205/55R16

Auto Bild 2021: Summer Tire Test R16

Only five out of 53 tires could score an «Exemplary» verdict from Auto Bild, the test being won by a brand that hardly anyone expected to.

List of models tested:

Following the elimination round involving 53 summer tire models, the main stage of the test conducted by the German magazine Auto Bild included only 20 finalists, which were evaluated in several standard disciplines, such as wet and dry handling, hydroplaning resistance, etc.

The braking distance demonstrated by these fourteen models is dangerously long! The Double Coin DC99 tires scored the last 53th place — the retreaded ones.
Place Brand and Model Wet Braking (from 80 km/h),m Dry Braking (from 100 km/h),m Braking
(total),m
40 Austone SP-6 Athena 37.4 38.7 76.1
41 Fortune FSR 602  36.7 39.6 76.3
42 Firemax FM601  37.9 38.5 76.4
43 Alliance 030EX  40.3 36.6 76.9
44 Seiberling Touring 2  38.2 38.7 76.9
45 A-plus A606  39.6 37.4 77.0
46 Riken Road Performance 39.7 37.8 77.5
47 Powertrac City Tour  39.6 38.5 78.1
48 Atlas Green HP  39.4 38.8 78.2
49 Tomket Sport  39.2 39.0 78.2
50 Antares Ingens A1  39.5 39.8 79.3
51 Achilles ATR-Sport 2  41.0 38.4 79.4
52 Maxtrek Maximus M1  45.9 38.9 84.8
53 Double Coin DC99  51.0 40.5 91.5

The qualification round, where solely braking performance in various conditions was evaluated, was won by a tire from the Korean brand of Hankook, which also scored a rather high position in the main test, yet fell short of getting an «Exemplary» verdict due to a relatively short tread life. Auto Bild is one of the few publications that assess the tire’s expected mileage, and this time around it was not just Hankook that devalued its ranking due to low wear, but also, for example, the Pirelli model, which otherwise demonstrated quite good performance on dry and wet pavement alike.

The nineteen models classified as «average» and falling short of the results delivered by the tires of the top-division club.
Place Brand and Model Wet Braking (from 80 km/h),m Dry Braking (from 100 km/h),m Braking
(total),m
21 Apollo Alnac 4G  33.2 36.8 70.0
22 Sava Intensa HP2  33.7 36.4 70.1
23 Radar RPX-800 32.5 38.4 70.9
24 Goodride Z-107 ZuperEco 34.3 37.1 71.4
25 Avon ZV7  34.3 37.9 72.2
26 Cooper Zeon CS8 34.5 38.0 72.5
27 Event Futurum HP  34.4 38.1 72.5
28 Zeetex ZT1000  33.9 38.6 72.5
29 Barum Bravuris 5HM  33.6 39.0 72.6
30 General Altimax One S 34.6 38.5 73.1
31 Hifly HF 201  35.3 38.1 73.4
32 Imperial Ecodriver 5  36.1 37.3 73.4
33 Wanli SA302 Sport Macro 36.2 37.4 73.6
34 Leao Nova Force HP  36.5 37.4 73.9
35 Petla's Empire PT515  35.9 38.3 74.2
36 Viking ProTech NewGen  36.1 38.1 74.2
37 GT Radial Champiro FE1  36.5 38.0 74.5
38 Sailun Atrezzo Elite  37.1 38.2 75.3
39 Nankang Eco-2 + Green Sport  37.9 37.7 75.6

The victory in the final standings was scored by a tire that combined high resistance to wear and good handling response in any weather conditions, and, although the test did involve models from such major market players as Continental and Michelin, they were all outperformed by the Kumho Ecsta HS51, whose only weak side was its relatively strong rolling resistance. It is also noteworthy that third place was scored by the relatively inexpensive Semperit tire, which performed well in the key disciplines and could have scored even more points, had it not been for its average ride comfort, while the fourth line was occupied by the Debica model (also scoring an «Exemplary» verdict), which did not have any prominent issues at all.

Test discipline: dry braking
Test discipline: dry braking

«Modern tires ensure the level of driving safety that the first motorists could not even dream about 120 years ago; yet we were nonetheless amazed at the considerable differences between the modern state-of-the-art tires in terms of handling response, fuel saving capacity, and other performance areas» — the Auto Bild experts noted.

 

Regretfully, the test was missed by the new Vredestein Ultrac, which is coming to replace the Sportrac 5 model, and, according to the manufacturer, is characterized by lower rolling resistance and enhanced wet grip. In addition, AB noted that the main stage of the test could have potentially included the Laufenn S Fit EQ+ from the brand owned by Hankook. According to the experts, they could already appreciate the new Laufenn model, which demonstrated great braking performance and excellent wet grip.

