Menu

Test source Vi Bilagare

2026 Vi Bilagare Summer Tire Test

Overall test winnerContinental PremiumContact 7

Vi Bilägare tested ten summer tires in the 205/55 R16 size - still the best-selling tire dimension in Sweden by a wide margin, nearly double the sales of the next most common size on the aftermarket.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
8 min read
Tire shortlist Read the test
2026 Vi Bilagare Summer Tyre Test
205/55 R16 / 2026 View full image
2026 Vi Bilagare Summer Tyre Test
Tires tested
10
Tested size
205/55 R16
Test vehicle
VW Golf MK8
Disciplines
10

At a glance

Tire shortlist

10 Tires tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

1st

Continental PremiumContact 7

+The Continental PremiumContact 7 stops shortest in the test on both wet and dry asphalt and sets the second-fastest wet handling lap. Its steering is quick, yet it stays calm and predictable when pushed and is easy to control in an emergency. It is also the quietest tire here, both from the driver's seat and on the noise meter.

−Ride comfort is on the firm side, with several rivals softer over joints and bumps. Fuel consumption is towards the higher end of the field, and it is only mid-field on the wet circle and for straight-line aquaplaning.

71 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Pirelli Cinturato C3

+The Pirelli Cinturato C3 has the most cornering grip in the wet, with the fastest wet handling lap and the quickest time on the wet circle. It stops second shortest in the wet and third shortest in the dry, shares the top dry handling rating with some of the quickest steering in the group, and copes well with the high-speed evasive maneuvers.

−It is the loudest tire on coarse asphalt, shares the lowest subjective noise rating and has the highest fuel consumption in the test. The sporty set-up also costs it marks for ride comfort.

19 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Nokian Hakka Blue 3

+The Nokian Hakka Blue 3 is at its best in the wet. It is third on both the wet handling track and the wet circle, second for straight-line aquaplaning, and no other tire is as calm and easy to control when things go wrong. It is also one of the more comfortable and quieter tires in the group.

−Steering feel is the weak point: it is slightly non-linear, with the weight building up progressively, and the tire is in the bottom half for dry handling. Braking is short on wet and dry asphalt, but a few rivals stop shorter.

Read owner reviews Test Results
4th

Falken ZIEX ZE320

+The Falken Ziex ZE320 stops second shortest on dry asphalt and third shortest in the wet. It is stable and easy to manage in the evasive maneuvers, rides comfortably with a calm straight-line feel, and is one of the quieter tires, both subjectively and on coarse asphalt.

−Wet handling is only mid-field, with lap and wet circle times behind the leaders, and fuel consumption is towards the higher end of the group.

17 owner reviews Test Results
5th

Bridgestone Turanza 6

+The Bridgestone Turanza 6 has no real weak spot and finishes in the upper half of most tests. Its grip balance is notably neutral, so the car can be placed precisely without sliding or running wide, and both steering feel and ride comfort are good.

−It does not lead any test, and its straight-line aquaplaning resistance is towards the back of the field. On coarse asphalt it produces low-frequency tones that make it sound louder from the driver's seat than its measured noise level suggests.

73 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Michelin Primacy 5

+The Michelin Primacy 5 shares the top dry handling rating, with refined steering, good straight-line stability and clear feedback that keep it easy to drive even beyond the limit. It has the second-lowest fuel consumption in the test, rides softly over joints and bumps, and is third for straight-line aquaplaning.

−Braking is only average, in the bottom half of the field on both wet and dry asphalt, and its grip on the wet circle is second from last. Road noise also rises on coarse asphalt.

62 owner reviews Test Results
7th

Nexen N Fera Primus

+The Nexen N'Fera Primus resists straight-line aquaplaning better than any other tire in the test. It turns in eagerly, its grip on the wet circle is in the top half, and it is one of the quieter tires on coarse asphalt.

