Auto Zeitung: Summer Tire Test R18 2019

For the 2019 summer season Auto Zeitung have tested nine 235/45 R18 summer tires, and included the summer-bias all season Michelin CrossClimate. The stand out performances go to the new Continental Premium Contact 6 and Michelin Primacy 4, both showing extremely well balanced test results, and also the new Maxxis Premitra HP5. The quality of Maxxis tires has quietly improving quickly over the past 12 months, and it's great to see the Premitra HP5 prove it's excellent price / performance ratio.

Continental PremiumContact 6 - Winner Recommended

88 68

· Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
The best tire in the wet by a margin, shortest dry braking and excellent dry handling, good level of comfort.
Dry Braking Wet Braking Wet Handling Comfort Dry Handling Price

North America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

277
Michelin Primacy 4 Recommended

84 59

· Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
Good results in the dry and wet, very low rolling resistance.
Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Dry Handling Price

Mexico · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

252
Maxxis Premitra 5 HP5 Recommended

75 43

· Summer · 2015 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Up there with premium rivals at a lower price, good in the wet, short dry braking. Average rolling resistance and average comfort.
Dry Braking Price Wet Handling Noise

Mexico · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · China · Middle East · South Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

247
Pirelli Cinturato P7 Recommended

68 59

· Summer · 2004 · Passenger - High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Good results in the dry and wet, short wet braking.
Wet Braking Aquaplaning Noise Dry Handling

North America · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

242
Bridgestone Turanza T005 Recommended

83 59

· Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer

Verdict:
Short dry braking and good ride quality, low rolling resistance, very good aquaplaning resistance. Long wet braking distances.
Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Aquaplaning Wet Braking

North America · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · China · South Korea · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

239
Yokohama BluEarth-A AE50

69 23

· Summer · 2014 · Passenger - High Performance Summer

Verdict:
A well balanced tire, low rolling resistance. Reduced aquaplaning resistance.
Rolling Resistance Wet Handling Wet Braking Noise Aquaplaning

USA+ · Canada · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

235
Michelin CrossClimate+

80 69

· All Season · 2017 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season

Verdict:
The shortest wet braking distances. The only tire with snow capability. Relatively weak wet lateral stability, increased noise levels, long dry braking.
Rolling Resistance Wet Braking Dry Braking Price Noise Aquaplaning

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Middle East

Test Score:

219
Apollo Aspire XP

74 28

· Summer · 2018 · Passenger - High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Good aquaplaning resistance. Long wet braking, soft sidewalls so poor lateral stability.
Noise Aquaplaning Wet Braking

Europe

Test Score:

216
Kumho Ecsta HS51

72 37

· Summer · 2015 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Good aquaplaning resistance. Long braking distances in the dry and wet, high rolling resistance, low comfort.
Price Noise Aquaplaning Dry Braking Wet Handling Wet Braking Rolling Resistance Dry Handling

Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · North Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

181
Nankang AS-1

73 26

· All Season · 2009 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season

Verdict:
Unstable at the limit during wet handling and long stopping distances during wet braking, highest rolling resistance.
Price Noise Wet Handling Dry Braking Wet Braking Rolling Resistance Aquaplaning Dry Handling

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Oceania

Test Score:

149