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Avon ZV7

Replacing the acclaimed Avon ZV5, the newly-developed ZV7 incorporates a range of advanced technologies that mean it offers a host of added features and benefits.

The distinctive tread pattern of the new Avon ZV7 is designed with large circumferential grooves that clear water quickly and efficiently to reduce aquaplaning in the wet. It features sequenced tread blocks to reduce noise generated from the road, providing a quieter driving experience.

The Avon ZV7 tread pattern also features 3D sipes, which have interlocking three dimensional points inside the sipe. The 3D sipes provide the same benefits of a traditional sipe, including helping the tire warm up and providing enhanced wet grip, but limit the amount of flex in the tread block which helps control the amount of heat generation in the dry and keeps the tread block stable.

Using the latest available polymer technology and advanced mixing techniques, the ZV7's tread compound delivers excellent wet and dry grip while also reducing rolling resistance for great fuel efficiency.

6.6
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
81%
Wet Grip
76%
Road Feedback
71%
Handling
71%
Wear
56%
Comfort
77%
Buy again
56%
141 Reviews
70% Average
919,254 miles driven
13 Tests (avg: 17th)
Avon ZV7

Avon ZV7

Summer Mid-Range
BETA
6.6 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tire Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tire scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Wet
72.3
2x / 16 tests
Comfort
71.4
0.32x / 4 tests
Dry
63.1
1.8x / 10 tests
Value
50.2
0.42x / 12 tests

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Braking
71.9
15 tests
Handling
58.8
6 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 13
Publications: 5
Period: 2017 - 2023
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 141
Avg Rating: 69.9%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.43
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tire tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test ADAC 2023 205/55 R16 42/50 12 metrics
2023 Summer Tire Market Overview Auto Bild 2023 225/45 R18 23/48 2 metrics
2021 Auto Express Summer Tire Test Auto Express 2021 225/45 R17 9/10 0 metrics
2021 Tire Reviews UHP Summer Tire Test Tire Reviews 2021 225/40 R18 10/14 9 metrics
2021 53 Summer Tire Braking Test Auto Bild 2021 205/55 R16 25/53 2 metrics
2020 ACE Mid Range Summer Tire Test ACE 2020 215/55 R17 9/9 0 metrics
2019 Summer 53 Tire Braking Shootout Auto Bild 2019 225/45 R17 25/45 2 metrics
2018 Auto Express Summer Tire Test Auto Express 2018 225/45 R17 10/10 0 metrics
2018 Auto Bild 15 inch Summer Tire Test Auto Bild 2018 195/65 R15 14/20 10 metrics
2018 AutoBild Summer Tire Overview Auto Bild 2018 195/65 R15 16/47 0 metrics
2017 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 15/20 5 metrics
2017 AZ Summer Tire Test Auto Express 2017 215/55 R17 8/10 0 metrics
2017 Auto Bild Summer Tire Shootout Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 17/43 0 metrics
13
Tests
17th
Average
8th
Best
42nd
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
2023 ADAC Summer Tire Test
205/55 R16 • 2023
42nd/50
23rd/48
10th/14
Low rolling resistance, quiet external noise, well priced.
Long wet and dry braking, low grip in the handling tests.
The Avon ZV7 is a well priced tire with low noise levels, however it couldn't match the group in the grip tests.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
15 inch
195/55R15 85 V D A 70
195/65R15 91 V D A 70
195/65R15 91 V D A 70
16 inch
205/60R16 96 V XL C A 70
215/60R16 99 V XL C A 70
205/55R16 91 W D A 70
205/55R16 94 W XL D A 70
205/55R16 91 V D A 70
205/55R16 94 V XL D A 70
205/55R16 91 V D A 70
205/55R16 94 V XL D A 70
205/55R16 94 W XL D A 70
205/55R16 91 W D A 70
17 inch
205/50R17 93 W XL C A 70
225/50R17 98 Y XL D A 70
225/50R17 98 W XL D A 70
225/45R17 91 Y D A 70
225/45R17 94 W XL D A 70
225/45R17 94 Y XL D A 70
215/45R17 91 Y XL D A 70
215/45R17 91 W XL D A 70
215/55R17 98 W XL C A 70
215/55R17 94 W C A 70
18 inch
225/40R18 92 Y XL D A 70
225/40R18 92 W XL D A 70
245/40R18 97 Y XL D A 70
245/45R18 100 Y XL D A 70
255/35R18 94 Y XL D A 71
225/40 R 18 92 Y XL C A 70
225/40 R 18 92 Y XL D A 70
19 inch
235/35R19 91 Y XL D A 70
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Avon ZV7 >>

Questions and Answers for the Avon ZV7

Ask a question
September 6, 2016

Hi, when did the Avon ZV7 replace the ZV5? thanks

The Avon ZV7 was launched in April 2016
May 3, 2017

Could you let me know ZV7 tires are unidirectional please? I have purchased a pair of 225/40/R18 for my VW Golf online, I request a pair suitable for my front axle, nearside and offside front, however they have arrived today and appear to for one side only, ie inline. I would be grateful for your advice.