−Grip can disappear suddenly at the limit, which makes the car hard to balance, and its braking and handling are mid-field or lower on both surfaces. It shares the firmest ride in the test and uses more fuel than most.

11 owner reviews Test Results
8th

Maxxis Premitra HP6

+The Maxxis Premitra HP6 is a sporty tire that is happiest in the bends. It has the second-best grip on the wet circle, stays stable in fast lane changes and has some of the sharpest steering responses in the test.

−The rear lets go first when pushed, so it is prone to sliding, and it follows ruts in the road more than any other tire. It shares both the firmest ride and the lowest noise rating, and its braking is in the bottom half on wet and dry asphalt.

3 owner reviews Test Results
9th

Landsail RapidDragon

+The Landsail RapidDragon has the most comfortable ride in the test and is one of the quieter tires from the driver's seat. It also has the third-lowest fuel consumption.

−Braking and handling are near the bottom of the field: it is in the bottom three for braking on both surfaces and joint last for dry handling. It becomes hard to control when asked to brake and steer at the same time, the rear steps out in the evasive maneuvers, and straight-line stability is a little vague at normal speeds.

Read owner reviews Test Results
10th

Linglong Eco Master

+The Linglong EcoMaster uses the least fuel of any tire in the test, and it is also the cheapest to buy.

−It is last or joint last in every braking, handling and aquaplaning test, and its dry stopping distance is well adrift of the rest of the field. Lifting off the throttle in a wet bend makes the rear step out suddenly, the same happens in the dry evasive maneuvers, and the steering feels vague with weak straight-line stability. It is also one of the noisiest tires.

2 owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

2026 Vi Bilagare Summer Tire Test · 205/55 R16

TireContinental PremiumContact 7Pirelli Cinturato C3Nokian Hakka Blue 3Falken ZIEX ZE320Bridgestone Turanza 6Michelin Primacy 5Nexen N Fera PrimusMaxxis Premitra HP6Landsail RapidDragonLinglong Eco Master
Position1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th
Category scores (% of best)
Dry100%98.4%90.7%96%92.5%94.4%88.3%90.9%84.1%79.1%
Wet99.1%99.2%98.4%97.8%97.4%96.1%97.2%96.9%94.7%92.6%
Comfort86.4%65.8%86.2%86.4%79.7%79.5%66.2%59.3%93%65.9%
Fuel Consumption93.6%92%96.3%93.6%95.4%99%93.6%97.2%98.1%100%
Keep researchingRead owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results		Read owner reviews
Test Results

Explore the complete results →

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

Vi Bilägare tested ten summer tires in the 205/55 R16 size - still the best-selling tire dimension in Sweden by a wide margin, nearly double the sales of the next most common size on the aftermarket. The test focused on the premium touring segment, where comfort, wear life, and overall economy are prioritized over outright sportiness.

Test setup & methodology

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

Recorded test conditions

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking
68.4 → 3.1 mph
Wet Braking
62.1 → 3.1 mph

Dry

Vi Bilägare measures the dry stops from motorway speed, 68 mph, while the wet results are given from 62 mph, so the two braking charts cannot be compared directly. Continental stops shortest at 137 ft, with Falken and Pirelli close behind. Linglong needs 157 ft - over six meters more, a large gap that leaves every other tire clustered between 42 and 148 feet.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in feet (68 - 3 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Continental PremiumContact 7
 137 ft Best 0 mph
2Falken ZIEX ZE320
 138 ft +1 ft 7 mph
3Pirelli Cinturato C3
 140 ft +3 ft 11 mph
4Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 141 ft +4 ft 14 mph
5Bridgestone Turanza 6
 144 ft +7 ft 18 mph
6Nexen N Fera Primus
 146 ft +9 ft 19 mph
7Michelin Primacy 5
 147 ft +10 ft 21 mph
8Landsail RapidDragon
 147 ft +10 ft 21 mph
8Maxxis Premitra HP6
 147 ft +10 ft 21 mph
10Linglong Eco Master
 157 ft +20 ft 29 mph

The difference between best and worst was 14.8% (20 ft ≈ 1.4 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Linglong Eco Master would still be travelling at 29 mph when the Continental PremiumContact 7 had stopped.

