For its 2024 summer tyre test, Auto Express revisited the 225/45 R17 size, a popular dimension it hadn’t tested in three years. This year’s assessment featured eight tyres, including new models from Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, and Bridgestone. The reigning champion in this size category, Hankook, returned to defend its title, competing against Falken, Pirelli, and Vredestein. Testing took place at Goodyear’s proving ground in Montpellier, France.
To ensure availability and avoid potential supply issues in the UK, Auto Express sourced all tested tyres from an independent German wholesaler. Each tyre manufacturer selected the specific model for testing, with the majority opting for a speed rating of Y (up to 186mph), while the remainder chose W (up to 168mph). The weight ratings for the tyres ranged from 90 to 94.
Comprehensive testing methodology
The test regimen comprised assessments across wet, dry, noise, and fuel economy categories. Wet performance was the most heavily weighted, with evaluations including braking, cornering, and aquaplaning resistance. Dry testing focused on braking distances and handling on a resurfaced track. Noise levels were measured both externally and within the vehicle’s cabin, complemented by a subjective analysis of ride comfort. Fuel economy was assessed based on rolling resistance, a key indicator of fuel consumption.
Auto Express calculated final results by converting each category’s performance into percentages. Wet performance contributed 50 per cent to the overall score, dry performance 40 per cent, and noise alongside fuel economy accounted for the remaining 10 per cent. The tyre that excelled in each category received a full 100 per cent, with other tyres rated proportionally, culminating in the overall winner being determined by the highest cumulative score.
Kim Adams, Auto Express’ tyre tester, remarked on the intense competition, noting that “it was a tight battle at the top.” The contest for first place involved three tyres, with competition among the others being similarly close. The top six tyres were separated by only a single percentage point. Adams advised, “A slight tweak to the scoring system would have shuffled them, so as we always say, check out the category scores below to find the tyres that best suit your priorities.”
Vredestein Ultrac: A consistent performer
The Vredestein Ultrac emerged as the winner of this year’s test, building on its previous third-place finish by delivering low rolling resistance coupled with strong wet weather performance and refinement.
Despite only securing a category win in one area, the Ultrac’s consistent performance across the board secured its victory. It excelled in wet conditions, finishing just behind the leaders in wet braking and cornering, and achieved third place in wet handling. The tyre’s combination of solid wet performance and impressive fuel economy was a rare feat. However, its performance in dry conditions was less competitive, ranking sixth in dry braking and last on the circuit. Nonetheless, the Ultrac distinguished itself through its refinement, recording the best scores for low cabin noise and bump absorption. It was also the least expensive tyre among the eight tested.
Varied performance across the field
The 2024 Auto Express summer tyre test highlighted the diverse strengths of the competitors. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 prioritised economy over raw performance, while the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5 offered a more balanced set of capabilities. The Continental PremiumContact 7, despite delivering strong performance, missed out on the top spot due to a lack of refinement, finishing behind the consistently strong Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and the refined, economical Vredestein tyre.
The Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun finished last but remained close to the competition, with improvements needed in wet performance. Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport, which placed seventh, showed mixed results by setting the fastest wet lap time but underperforming in other wet tests.
Results
Test winner: Vredestein Ultrac – 100%
+ Strong wet braking, cornering & handling, low rolling resistance, low cabin noise & excellent bump absorption
– Average dry braking & handling
2nd: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 – 99.90%
+ Excellent dry braking & handling, very strong wet cornering performance, low rolling resistance
– Ride noise on wet surfaces
3rd: Continental PremiumContact 7 – 99.70%
+ Superb wet braking & cornering, good aquaplaning safety, good dry braking
– Poor refinement levels, including cabin noise
4th: Michelin Pilot Sport 5 – 99.40%
+ Excellent aquaplaning performance, good wet braking & handling, low cabin noise
– Mid-range economy
5th: Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 – 99.30%
+ Balanced tyre with good wet braking, good straight aquaplaning, decent fuel economy
– Behind the competition for wet handling, cornering & curved aquaplaning
6th: Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) – 99.00%
+ Very low rolling resistance, refined with low noise
– Failed to shine in wet & dry performance testing
7th: Bridgestone Potenza sport – 98.70%
+ Excellent wet handling, very good dry handling
– Last in test for wet braking, middling dry braking, poor rolling resistance result
8th: Falken Ziex ZE210 Ecorun – 97.80%
+ Good aquaplaning safety, low cabin noise
– Last in test for wet handling & dry braking, poor wet braking result, rolling resistance