The Avon ZV7 is asymmetric, which means it can run in any direction. The tire must be mounted correctly on the wheel, but it can go either side of the car, even if the tread pattern does look slightly different side to side.
June 7, 2019

Would the Avon ZV7 fitted to my Volvo V70 2009, be ok as I tow a caravan. Within the specification it states for passenger cars.

Yes, as long as you're within the specified load rating.
June 10, 2022

I am considering the purchase of the ZV7 tire but am worried by reports of tire cracks. Do these tires have a fault resulting in cracks ?

I've not seen any unusual reports from media or reports from the manufacturer about an ongoing issue with cracking.
July 22, 2022

Did The ZV7 replace The ZZ5 as well as The ZV5 ?

At time of writing there is no news on a ZZ5 replacement. The V version of the tire was usually more comfort bias, so there might be a ZZ7 in the future!
December 31, 2023

What is the maximum and minimum PSI for AVON 225/50/17. 98XL , ZV7 , front and rear. Please . Thank you

maximum will be on the sidewall, usually something around 50psi. Minimum is not something given, but less than 20psi without bead lock would be risky.
June 17, 2025

Are these suitable for an Electric vehicle?

While they are not specifically designed for an EV, providing you can provide the correct size and load rating you are fine to fit them. You might notice a drop in range and higher wear if you're coming from an EV specific product.
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Review Summary

Based on 135 user reviews

Drivers report that the Avon ZV7 delivers solid day-to-day performance with reassuring wet and dry grip, good comfort/low noise, and strong value for money. However, a significant number of users experienced premature tread cracking/perishing and rapid or uneven (often center) wear, with several also noting soft sidewalls and a vague/floaty steering feel. While higher-scoring reviews often praise grip and refinement, durability and consistency issues undermine confidence, leading many to avoid repurchasing despite the tire's on-road manners.

Strengths
  • Wet grip
  • Dry grip
  • Comfort/low noise
  • Value for money
  • Predictable handling
Areas for Improvement
  • Tread cracking/perishing
  • Rapid/uneven (center) wear
  • Soft sidewalls/vague steering
  • Inconsistent wet performance/aquaplaning

Top 3 Avon ZV7 Reviews

Given 60% while driving a Audi A1 (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 9,000 spirited miles
Very disappointed with these, good dry grip (most tires do, don’t they?) and good ish wet grip for the first few k miles. Lasted 9k on the front of an A1 tdi, wore out in the centre section of the tire indicating overinflation-which it wasn’t, bizarre shape to the tire when removed to be replaced-just doesn’t hold its shape across (what's left of the) tread, reminds me of their racing tires when off of the rims, have they applied racing tire tech to their road tires?? Well, if so, it doesn’t work.
June 13, 2025
Given 66% while driving a Skoda Yeti (225/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 15,000 average miles
Had Avon ZV7 fitted all round on my Skoda Yeti. All four have cracked in the bottom of the treads and on the shoulders although thy have plenty of tread left.
These tires have not done a high mileage and are not that old, so I certainly won't be buying Avon in future.
May 7, 2025
Given 40% while driving a Nissan LEAF Tekna (215/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
Replaced Dunlop BlueResponse with these, the sidewalls are way too soft. They grip well but you feel the car moving around on the tread. I can't wait until they are worn out so I can replace them.
April 17, 2025

How would you rate the Avon ZV7?

Click a star to start your review

Latest Avon ZV7 Reviews

Initial Impressions Review
Given 57% while driving a BMW 320i (225/45 R17) on for 20,000 miles
Similarly to a number of reviewers, these tires have been absolutely fine on road, however are now cracking along the shoulders despite being regularly driven for around 2 years and 20000 miles. The treat wear is fantastic, 20k mostly motorway miles have been faultless, however they're now showing real aging issues. Likely will be replaced before the MOT this year to avoid a fail.
March 9, 2026
Given 17% while driving a Vauxhall Astra GTC (235/45 R19) on mostly town for 4,000 easy going miles
Absolutely awful tire. I don’t drive fast but even so, these tires give little confidence.
The cracking and dry rot in these tires is insane. Only done 4k miles on them and they are rotting away rapidly. Supplier doesn’t want to know. Will never buy an Avon tire again
December 7, 2025
Given 55% while driving a Ford S Max Titanium X Sport (235/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 2,000 average miles
Ridiculous wear rate on my ford smax.
Quickest wearing tires I've ever bought.
Handling and grip is good when they are fresh but rapidly drops off. Wet grip is non existent. With half life tires atm
December 11, 2024
Given 67% while driving a Audi A6 Avant 2.0TDI (255/40 R19) on a combination of roads for 12,000 spirited miles
I've now ran 3 sets of Avon ZV7's, primarily due to good price and performance, especially with dealer discounting, but also as they were originally made in Britain (though are only "engineered" in the UK now). The tires have always performed very well and only a noticeable drop off towards end of life. Tires have always felt comfortable and are quiet given the wide 19in rims. Wet grip was always confidence inspiring with no surprises. Gripped well for a front wheel drive car, dry or wet, towing a large caravan. More spirited solo driving could give a slightly floaty feel but not enough to concern. Surprising performance in snowy conditions, which maybe suggests softer rubber which might be a reason for an excessive wear rate?