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

Continental and Michelin share the top subjective rating for dry handling, praised for their composed, confidence-inspiring feel. Pirelli steers the sharpest but takes a slightly different approach - more agility, less calm. At the bottom, Landsail and Linglong both lose rear grip in lane-change maneuvers.

Subj. Dry Handling

Subjective Dry Handling Score

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental PremiumContact 7
 5 Points Best
1Pirelli Cinturato C3
 5 Points Best
1Michelin Primacy 5
 5 Points Best
4Bridgestone Turanza 6
 4 Points -1.00 Points
4Falken ZIEX ZE320
 4 Points -1.00 Points
4Maxxis Premitra HP6
 4 Points -1.00 Points
7Nexen N Fera Primus
 3 Points -2.00 Points
7Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 3 Points -2.00 Points
9Landsail RapidDragon
 2 Points -3.00 Points
9Linglong Eco Master
 2 Points -3.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 60% (3 Points).

Wet

Continental again leads on braking, stopping in 116 ft from 62 mph. Linglong trails at 138 ft - nearly 20% longer, equating to about seven extra meters. That gap is the single largest safety difference measured in this test.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in feet (62 - 3 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Continental PremiumContact 7
 116 ft Best 0 mph
2Pirelli Cinturato C3
 119 ft +3 ft 12 mph
3Falken ZIEX ZE320
 120 ft +4 ft 14 mph
4Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 121 ft +5 ft 16 mph
5Bridgestone Turanza 6
 122 ft +6 ft 17 mph
6Nexen N Fera Primus
 123 ft +7 ft 19 mph
7Maxxis Premitra HP6
 126 ft +10 ft 22 mph
8Michelin Primacy 5
 127 ft +11 ft 23 mph
9Landsail RapidDragon
 132 ft +16 ft 27 mph
10Linglong Eco Master
 138 ft +22 ft 31 mph

The difference between best and worst was 18.3% (22 ft ≈ 1.4 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Linglong Eco Master would still be travelling at 31 mph when the Continental PremiumContact 7 had stopped.

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

Pirelli is fastest around the wet handling circuit at 72.6 s, backed by its strong lateral grip. Continental and Nokian follow closely, both noted for feeling calm and secure at the limit. Linglong is slowest at 76.0 s, hampered by a tendency to snap into oversteer on throttle lift in corners.

Wet Handling

Wet handling time in seconds

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato C3
 72.6 s Best
2Continental PremiumContact 7
 72.9 s +0.30 s
3Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 73.2 s +0.60 s
4Michelin Primacy 5
 73.8 s +1.20 s
5Bridgestone Turanza 6
 74 s +1.40 s
6Falken ZIEX ZE320
 74.2 s +1.60 s
7Nexen N Fera Primus
 74.3 s +1.70 s
7Maxxis Premitra HP6
 74.3 s +1.70 s
9Landsail RapidDragon
 75.5 s +2.90 s
10Linglong Eco Master
 76 s +3.40 s

The difference between best and worst was 4.7% (3.4 s).

Pirelli tops the wet circle test too, confirming its advantage in sustained cornering grip on wet surfaces. Maxxis - otherwise a midfield tire - places second here, showing its sporty bias. The spread is small at just 0.5 s between first and eighth, but Linglong sits further back at 11.80 s.

Wet Circle

Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Pirelli Cinturato C3
 11.3 s Best
2Maxxis Premitra HP6
 11.34 s +0.04 s
3Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 11.4 s +0.10 s
4Bridgestone Turanza 6
 11.48 s +0.18 s
5Nexen N Fera Primus
 11.52 s +0.22 s
6Continental PremiumContact 7
 11.53 s +0.23 s
6Falken ZIEX ZE320
 11.53 s +0.23 s
8Landsail RapidDragon
 11.54 s +0.24 s
9Michelin Primacy 5
 11.66 s +0.36 s
10Linglong Eco Master
 11.8 s +0.50 s

The difference between best and worst was 4.4% (0.5 s).

