A cheap Chinese tire made quite a bit of a surprise in a new Auto Bild test.
List of models tested:
- Bridgestone Duravis All Season
- Continental VanContact 4Season
- Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Cargo
- Michelin Agilis CrossClimate
- Rotalla Setula Van 4 Season RA05
- Yokohama BluEarth-Van All Season RY61
The German magazine Auto Bild Reisemobil conducted a test of commercial all-season tires, which, as the publication noted, are becoming increasingly popular with the European owners of motorhomes because theoretically these tires can be operated in any climate zones, allowing you to save up on the seasonal tire swap.
The test involved six models from different price brackets; first place was scored by the premium-class Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tire, which demonstrated an excellently balanced performance, its only limitation being the expensive price. What came as a real surprise, though, was the fact that second-placed was the cheap Rotalla Setula Van 4 Season that surpassed more expensive tire models from the world’s leading tire makers because it demonstrated effective performance in a variety of conditions, and was pretty quiet too. At the same time, the Rotalla tires were pretty slow to stop the car on dry pavement.
Bronze was won by the Continental VanContact 4Season that ensured good handling performance in any weather conditions, but was outperformed by a few competitors in terms of wet and dry braking. Next-placed was the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons that also had a longish braking distance on tarmac, as well as reduced hydroplaning resistance. At the same time, the Goodyear model was rated pretty high for handling response on wet and snow-covered roads.
The Yokohama BluEarth-Van All Season RY61 came fifth because, although this tire does combine good wet handling performance, high ride comfort, and low rolling resistance, the experts had questions about its snow performance, as well as dangerously long wet and dry braking distances. And, finally, the last line of the tournament bracket was occupied by the Bridgestone Duravis All Season that was good on snow but demonstrated a weak wet and dry grip, and average fuel saving capabilities.
«The technologists of all-season tires still have something to strive for," the AB experts noted. Only the Agilis CrossClimate from Michelin has a well-balanced performance and ensures a high level of driving safety in any weather conditions, which is why it was rated as „Exemplary“. In addition, the all-season Rotalla model, made in China, surprised us with quite a decent performance, while it comes at half the price of Michelin.»
1st place: Michelin / Agilis CrossClimate
Quick Take
Michelin Agilis CrossClimate
- Well-balanced performance and excellent grip in any weather conditions
- Very good hydroplaning resistance
- Good braking performance
- Very high price
- Exemplary
2nd place: Rotalla / Setula 4-Season RA05
Quick Take
Rotalla Setula 4-Season RA05
- Acceptable snow performance
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Great handling response in the wet and in the dry
- Low noise emission
- Excellent value for the money
- Relatively long braking distance on dry pavement
- Good
3rd place: Continental / VanContact 4Season
Quick Take
Continental VanContact 4Season
- Good snow performance
- Excellent hydroplaning resistance
- Good handling performance and well-balanced behavior on wet and dry pavement
- Low rolling resistance
- Long braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- Overpriced
- Satisfactory
4th place: Goodyear / Vector 4Seasons Cargo
Quick Take
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Cargo
- Good handling response on snow and wet pavement
- Smooth ride
- Average hydroplaning resistance
- Relatively long braking distance on dry and wet pavement
- Overpriced
- Satisfactory
5th place: Yokohama / BluEarth-Van All Season RY61
Quick Take
Yokohama BluEarth-Van All Season RY61
- Good handling response in the wet
- Smooth ride
- Low rolling resistance
- Attractive price
- Average lateral stability and prone to understeer on snow
- Long braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- Satisfactory
6th place: Bridgestone / Duravis All Season
Quick Take
Bridgestone Duravis All Season
- Strong traction and good handling response on snow
- Smooth ride
- Average grip and a long braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- High rolling resistance
- Conditionally recommended
