205/55R16

Motor: 205/55 R16 Summer Tire Test (2022)

The recent tire test conducted by Motor magazine was characterized by extremely tough competition between the contestants.

List of models tested:

Poland’s Motor magazine conducted its next tire test, using a facility in Germany to compare eight tire models in size 205/55 R16; the test involved both premium products, such as Continental PremiumContact 6 and Bridgestone Turanza T005, tires from the mid-price bracket — Hankook Ventus Prime3 and Nokian Powerproof — and budget models — Debica Presto HP2 and Zeetex ZT1000.

All of the tires were purchased online, and the test was conducted in the fall of 2021 in good weather under a temperature of 20°C. Neither rain, nor strong winds were observed during the week that it took to run all the tests.

Test results

Continental was the fastest to stop the car on wet pavement, while the Bridgestone and Michelin tires also showed quite decent results. The Hankook model came last, but it does not compromise driving safety either.

Wet Braking

Continental
48.7
Bridgestone
51.4
Michelin
52.8
Nokian
54.2
Goodyear
55.4
Zeetex
55.6
Debica
56.5
Hankook
57.2

Info! Wet braking in meters.


On a circular wet track with a diameter of 57.5m, the best lateral grip was shown by Goodyear, but the results demonstrated by the Bridgestone, Nokian, and Continental tires were only slightly worse. The other tires were also quite resistant to lateral skidding.

Lateral Stability

Goodyear
0.871
Bridgestone
0.864
Nokian
0.860
Continental
0.858
Hankook
0.838
Debica
0.832
Michelin
0.818
Zeetex
0.810

Info! Lateral acceleration, g.


The best straight hydroplaning resistance was shown by the Nokian model, closely followed by Debica. At the same time, the Continental tire showed a relatively weak result, performing on a level with the budget Zeetex model.

Straight Aquaplaning

Nokian
79.8
Debica
77.4
Michelin
77.3
Bridgestone
76.9
Goodyear
76.3
Hankook
75.2
Continental
74.9
Zeetex
74.9

Info! Float speed in km/h.


The lateral hydroplaning test was won by Debica, followed by Nokian, Goodyear, and Michelin. The performance of the Zeetex tires was on the verge of acceptable.

Lateral Aquaplaning

Debica
3.49
Nokian
3.29
Goodyear
3.22
Michelin
3.21
Bridgestone
3.09
Hankook
3.08
Continental
2.97
Zeetex
2.70

Info! Lateral acceleration, m/s2.


The wet handling test was dominated by the premium Continental and Bridgestone models, while the Zeetex tire and — surprisingly — Hankook had stability issues during the cornering.

Wet Handling

Continental
85.9
Bridgestone
86.2
Michelin
88.3
Nokian
88.5
Goodyear
88.6
Debica
89.2
Hankook
90.8
Zeetex
90.9

Info! Lap time, sec.


The best dry braking performance was demonstrated by the Bridgestone tire, while the worst — with a significant gap behind the competition — by the cheap Zeetex model.

Dry Braking

Bridgestone
36.0
Continental
36.6
Hankook
36.7
Michelin
37.0
Nokian
37.1
Debica
37.8
Goodyear
38.0
Zeetex
39.5

Info! Dry braking in meters.


The pilot also made subjective evaluations of the tires’ dry handling performance, and the top places were scored by Goodyear, Continental, and Bridgestone. All the other tires also received positive evaluations, the Zeetex model being the sole exception.

Dry Handling (Subjective)

Goodyear
7.375
Continental
7.188
Bridgestone
7.063
Michelin
6.375
Nokian
6.375
Debica
6.250
Hankook
6.125
Zeetex
5.063

Info! Points.


On a dry track 1,650m long, the best time was shown by Goodyear and Continental, Zeetex again falling short of the competition.

Dry Handling

Goodyear
52.2
Continental
52.6
Nokian
53.0
Hankook
53.1
Bridgestone
53.2
Debica
53.2
Michelin
53.5
Zeetex
54.2

Info! Dry handling time in seconds.

