In its March issue (№ 3/2020), the German publication Gute Fahrt announced the results of its comparative tire test that was performed for 215/50 R18 tires designed to be fitted on compact SUVs, such as VW T-Roc, Audi Q2, Seat Ateca, and Skoda Karoq.
What made this test different was the fact that it involved original equipment tires as the reference, which were Bridgestone Turanza T001. These were fitted on an extra VW T-Roc that was going through all of the test disciplines simultaneously with the contestants.
But then again, this is not the first time Gute Fahrt is doing it: in the 225/40 R18 summer tire test 2019, the contestants were tested against the Bridgestone Turanza T005, which, according to some experts, ensures a reliable and well-balanced performance in all areas.
The test was performed in the fall of 2019 at the Pirelli tires test facility in Vizzola, Italy, at a constant temperature +18°C during the day.
List of summer models tested:
- Bridgestone Turanza T001 — reference, out of competition
- Continental ContiSportContact 5
- Falken Azenis FK510 SUV
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
- Nokian Wetproof
- Pirelli Cinturato P7
- Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV
- Vredestein Ultrac Satin
- Yokohama BluEarth RV-02
Test Results
Handling
Handling response on wet and dry pavements was subjectively evaluated by the pilots. The highest grades were scored by the models that provided the quickest and the most precise steering response.
Dry Handling (subjective)
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Falken
- Goodyear
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- Vredestein
- Toyo
- Yokohama
Wet Handling (subjective)
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Falken
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- Vredestein
- Toyo
- Yokohama
Braking
The braking efficiency was defined within the range of 100–10 km/h with the ABS system switched on. The obtained results were then extrapolated down to 0 km/h.
Dry Braking
- Continental
- Nokian
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Falken
- Pirelli
- Yokohama
- Vredestein
- Toyo
Info! Braking in the range of 100–10 km/h.
On wet pavement, the procedure was identical: 10 runs, 2.3 bar tire pressure, a pilot weighing 80 kg, the fuel tank at least 4/5 full.
Wet Braking
- Goodyear
- Falken
- Continental
- Nokian
- Vredestein
- Pirelli
- Yokohama
- Bridgestone
- Toyo
Info! Braking in the range of 100–10 km/h.
Hydroplaning and lateral stability on wet pavement
The tires resistance to straight hydroplaning was tested with the water level being 7 mm. The initial wheel-spin speed of the front wheels was recorded. The indicator for lateral hydroplaning was the maximum lateral acceleration with the water layer being 6 mm.
Straight Aquaplaning
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Continental
- Vredestein
- Toyo
- Bridgestone
- Falken
- Nokian
- Yokohama
Info! Water layer being 7 mm.
Lateral Aquaplaning
- Goodyear
- Continental
- Falken
- Bridgestone
- Vredestein
- Nokian
- Toyo
- Pirelli
- Yokohama
Info! Water layer being 6 mm.
The lateral stability on wet pavement was tested on a circular track with a 43.5-meter radius. The total length of the track was 273 m. The maximum values of lateral acceleration were scored.
Lateral Stability
- Falken
- Vredestein
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Nokian
- Bridgestone
- Yokohama
- Pirelli
- Toyo
Info! Maximum lateral acceleration, m/s².
Environment, ride comfort, noise
The rolling resistance, which directly affects the tire’s fuel efficiency, was tested on the testing rig at a speed of 80 km/h.
Environment
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- Continental
- Bridgestone
- Vredestein
- Yokohama
- Falken
- Goodyear
- Toyo
Info! Rolling resistance, km/h.
As for the two other disciplines — ride comfort and noise — these were subjectively evaluated by the Gute Fahrt experts, just as the handling response was. The ride comfort was evaluated by driving on various types of surfaces: asphalt, concrete, dirt tracks, and hatch lids.
Ride comfort (Subjective)
- Bridgestone
- Toyo
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
- Continental
- Falken
- Nokian
- Vredestein
- Yokohama
The cabin noise of the tires was evaluated at 60 km/h with the engine turned off. Not to be confused with the outside noise indicated on the labels of new tires.