Summer tire test summary Auto Bild R16, 2021. Places 1–9.
Summer tire test summary Auto Bild R16, 2021. Places 1–9. Click to enlarge.
Summer tire test summary Auto Bild R16, 2021. Places 11–20. Click to enlarge.
Summer tire test summary Auto Bild R16, 2021. Places 11–20. Click to enlarge.

When scoring in the «Cost Savings» column, the price of tires, rolling resistance and tread life were taken into account.

1st place: Kumho / Ecsta HS51
Quick Take
76 39
Comfort Price/Quality Dry Performance Handling Wet Performance Treadwear
  • This tire has been replaced by Kumho / Ecsta HS52
  • Available Sizes in Line: 71
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Kia
    • • Renault Arkana I B0+ [2019 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2015
  • Regions for sale: Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, North Africa, Oceania
Kumho Ecsta HS51
  • Precise steering response, good handling performance, and short braking distance in any weather conditions
  • Long tread life
  • Low price
  • Increased rolling resistance
  • Exemplary/Winner of the test
2nd place: Continental / PremiumContact 6
Quick Take
88 70

Continental PremiumContact 6

Price/Quality Dry Performance Wet Performance Handling Comfort Treadwear
  • This tire has been replaced by Continental / PremiumContact 7
  • This tire replaced Continental / ContiPremiumContact 5
  • Available Sizes in Line: 267
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Toyota C-HR Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br205 [2015 .. 2021]
    • • BMW 3 Series VII (G20/G21) [2018 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 5 Series VII (G30/G31) Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Mazda CX-5 KF [2016 .. 2023]
    • • Ford Kuga III (CX482) [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Renault Koleos II (HC) [2016 .. 2020]
    • • Subaru Forester SK [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Renault Megane IV (9A) [2016 .. 2022]
    • • Volvo XC40 I [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Skoda Superb III B8 (3V) Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Volvo V60 Cross Country II [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Mercedes-Benz X-Class D23 [2017 .. 2020]
    • • Audi A6 C8 [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Volvo S60 III [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Renault Alaskan D23 [2016 .. 2020]
    • • Volvo V60 II [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Jaguar I-Pace [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Ford Fiesta VII [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Ford Mustang Mach-E [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Porsche Taycan I [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br206 [2021 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2016
  • Regions for sale: North America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, Middle East, Oceania
Continental PremiumContact 6
  • Well-balanced performance
  • Short braking distance on wet pavement
  • Great handling response in any weather conditions
  • Very long tread life
  • Average hydroplaning resistance
  • Exemplary
3rd place: Semperit / Speed-Life 3
Quick Take
73 46

Semperit Speed-Life 3

  • Year Released: 2019
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+
Semperit Speed-Life 3
  • Good handling response and a short stopping distance on wet pavement
  • Excellent hydroplaning resistance
  • Low noise emission
  • Attractive price
  • Average riding comfort
  • Exemplary
4th place: Debica / Presto HP2
Quick Take
75 35
Comfort Dry Performance Handling Wet Performance Treadwear
  • Year Released: 2020
  • Regions for sale: Europe
Debica Presto HP2
  • An inexpensive tire with a well-balanced performance
  • Excellent hydroplaning resistance
  • Good handling response in the dry
  • Long tread life
  • Low price
  • Exemplary
5th place: Bridgestone / Turanza T005
Quick Take
84 63

Bridgestone Turanza T005

Price/Quality Dry Performance Handling Comfort Treadwear Wet Performance Snow/Ice Performance
  • This tire has been replaced by Bridgestone / Turanza 6
  • This tire has run-flat model:
  • Available Sizes in Line: 239
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Audi A7 4K8 [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Volkswagen Tiguan
    • • Volkswagen Caddy V [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Skoda Superb
    • • Volkswagen Transporter
    • • Jeep Renegade
    • • Renault Captur
    • • Nissan Juke
    • • Ford Kuga
    • • Nissan Micra
    • • Volkswagen T-Roc I (A11/AC7) [2017 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 1 Series
    • • BMW 3 Series
    • • BMW 8 Series
    • • MINI Clubman
    • • Audi A6
    • • Audi A3
    • • Audi SQ2 GA [2019 .. 2020]
    • • Audi A1
    • • Audi A4
    • • Audi A5
    • • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
    • • Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    • • Mercedes-Benz A-Class
    • • Mercedes-Benz B-Class
    • • Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
    • • MINI Countryman
    • • BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
    • • Lexus LC Z100 [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Lexus LS
    • • Lexus ES
    • • Mazda Mazda6
    • • Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
    • • Toyota Camry
    • • Volkswagen Polo
    • • Volkswagen Golf
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2018
  • Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
Bridgestone Turanza T005
  • Great traction, excellent handling response and a short stopping distance on dry pavement
  • Low rolling resistance
  • Average riding comfort
  • Exemplary
6th place: Hankook / Ventus Prime 3 K125
Quick Take
81 56

Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125

Dry Performance Price/Quality Wet Performance Treadwear Handling Comfort
  • This tire has been replaced by Hankook / Ventus Prime 4 K135
  • This tire replaced Hankook / Ventus Prime 2 K115
  • Available Sizes in Line: 137
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Ford Focus Active IV [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Citroën C3 Aircross I [2017 .. 2021]
    • • Audi A8 D4 Facelift [2013 .. 2018]
    • • Audi A8 D5 [2018 .. 2021]
    • • Hyundai Kona OS [2017 .. 2020]
    • • Kia Soul II (PS) Facelift [2017 .. 2020]
    • • Kia Soul III (SK3) [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Hyundai Azera III (IG) [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Kia Cadenza II (YG) [2017 .. 2020]
    • • Audi A1 GB [2018 .. 2023]
    • • MINI Cooper F55/F56 [2014 .. 2021]
    • • MINI Cooper F55/F56 Facelift II [2021 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2015
  • Regions for sale: Mexico, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125
  • Good handling response and a very short stopping distance on wet and dry pavement alike
  • Precise steering response
  • Attractive price
  • Short tread life
  • Good
7th place: Pirelli / Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
Quick Take
82 58

Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2)

Dry Performance Treadwear Wet Performance Handling Price/Quality Comfort
  • This tire has been replaced by Pirelli / Scorpion
  • This tire replaced Pirelli / Cinturato P7
  • Available Sizes in Line: 28
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • BMW 8 Series G14/G15/G16 [2018 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2020
  • Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, China, Middle East, Oceania
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
  • Excellent hydroplaning resistance
  • Good handling response and well-balanced behavior in various weather conditions
  • Average tread life
  • Average fuel saving capabilities
  • Good
8th place: Michelin / Primacy 4
Quick Take
85 61
Comfort Dry Performance Price/Quality Wet Performance Handling Treadwear
  • Year Released: 2017
  • Regions for sale: Mexico, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania
Michelin Primacy 4
  • Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement
  • Very good environmental performance
  • Long tread life
  • Great riding comfort
  • Insufficient handling response in the dry
  • Good
9th place: Firestone / RoadHawk
Quick Take
68 41
Dry Performance Price/Quality Comfort Handling Wet Performance Treadwear
  • Year Released: 2016
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+, South Africa
Firestone RoadHawk
  • Great handling response in the wet and in the dry
  • Good hydroplaning resistance
  • Short braking distance on dry pavement
  • Average tread life
  • Average fuel saving capabilities
  • Good
10th place: Goodyear / EfficientGrip Performance 2
Quick Take
85 64

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2

Price/Quality Dry Performance Wet Performance Comfort Handling Treadwear
  • This tire replaced Goodyear / EfficientGrip Performance
  • Available Sizes in Line: 80
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Toyota Yaris Cross XP210 [2020 .. 2023]
    • • BMW iX [2021 .. 2023]
    • • Renault Megane E-Tech [2022 .. 2023]
    • • Jeep Avenger [2023 .. 2024]
    • • Volkswagen Passat NMS II Facelift [2021 .. 2025]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2020
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Middle East, South Africa
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2
  • Good environmental performance
  • Very long tread life
  • Low rolling resistance
  • Smooth ride
  • Delayed steering response
  • Good
11th place: BFGoodrich / Advantage
Quick Take
71 47
Price/Quality Comfort Handling Dry Performance Wet Performance Treadwear
  • Year Released: 2020
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Middle East
BFGoodrich Advantage
  • Good handling, crisp steering response, and a short braking distance on dry pavement
  • Short braking distance on wet pavement
  • Prone to understeer on wet pavement
  • Satisfactory
12th place: Maxxis / Premitra 5 HP5
Quick Take
76 45
Dry Performance Wet Performance Handling Comfort Treadwear
  • This tire replaced 🏁 Maxxis / Victra PRO R1
  • Available Sizes in Line: 74
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • BMW 1 Series III (F40) [2019 .. 2024]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2015
  • Regions for sale: Mexico, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, China, Middle East, South Africa, Oceania
Maxxis Premitra 5 HP5
  • Good hydroplaning resistance
  • Great handling response in the wet and in the dry
  • Short braking distance on dry pavement
  • Average tread life
  • Increased rolling resistance
  • Satisfactory
13th place: Toyo / Proxes Comfort
Quick Take
72 44
  • This tire replaced Toyo / Proxes CF2
  • Available Sizes in Line: 64
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Toyota Alphard III Facelift [2018 .. 2024]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2020
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+
Toyo Proxes Comfort
  • Good handling response and a short stopping distance on dry pavement
  • Relatively long braking distance on wet pavement
  • Increased rolling resistance
  • Satisfactory
14th place: Uniroyal / RainSport 5
Quick Take
74 40
Wet Performance Price/Quality Comfort Handling Dry Performance Treadwear
  • Year Released: 2019
  • Regions for sale: Europe
Uniroyal RainSport 5
  • Excellent hydroplaning resistance
  • Great handling response in the wet
  • Prone to understeer on dry pavement
  • Increased rolling resistance
  • Satisfactory
15th place: Falken / Ziex ZE310 Ecorun
Quick Take
76 43

Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun

Dry Performance Handling Comfort Wet Performance Price/Quality Treadwear
  • Available Sizes in Line: 131
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Audi A1 citycarver GB [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Audi Q3 F3 [2018 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2017
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+, South Africa
Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun
  • Good handling response and a short stopping distance on dry pavement
  • Long tread life
  • Good environmental performance
  • Delayed steering response and weak grip on wet pavement
  • Satisfactory
16th place: Fulda / EcoControl HP2
Quick Take
66 33
  • Year Released: 2020
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+
Fulda EcoControl HP2
  • Excellent hydroplaning resistance
  • Good handling performance and precise steering response on wet pavement
  • Long braking distance on wet pavement
  • Delayed steering response on dry pavement
  • Satisfactory
17th place: Kleber / Dynaxer HP4
Quick Take
73 45
Price/Quality Comfort Dry Performance Wet Performance Treadwear Handling
  • Year Released: 2018
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+
Kleber Dynaxer HP4
  • Good hydroplaning resistance
  • Short braking distance on dry pavement
  • Low noise emission
  • Prone to understeer on wet and dry and wet pavement
  • Short tread life
  • Satisfactory
18th place: Nokian / Wetproof
Quick Take
81 45
Price/Quality Wet Performance Dry Performance Comfort Handling Treadwear
  • This tire will be replaced by Nokian / Wetproof 1
  • Available Sizes in Line: 75
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2019
  • Regions for sale: Europe
Nokian Wetproof
  • Great handling response in the wet and in the dry
  • Short braking distance on dry pavement
  • Short tread life
  • Average price/quality ratio
  • Satisfactory
19th place: Dunlop / Sport BluResponse
Quick Take
80 55
Price/Quality Dry Performance Comfort Wet Performance Handling Treadwear
  • Many sizes of this line have been discontinued.
  • This tire replaced Dunlop / SP Sport FastResponse
  • Available Sizes in Line: 90
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • MINI Cooper F55/F56 [2014 .. 2021]
    • • Jaguar XE X760 [2015 .. 2019]
    • • Nissan Note II [2012 .. 2018]
    • • Renault Twingo
    • • Seat Leon 5F [2012 .. 2020]
    • • Skoda Octavia
    • • Smart Forfour II (W453) [2014 .. 2020]
    • • Smart Fortwo
    • • Volkswagen Golf
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2012
  • Regions for sale: Mexico, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, South Africa, Oceania
Dunlop Sport BluResponse
  • Good hydroplaning resistance
  • Short braking distance on dry pavement
  • Low rolling resistance
  • Prone to understeer on wet and dry and wet pavement
  • Short tread life
  • Satisfactory
20th place: Nexen / N Blue HD Plus
Quick Take
74 27
Comfort Dry Performance Price/Quality Wet Performance Handling Treadwear
  • Available Sizes in Line: 107
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Volkswagen T-Roc I (A11/AC7) [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW/BZ) [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Seat Ateca 5FP Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Fiat 500 312 Facelift [2015 .. 2021]
    • • Skoda Fabia Mk3 (NJ) [2015 .. 2020]
    • • Skoda Karoq NU7 [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Renault Megane IV (9A) [2016 .. 2022]
    • • Renault Twingo III (BCM) Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Seat Ibiza KJ [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Kia Picanto III (JA) Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Hyundai Accent V (HC/YC) [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Kia Morning
    • • Kia Rio
    • • Renault Dokker
    • • Renault Lodgy
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2014
  • Regions for sale: Mexico, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Middle East, Oceania
Nexen N Blue HD Plus
  • Good handling response and a short stopping distance on dry pavement
  • Low price
  • Prone to understeer on wet pavement
  • Short tread life
  • Satisfactory

Price