The noise level was measured on the outside, and the first place was scored by the Hankook model, Zeetex coming second. The noisiest ones were the Michelin, Continental, and Bridgestone models.

Noise

Hankook
69.8
Zeetex
70.1
Nokian
70.5
Goodyear
70.6
Debica
70.9
Michelin
71.4
Continental
71.9
Bridgestone
72.7

Info! External noise in dB.


The test also involved measuring rolling resistance, and the best fuel savers were pronounced to be the Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Michelin tires, all the others also demonstrating quite acceptable results.

Rolling Resistance

Bridgestone
0.700
Goodyear
0.710
Michelin
0.738
Nokian
0.830
Continental
0.832
Zeetex
0.832
Debica
0.856
Hankook
0.856

Info! Rolling resistance in kg/t.


The completion in the test turned out to be very stiff; the Bridgestone and Continental models eventually shared the first place, while in the other instances the differences in the tires’ performance rarely exceeded one point. Even though the Turanza T005 and the PremiumContact 6 scored an equal number of points in the final standings, their performances are totally different — the Bridgestone model scored a little less points on dry and wet pavement but redeemed itself thanks to low rolling resistance, while the Continental model, although devoid of such impressive fuel saving capabilities, ensured better levels of grip.

The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 demonstrated an excellently balanced performance; next placed was the Nokian model, which was very good on wet pavement. With a lag of mere 0.1 points, the fifth place was scored by the Michelin Primacy 4 (the new Primacy 4+ model is already available), which lost to Nokian both on dry and wet pavement, but was rated very high for fuel efficiency. The Debica model came sixth this time around, and the Motor experts emphasized that this was quite a good result because the Presto HP2 was the cheapest tire on test, yet it was able to score high points in a few disciplines and even confidently surpassed the Hankook model that demonstrated a few weaknesses on wet pavement. The bottom line of the tournament bracket was scored by the Zeetex tire, about which the experts said that it had hardly any strong points, save for the relatively low noise level. The Zeetex tire became the worst in all of the disciplines; in addition it has a high rolling resistance.

«This year’s test showed that the tire technologists are as active as ever, and the tire performance is constantly improving — the Motor experts noted — Premium products, such as Bridgestone or Continental, ensure the highest level of driving safety, and another piece of good news is that even inexpensive tires, such as Debica, demonstrate acceptable performance. Actually, even the cheap Chinese tires are not all that dangerous to use.»

Verdict

1st 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

  • Well-balanced performance
  • Reliable behavior and excellent grip on dry and wet pavement
  • Low rolling resistance
  • Increased noise emission

1st 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
  • Excellent grip and optimum safety on dry and wet pavement
  • Relatively high rolling resistance

3rd 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

  • Well-balanced performance and a high level of driving safety in any conditions
  • Will not bring any unpleasant surprises to the driver in any situation
  • Low rolling resistance

4th 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

  • Very good wet performance, including very high hydroplaning resistance
  • Good results on dry pavement
  • Attractive price
  • Low noise emission
  • High rolling resistance

5th 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

  • Stable behavior and a high level of safety in any conditions
  • High rolling resistance
  • High price

6th 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

  • Low price
  • Very good results on wet pavement
  • Acceptable results on dry pavement
  • Handling performance is only slightly worse than that of the more expensive tires
  • High rolling resistance

7th 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]
    • • CitroĆ«n 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

  • Attractive price
  • Low noise emission
  • Long braking distance and a relatively poor wet performance
  • High rolling resistance

8th place: Zeetex / ZT1000

Quick Take
74 19
Price/Quality Comfort Handling Treadwear Dry Performance Wet Performance
  • Available Sizes in Line: 8
  • Year Released: 2011
  • Regions for sale: USA+, Canada, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Middle East
Zeetex ZT1000

  • Low price
  • Relatively low noise emission
  • Low grip, particularly in the wet
  • High rolling resistance