Auto Express: Summer Tire Test R18 2022

The British magazine Auto Express conducted its next tire test, this time comparing UHP summer tires from seven manufacturers in size 225/40 R18 with 92Y load and speed indexes. The previous test of tires of this size was conducted by AE back in 2016, and not a single participant returned to the test this time around, including due to dealership stock issues. Over this time, a few fresh models have appeared on the market, such as Bridgestone Potenza Sport, and, in addition, the test involved two hot new releases 2022 — Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and the Falken Azenis FK520, for which this was a debut in independent tire tests. The Asian budget tire brands were represented by the Austone Athena SP7 model, produced by Prinx Chengshan. The tests were conducted at the Bridgestone proving ground in Aprilia, Italy, and rolling resistance was measured in the company’s nearby R&D facility in Castel Romano.

Bridgestone Potenza Sport - Winner Recommended

84 66

· Summer · 2021 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Excellent handling response and very short braking distance in any conditions. Good hydroplaning resistance. High rolling resistance.
Dry Handling Dry Braking Wet Braking Wet Handling Lateral Aquaplaning Straight Aquaplaning Rolling Resistance

North America · Europe · Russia+ · China · Southeast Asia · Middle East · Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

100
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Recommended

94 59

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer

Verdict:
Good handling response and a short stopping distance on wet and dry pavement alike. Very high hydroplaning resistanceLow rolling resistance. High noise emission.
Dry Handling Dry Braking Wet Braking Wet Handling Lateral Aquaplaning Straight Aquaplaning Noise

USA+ · Europe · Middle East · South Africa

Test Score:

99.5
Maxxis Victra Sport 5 VS5

74 47

· Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Well-balanced performance. Good handling performance on wet pavement (although grip may be lost relatively early). Grip significantly deteriorates when heated.
Dry Handling Dry Braking Wet Braking Wet Handling Straight Aquaplaning

Canada · Central & South America · Europe · Russia+ · Japan · China · South Africa · Oceania

Test Score:

97.5
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127

81 54

· Summer · 2019 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Good handling response and a short stopping distance on wet pavement. Low noise emission. Low hydroplaning resistance. Relatively long braking distance and less-than-perfect handling response on dry pavement. Grip significantly deteriorates when heated.
Wet Braking Noise Dry Braking

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

Test Score:

97.4
Falken Azenis FK520

76 43

· Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Good handling response and a short stopping distance on dry pavementExcellent hydroplaning resistanceGood environmental performanceLong braking distance and less-than-perfect handling response on wet pavementIncreased noise
Dry Braking Dry Handling Straight Aquaplaning

Europe

Test Score:

96.5
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2)

82 60

· Summer · 2020 · Passenger - High Performance Summer

Verdict:
Very low rolling resistance. Low noise emission. Disappointingly poor results on wet and dry pavement (the main unpleasant surprise was a very long wet braking distance).
Noise Rolling Resistance

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

Test Score:

95.2