIEX ZE320	74 Points	-8.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 9.8% (8 Points).

Results

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.

Dry100%

Wet99.5%

Comfort93.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	1^st / 7	116 ft	Best in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 7	80 Points	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	1^st / 7	76 ft	Best in this discipline
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	1^st / 7	84 Points	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	3^rd / 7	50.0 mph	-0.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	3^rd / 7	78 Points	-3.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	7^th / 7	74 Points	-8.00 Points

Origin: Turkey
Weight: 8.4 kgs
Tread: 7.20 mm
Price: 100.00

Pirelli’s fresh C3 proved a very strong second overall. The tire offered precise steering, balanced side‑grip build‑up and predictable behavior 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.

Dry97.1%

Wet97%

Comfort100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 7	120 ft	+4 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 7	78 Points	-2.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	3^rd / 7	79 ft	+3 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	2^nd / 7	82 Points	-2.00 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	2^nd / 7	50.4 mph	-0.5 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1^st / 7	81 Points	Best in this discipline
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	1^st / 7	82 Points	Best in this discipline

Origin: Romania
Weight: 9.10 kgs
Tread: 7.06 mm
Price: 109.00

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.

Dry95.8%

Wet96.2%

Comfort95.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	5^th / 7	122 ft	+6 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 7	77 Points	-3.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	4^th / 7	79 ft	+3 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	3^rd / 7	77 Points	-7.00 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	1^st / 7	50.9 mph	Best in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 7	77 Points	-4.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	3^rd / 7	78 Points	-4.00 Points

Origin: Spain
Weight: 8.7 kgs
Tread: 7.34 mm
Price: 98.00

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.

Dry96.1%

Wet95.3%

Comfort95.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 7	120 ft	+4 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 7	73 Points	-7.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	2^nd / 7	79 ft	+3 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 7	76 Points	-8.00 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	5^th / 7	49.0 mph	-1.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	6^th / 7	76 Points	-5.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	2^nd / 7	80 Points	-2.00 Points

Origin: Germany
Weight: 9.1 kgs
Tread: 6.95 mm
Price: 143.00

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.

Dry94.3%

Wet91.9%

Comfort95.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	6^th / 7	123 ft	+7 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 7	75 Points	-5.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	5^th / 7	84 ft	+8 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	5^th / 7	73 Points	-11.00 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	4^th / 7	49.9 mph	-1.0 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	2^nd / 7	80 Points	-1.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	4^th / 7	76 Points	-6.00 Points

Origin: Spain
Weight: 8.6 kgs
Tread: 6.90 mm
Price: 147.00

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.

Dry96.2%

Wet87.7%

Comfort93.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	4^th / 7	121 ft	+5 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	4^th / 7	76 Points	-4.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	6^th / 7	87 ft	+11 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	6^th / 7	71 Points	-13.00 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	7^th / 7	46.3 mph	-4.6 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4^th / 7	77 Points	-4.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	4^th / 7	76 Points	-6.00 Points

Origin: Hungary
Weight: 9.0 kgs
Tread: 6.98 mm
Price: 108.00

The Imperial represented the budget end of the test and struggled against stronger rivals. Testers found its behavior 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.

Dry87.5%

Wet86.9%

Comfort93.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (7)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	7^th / 7	131 ft	+15 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	7^th / 7	66 Points	-14.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	7^th / 7	88 ft	+12 ft
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	7^th / 7	66 Points	-18.00 Points
Straight AquaHigher is better	6^th / 7	47.1 mph	-3.8 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	6^th / 7	76 Points	-5.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better	4^th / 7	76 Points	-6.00 Points

Origin: China
Weight: 10.0 kgs
Tread: 7.31 mm
Price: 60.00

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2025 Die ReifenTester Summer Touring Tire Test

Tire shortlist

Falken ZIEX ZE320

Pirelli Cinturato C3

Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN

Continental PremiumContact 7

Michelin Primacy 5

Hankook Ventus Prime 4

Imperial Ecosport 2

Compare selected tires

The evidence behind the verdict

Test setup & methodology

Recorded test conditions

Dry

Dry Braking

Subj. Dry Handling

Wet

Wet Braking

Subj. Wet Handling

Straight Aqua

Comfort

Subj. Comfort

Subj. Noise

Results

Falken ZIEX ZE320

Pirelli Cinturato C3

Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN

Continental PremiumContact 7

Michelin Primacy 5

Hankook Ventus Prime 4

Imperial Ecosport 2

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