Fitted as replacements for the factory Toyo Proxes R51A (215/45R18) after 5 years and 52,000km. I could only find the Hankooks in 225/45R18, which is a mild plus-size on the standard rim and has caused zero issues.
Price first, because it's the strangest part. These were around 40% cheaper than replacing like for like with Toyo, Kumho and other mid-range brands. For context, Winrun, an actual budget brand, was only $30 a tire cheaper. A current generation premium tire at borderline budget pricing is an absolute steal, and it seems the Hankook badge just isn't strong enough in Australia to command what the product deserves. Long may that continue.
The difference from the Toyos was obvious on the first drive. Everything improved at once: comfort, noise, dry grip, and especially wet grip. The Toyos were honestly always dangerous in the wet despite still having 6mm of tread, sliding and slipping on a car with modest power. The Hankooks are planted in conditions that used to require real caution. Steering is slightly heavier but far more communicative, and the ride settles over bumps in one motion instead of jiggling.
What impresses most is the breadth. It has the grip and precision to suit a sports oriented car but rides and sounds along like a touring tire. I run the previous Ventus S1 evo3 on my Volvo SUV and rate them highly, and these are a clear step better again.
No hesitation recommending these for anything from a family hatch to something much quicker. At Australian pricing they might be the best value tire on the market right now.