Unfortunately I'm now moving away from there tires primarily due to both wear rate and uneven wear. 12-14k sees the front tires drop below the legal range, but with heavy wear to the central belt, almost as if the tires were heavily overinflated (which they are not). The wear results in poor handling for the last couple of thousand miles with the steering tugging side to side. If Avon could improve on both the wear rate and wear pattern I might be tempted back, but changing tires every 11 month isn't for me anymore when other equally performing tires last considerably longer.

Now to see how a set of Goodyear 4Seasons Gen3 compare in a switch to all season tires
November 16, 2024
Given 17% while driving a Ford FocusST (235/40 R18) on mostly motorways for 10,000 spirited miles
Had these on for 16 months, 10k miles and they were finished, never again, only had them because the retailer recomended them. Gone back to Pirelli last set did 16.5k miles with better feel and grip
October 26, 2024
Given 24% while driving a Ford FOCUS ST 2.0 TDCI MK3 (235/40 R17) on mostly motorways for 6,000 spirited miles
Poor wear, poor wet grip, fair dry grip.
Would not buy again
October 23, 2024
Given 80% while driving a Audi A3 (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 100 average miles
Just replace Bridgestone tires with Avon ZV7 225/45/18 to my Audi A3 Saloon 2021, Ride, noise, comfort are all fine, feedback is OK but not as good as Bridgestone. better grip in the dry, however acceptable grip in wet conditions, price was good against its competitors, car feels planted when cornering.
October 1, 2024
Given 53% while driving a Ford Fiesta ST180 (205/40 R17) on a combination of roads for 9,000 average miles
Centres worn down to 3mm outer edges still on 5-6mm. Car had tracking done when the tires where fitted, suspension all good and tire pressures definitely not over inflated. Handling is ok, wet grip good enough for what is classed as a mid range tire but surprised me a few times when i expected to have grip and didnt! Will not buy again.
July 29, 2024
Given 50% while driving a Citroën berlingo (215/55 R16) on mostly town for 9,000 average miles
Second lot of 4 Avon ZV7 tires, as with my previous tires all 4 developed cracking in tread wells around entire tread and the off side front tire developed a single crack across the entire tread but not the sidewalls at all. Contacted DVSA by filling in online form , they need more evidence e.g. photographs ,actual tires and more complaints to take further action.
July 18, 2024
Given 43% while driving a Citroën berlingo (215/55 R16) on mostly town for 9,000 average miles
purchased 4 Avon ZV7 XL after just 18 months cracks appeared in the tread valleys of all 4 tires, returned all 4 to tire shop. . Very disappointed .
June 18, 2024
Given 59% while driving a Ford Mondeo 2.0 ~TDCi Business Ed. (215/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 18,000 average miles
Seemingly good tire, let down by premature cracking around the longitudinal grooves.

I have these on a Mondeo, so not the most demanding car. I have checked pressures fairly regularly and never found them along way off the recommended values, but still within a couple of years have found them to be cracking really quite badly along the tire grooves, to the extent that the carcass is visible at the bottom of the cracks.

The tires are less than 3 years old, so age shouldn't really be a problem.

Having to replace these when they are less than half worn - so not best pleased. It looks as though I'm not alone if you check in the various motoring forums.
April 25, 2024
Given 83% while driving a BMW 530D (235/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 5,000 spirited miles
I like these, good wet & dry grip, when i got my BMW, it was on runflats(Horrible things No Grip) I was so sick of not being able to use my cars power, now shes no Ferrari, but no slug either, 500nm torque will unstick most tires in the wet, but these ZV7s have made a big difference to my cars handling in the wet, I will admit they can be a bit snappy on the limit, but not unless your arrogant with them, they are on rear axle on my car (RWD). E60 fairly big car, and I like to get on with it, these tires give good stability at high speed (100mph+) and feel planted. Good tire sensible price. will buy again as i will be interested to get all 4 tires the same and see the improvement, I ve got Vredestein on fronts axle, not bad but not good lack feel
April 22, 2024
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