Differences in straight-line aquaplaning resistance are unusually small - just 3% separates best from worst. Nexen leads at 53.3 mph, with Nokian and Michelin close behind. Even last-placed Linglong at 51.7 mph is not dramatically worse, making this one of the few tests where the budget tires hold their own.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in mph

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Nexen N Fera Primus
 53.3 mph Best
2Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 53.1 mph -0.2 mph
3Michelin Primacy 5
 52.8 mph -0.5 mph
4Falken ZIEX ZE320
 52.8 mph -0.5 mph
4Pirelli Cinturato C3
 52.8 mph -0.5 mph
6Continental PremiumContact 7
 52.6 mph -0.7 mph
7Maxxis Premitra HP6
 52.4 mph -0.9 mph
8Bridgestone Turanza 6
 52.3 mph -1.0 mph
9Landsail RapidDragon
 52.3 mph -1.0 mph
10Linglong Eco Master
 51.7 mph -1.6 mph

All the tires in the Straight Aqua test finished less than 3% apart.

Comfort

Landsail scores highest for ride comfort - the softest response over bumps and joints. Maxxis and Nexen sit at the other end, both feeling noticeably firm. The premium tires spread across the middle, suggesting that ride tuning does not correlate strongly with price in this group.

Subj. Comfort

Subjective Comfort Score

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Landsail RapidDragon
 5 Points Best
2Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 4 Points -1.00 Points
2Bridgestone Turanza 6
 4 Points -1.00 Points
2Falken ZIEX ZE320
 4 Points -1.00 Points
2Michelin Primacy 5
 4 Points -1.00 Points
6Continental PremiumContact 7
 3 Points -2.00 Points
6Pirelli Cinturato C3
 3 Points -2.00 Points
6Linglong Eco Master
 3 Points -2.00 Points
9Nexen N Fera Primus
 2 Points -3.00 Points
9Maxxis Premitra HP6
 2 Points -3.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 60% (3 Points).

Continental is rated the quietest overall in the subjective noise assessment, followed by Falken, Landsail, and Nokian. Pirelli and Maxxis are judged the noisiest. Interestingly, Pirelli's high noise level contrasts with its otherwise strong dynamic performance - the sporty compound and construction that help grip also generate more sound.

Subj. Noise

Subjective in car noise levels

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental PremiumContact 7
 5 Points Best
2Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 4 Points -1.00 Points
2Falken ZIEX ZE320
 4 Points -1.00 Points
2Landsail RapidDragon
 4 Points -1.00 Points
5Nexen N Fera Primus
 3 Points -2.00 Points
5Bridgestone Turanza 6
 3 Points -2.00 Points
5Michelin Primacy 5
 3 Points -2.00 Points
8Pirelli Cinturato C3
 2 Points -3.00 Points
8Maxxis Premitra HP6
 2 Points -3.00 Points
8Linglong Eco Master
 2 Points -3.00 Points

The difference between best and worst was 60% (3 Points).

The measured noise figures on coarse asphalt confirm the subjective rankings: Continental is quietest at 72.8 dB(A) and Pirelli loudest at 74.7 dB(A). The 1.9 dB(A) spread across the group is noticeable to the ear. Bridgestone, despite low measured values, was noted for having distinct low-frequency tones on rough surfaces that affected its subjective score.

Rough Noise

Internal rough surface noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Continental PremiumContact 7
 72.8 dB Best
2Nexen N Fera Primus
 73.2 dB +0.40 dB
2Falken ZIEX ZE320
 73.2 dB +0.40 dB
4Bridgestone Turanza 6
 73.5 dB +0.70 dB
5Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 73.7 dB +0.90 dB
5Landsail RapidDragon
 73.7 dB +0.90 dB
7Maxxis Premitra HP6
 73.9 dB +1.10 dB
8Michelin Primacy 5
 74 dB +1.20 dB
9Linglong Eco Master
 74.4 dB +1.60 dB
10Pirelli Cinturato C3
 74.7 dB +1.90 dB

All the tires in the Rough Noise test finished less than 3% apart.

Value

Linglong's eco focus pays off here - it is the most efficient at 5.15 l/100 km, just ahead of Michelin at 5.20. Pirelli uses the most fuel at 5.60 l/100 km. The 8% spread between best and worst is moderate, and mirrors the usual trade-off: the tires with the lowest consumption tend to have the longest braking distances.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption in Liters per 100 km

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Linglong Eco Master
 5.15 l/100km Best $0
2Michelin Primacy 5
 5.2 l/100km +0.05 l/100km $9
3Landsail RapidDragon
 5.25 l/100km +0.10 l/100km $18
4Maxxis Premitra HP6
 5.3 l/100km +0.15 l/100km $28
5Nokian Hakka Blue 3
 5.35 l/100km +0.20 l/100km $37
6Bridgestone Turanza 6
 5.4 l/100km +0.25 l/100km $46
7Nexen N Fera Primus
 5.5 l/100km +0.35 l/100km $64
7Continental PremiumContact 7
 5.5 l/100km +0.35 l/100km $64
7Falken ZIEX ZE320
 5.5 l/100km +0.35 l/100km $64
10Pirelli Cinturato C3
 5.6 l/100km +0.45 l/100km $83

The difference between best and worst was 8.7% (0.45 l/100km). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Pirelli Cinturato C3 uses about 23 gal ($83) more fuel than the Linglong Eco Master.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

12,000 mi
$3.60/gal
Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tire age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Results

Continental wins with 94 points, offering the best all-round balance - shortest braking distances, good handling, and low noise, with only ride comfort as a weakness. Pirelli takes second on grip and steering alone, while Nokian rounds out the podium as the safest wet-weather choice. At the bottom, the budget options from Landsail and Linglong show that the price gap still reflects a real performance gap, particularly in braking and limit handling.

1st

Continental PremiumContact 7

205/55 R16 91V
Continental PremiumContact 7
Vi Bilagare Test Winner
Continental PremiumContact 7 takes the overall win with the best balance of properties across all tests. The character leans sporty with sharp steering response, yet the tire stays calm and predictable when pushed to the limit, remaining easy to control in emergency maneuvers. Straight-line stability and everyday driving feel are good. It delivers the shortest stopping distances on both wet and dry surfaces. The main trade-off is ride comfort, which is on the firm side. Noise levels are surprisingly low, especially on coarse surfaces where it is the quietest in the group.
Dry100%
Wet99.1%
Comfort86.4%
Fuel Consumption93.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better1st / 10137 ftBest in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 105 PointsBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 10116 ftBest in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better2nd / 1072.9 s+0.30 s
Wet CircleLower is better6th / 1011.53 s+0.23 s
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 1052.6 mph-0.7 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better6th / 103 Points-2.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better1st / 105 PointsBest in this discipline
Rough NoiseLower is better1st / 1072.8 dBBest in this discipline
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better7th / 105.5 l/100km+0.35 l/100km
EU Label
C/A/71
Origin
Czech Republic
Weight
8.3 kgs
Tread
7.4 mm
Price
1233.00
2nd

Pirelli Cinturato C3

205/55 R16 94V XL
Pirelli Cinturato C3
Pirelli Cinturato C3 has the most curve-happy character in the test. It is clearly the fastest around the wet handling circuit, combining strong lateral grip with sharp turn-in. Steering response is the quickest on dry roads too, and the tire handles lane-change maneuvers at high speed with confidence. Braking performance ranks near the top on both surfaces. The sporty setup comes at a cost: road noise on coarse asphalt is the highest measured, and fuel consumption is also the highest. Ride comfort is average.
Dry98.4%
Wet99.2%
Comfort65.8%
Fuel Consumption92%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better3rd / 10140 ft+3 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 105 PointsBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 10119 ft+3 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better1st / 1072.6 sBest in this discipline
Wet CircleLower is better1st / 1011.3 sBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 1052.8 mph-0.5 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better6th / 103 Points-2.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8th / 102 Points-3.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better10th / 1074.7 dB+1.90 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better10th / 105.6 l/100km+0.45 l/100km
EU Label
C/A/70
Origin
Romania
Weight
9.2 kgs
Tread
7.3 mm
Price
1316.00
3rd

Nokian Hakka Blue 3

205/55 R16 94V XL
Nokian Hakka Blue 3
Nokian Hakka Blue 3 is a familiar performer that has placed well in previous tests. Wet roads remain its strongest area - no other tire feels as composed and easy to manage in a crisis situation on slippery surfaces. It has no major weaknesses, but more demanding drivers will notice that the steering feel is somewhat non-linear, with forces building progressively rather than giving immediate feedback. Braking distances are short on both wet and dry, though several newer competitors now stop shorter. It is a comfort-oriented tire with high safety margins.
Dry90.7%
Wet98.4%
Comfort86.2%
Fuel Consumption96.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 10141 ft+4 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 103 Points-2.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better4th / 10121 ft+5 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better3rd / 1073.2 s+0.60 s
Wet CircleLower is better3rd / 1011.4 s+0.10 s
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 1053.1 mph-0.2 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better2nd / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better2nd / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better5th / 1073.7 dB+0.90 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5th / 105.35 l/100km+0.20 l/100km
EU Label
C/A/67
Origin
Finland
Weight
8.4 kgs
Tread
7.8 mm
Price
1314.00
4th

Falken ZIEX ZE320

205/55 R16 91V
Falken ZIEX ZE320
Falken Ziex ZE320 offers a good mix of comfort and safety. Compared to its predecessor ZE310, braking performance has improved, with some of the shortest stopping distances in the group. The driving experience is well-liked, with good stability and easy-to-manage behavior in emergency maneuvers. Comfort is solid: calm straight-line feel, soft response over joints and bumps, and reasonable noise levels. On the downside, fuel consumption is slightly higher and wet curve grip sits just behind the best. The tire is easy to control at the grip limit. Consistently high scores across all tests put it just off the podium.
Dry96%
Wet97.8%
Comfort86.4%
Fuel Consumption93.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 10138 ft+1 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better4th / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 10120 ft+4 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better6th / 1074.2 s+1.60 s
Wet CircleLower is better6th / 1011.53 s+0.23 s
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 1052.8 mph-0.5 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better2nd / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better2nd / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better2nd / 1073.2 dB+0.40 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better7th / 105.5 l/100km+0.35 l/100km
EU Label
C/A/67
Origin
Turkey
Weight
8.4 kgs
Tread
7.1 mm
Price
1099.00
5th

Bridgestone Turanza 6

205/55 R16 91V
Bridgestone Turanza 6
Bridgestone Turanza 6 has shifted character compared to its predecessor, toning down the sportiness and improving comfort. It still provides good steering feel and easy-to-control handling. Grip balance is notably neutral - the driver can place the car precisely without oversteer or heavy understeer. It performs well across all tests without any major weak points. The only negatives are some sensitivity to noise on coarse road surfaces and a lack of standout top results in any single area. A consistent upper-midfield performer throughout.
Dry92.5%
Wet97.4%
Comfort79.7%
Fuel Consumption95.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better5th / 10144 ft+7 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better4th / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 10122 ft+6 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better5th / 1074 s+1.40 s
Wet CircleLower is better4th / 1011.48 s+0.18 s
Straight AquaHigher is better8th / 1052.3 mph-1.0 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better2nd / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better5th / 103 Points-2.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better4th / 1073.5 dB+0.70 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better6th / 105.4 l/100km+0.25 l/100km
EU Label
B/A/71
Origin
Poland
Weight
8.1 kgs
Tread
7.3 mm
Price
1221.00
6th

Michelin Primacy 5

205/55 R16 91V
Michelin Primacy 5
Michelin Primacy 5 delivers one of the most pleasant driving experiences in the test. Steering feel is refined with good straight-line stability, qualities that are appreciated in daily use. When pushed hard, it communicates grip levels clearly and stays easy to drive beyond the limit. Ride comfort is good over joints and bumps, though noise increases noticeably on coarse asphalt. Rolling resistance is among the lowest. The downside is that braking distances are only average on both wet and dry surfaces, and wet curve grip falls below the group mean.
Dry94.4%
Wet96.1%
Comfort79.5%
Fuel Consumption99%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better7th / 10147 ft+10 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 105 PointsBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better8th / 10127 ft+11 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better4th / 1073.8 s+1.20 s
Wet CircleLower is better9th / 1011.66 s+0.36 s
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 1052.8 mph-0.5 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better2nd / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better5th / 103 Points-2.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better8th / 1074 dB+1.20 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better2nd / 105.2 l/100km+0.05 l/100km
EU Label
B/A/70
Origin
Italy
Weight
8.4 kgs
Tread
7.1 mm
Price
1341.00
7th

Nexen N Fera Primus

205/55 R16 91V
Nexen N Fera Primus
Nexen N'Fera Primus SU1 Plus is labelled Ultra High Performance by the manufacturer but fits better in the standard High Performance category given its size range. Grip levels place it in the middle of the field with decent curve grip and acceptable stopping distances. It performs best against aquaplaning, topping the results in both straight and curved water tests. The slightly sportier feel shows through eager turn-in. However, grip loss at the limit can be sudden, making it harder to balance on the edge. Ride comfort is firm and fuel consumption sits on the higher side.
Dry88.3%
Wet97.2%
Comfort66.2%
Fuel Consumption93.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better6th / 10146 ft+9 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 103 Points-2.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better6th / 10123 ft+7 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better7th / 1074.3 s+1.70 s
Wet CircleLower is better5th / 1011.52 s+0.22 s
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 1053.3 mphBest in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better9th / 102 Points-3.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better5th / 103 Points-2.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better2nd / 1073.2 dB+0.40 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better7th / 105.5 l/100km+0.35 l/100km
EU Label
D/A/71
Origin
Czech Republic
Weight
8.8 kgs
Tread
7.3 mm
Price
1194.00
8th

Maxxis Premitra HP6

205/55 R16 94W XL
Maxxis Premitra HP6
Maxxis Premitra HP6 is effectively a disguised sport tire that works best when the road turns. It offers high stability in fast lane changes and the sharpest steering reactions in the test. The drawback is that it lacks the harmony of the better tires - it feels overly track-sensitive and the grip balance is rear-biased, leading to a tail-happy, slide-prone character when pushed. Wet curve grip is strong, but the overall handling package is less predictable. It also has the firmest ride in the group and noticeable road noise.
Dry90.9%
Wet96.9%
Comfort59.3%
Fuel Consumption97.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better8th / 10147 ft+10 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better4th / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better7th / 10126 ft+10 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better7th / 1074.3 s+1.70 s
Wet CircleLower is better2nd / 1011.34 s+0.04 s
Straight AquaHigher is better7th / 1052.4 mph-0.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better9th / 102 Points-3.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8th / 102 Points-3.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better7th / 1073.9 dB+1.10 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better4th / 105.3 l/100km+0.15 l/100km
EU Label
C/A/70
Origin
China
Weight
8.8 kgs
Tread
6.7 mm
Price
1034.00
9th

Landsail RapidDragon

205/55 R16 91V
Landsail RapidDragon
Landsail RapidDragon performs a step above what is typically seen from the budget segment. It turns in well and has no issues with aquaplaning. Comfort is decent, though straight-line stability at normal driving speeds is a bit vague. The problems appear when the tire has to brake and steer at the same time - it becomes difficult to control under pressure. Emergency maneuvers reveal a clearly oversteer-biased balance. Braking on its own is acceptable, but the overall behavior under combined loads is still well behind the established brands.
Dry84.1%
Wet94.7%
Comfort93%
Fuel Consumption98.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better8th / 10147 ft+10 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better9th / 102 Points-3.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better9th / 10132 ft+16 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better9th / 1075.5 s+2.90 s
Wet CircleLower is better8th / 1011.54 s+0.24 s
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 1052.3 mph-1.0 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better1st / 105 PointsBest in this discipline
Subj. NoiseHigher is better2nd / 104 Points-1.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better5th / 1073.7 dB+0.90 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better3rd / 105.25 l/100km+0.10 l/100km
EU Label
B/B/71
Origin
China
Weight
9.2 kgs
Tread
7.4 mm
Price
752.00
10th

Linglong Eco Master

205/55 R16 91H
Linglong Eco Master
Linglong EcoMaster e lives up to its name with the lowest fuel consumption in the test, but that is where the positives end. Low rolling resistance directly conflicts with braking, and the stopping distance on dry roads is seven meters longer than the best. More concerning is the handling: lifting off the throttle in a wet curve triggers immediate rear-end breakaway. The same slide-prone behavior appears in dry emergency maneuvers. At normal speeds, the steering feels vague with poor straight-line stability. Road noise is also prominent. Last place is clear-cut.
Dry79.1%
Wet92.6%
Comfort65.9%
Fuel Consumption100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (10)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better10th / 10157 ft+20 ft
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better9th / 102 Points-3.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better10th / 10138 ft+22 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better10th / 1076 s+3.40 s
Wet CircleLower is better10th / 1011.8 s+0.50 s
Straight AquaHigher is better10th / 1051.7 mph-1.6 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better6th / 103 Points-2.00 Points
Subj. NoiseHigher is better8th / 102 Points-3.00 Points
Rough NoiseLower is better9th / 1074.4 dB+1.60 dB
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better1st / 105.15 l/100kmBest in this discipline
EU Label
C/D/71
Origin
China
Weight
8.4 kgs
Tread
6.7 mm
Price
653.00

More tire tests

Cross-check this test

All tire tests

Where these tires were tested again, and how the verdict held up.

More tire tests2026 AutoView Sport Tire Test2026 Tire Rack Streetable Track Tire TestMichelin Range Test - CrossClimate 3, 3 Sport, Primacy 5, Pilot Sport 5 and Cup 2The BEST Streetable Track Tires in 2026 TestedAll tests: Summer Tires
Best tiresBest UUHP TiresBest Performance Summer TiresBest Summer Tires

Discussion

4 comments
  1. Mathew
    How in the world can dry braking distance be longer than wet braking distance, when both were tested from 100 km/h to 5 km/h?
    #10817
    1. TireReviews Mathew
      You're right, it usually can't. I suspect the wet was from 80 as that is the industry standard, I will confirm and update.
      #10818
  2. Anthony
    Why on earth you are picking eco master instead of sport master? Is it an eco tires test?
    #10709
    1. TireReviews Anthony
      It's not my test so I didn't know the reason, it could be down to size availability in the region at time of test
      #10710
Rate your tires

My tires

Saved in this browser on this site. No account needed. Clearing browser data removes your choices.

Vehicle and size

Check the size, load and speed ratings on your vehicle. Saving a size does not confirm fitment.

Saved tires

Save tires from a tire page, test or comparison to keep them here.

Select 2–8 saved tires. Ranked comparisons require at least two shared tests.