Noise (Subjective)
- Bridgestone
- Falken
- Goodyear
- Toyo
- Continental
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- Vredestein
- Yokohama
Gute Fahrt experts’ feedback
Bridgestone Turanza T001 — Recommended, out of competition
Quick Take
Bridgestone Turanza T001
- This tire has been replaced by 🏁 Bridgestone / Turanza T001 Evo
- This tire replaced 🏁 Bridgestone / Turanza ER300
- This tire has run-flat model:
- Available Sizes in Line: 85
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Mazda Mazda6
- • Mercedes-Benz B-Class
- • Volkswagen Polo
- • Volkswagen T-Roc I (A11/AC7) [2017 .. 2023]
- • Seat Ateca
- • Volkswagen Caddy
- • Volkswagen Up!
- • Volkswagen Golf
- • Ford Mondeo
- • Skoda Karoq
- • Jeep Renegade
- • BMW X1
- • Audi Q2
- • Audi A1
- • Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- • Mercedes-Benz B-Class
- • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- • Opel Astra
- • Fiat 500C
- • Volvo V40
- • Fiat 500L
- • Audi A3
- • BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
- • BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
- • Fiat 500X
- • BMW 3 Series
- • Opel Insignia
- • Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan
- • Alfa Romeo Giulietta
- • Fiat Bravo
- • Lancia Delta
- • Toyota Auris
- • Mazda CX-3
- • Chevrolet Malibu
- • Opel Zafira
- • Jeep Compass
- • MINI Countryman
- • MINI Paceman
- • Opel Crossland X I [2017 .. 2020]
- • Citroën C3 Aircross
- • Renault Megane
- • Tata Nexon
- • Toyota Corolla
- • Toyota Innova
- • Volkswagen e-Golf Mk7 [2014 .. 2021]
- • Subaru Impreza G4 Facelift [2015 .. 2017]
- Year Released: 2012
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
The Bridgestone tires of the summer touring series Turanza are something that many car makers (not only the VW Group) use as original equipment on their cars, considering these tires to be well-balanced and reliable. In the Gute Fahrt test, these tires served as a reference, which helped the experts to easier classify the competing tires, based on the results by Turanza T001.
Bridgestone Turanza T001 comes highly recommended by the Gute Fahrt experts without any doubt. On the other hand, it cannot, of course, be called «the best tire of all times». Probably, because of that its successor — Bridgestone Turanza T005 — is already available retail.
Continental ContiSportContact 5 — «Very good», recommended
Quick Take
Continental ContiSportContact 5
- This tire has been replaced by Continental / SportContact 6
- This tire replaced Continental / ContiSportContact 3
- This tire has run-flat model:
- Available Sizes in Line: 299
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • BMW X1 II (F48/F49) [2015 .. 2019]
- • BMW X1 II (F48) Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • Audi A3 8V Facelift [2016 .. 2020]
- • Audi A4 B8 Facelift [2011 .. 2016]
- • Audi A6 C7 [2011 .. 2018]
- • Audi A8 D4 Facelift [2013 .. 2018]
- • Audi Q5 8R [2007 .. 2016]
- • Audi Q7 4M [2015 .. 2019]
- • Audi Q7 4L [2005 .. 2015]
- • Audi TT 8J [2006 .. 2014]
- • Audi TT 8S [2014 .. 2019]
- • Honda Civic X (FC) [2016 .. 2019]
- • Genesis G90 I (HI) [2016 .. 2019]
- • Land Rover Freelander 2 L359 Facelift [2010 .. 2014]
- • Land Rover Range Rover IV (L405) Facelift [2017 .. 2023]
- • Land Rover Range Rover Evoque L538 Facelift [2015 .. 2018]
- • Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- • Maserati Ghibli M157 [2013 .. 2020]
- • Maserati Levante M161 [2016 .. 2023]
- • Maserati Quattroporte VI (M156) [2013 .. 2016]
- • Maserati Quattroporte VI (M156) Facelift [2016 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br204 [2008 .. 2015]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br205 [2015 .. 2021]
- • Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Br218 [2011 .. 2017]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br212 [2009 .. 2013]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br212 Facelift [2013 .. 2016]
- • Mercedes-Benz M-Class W166 [2012 .. 2015]
- • Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 [2013 .. 2020]
- • Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class R172 [2011 .. 2016]
- • Nissan Juke F15 [2010 .. 2014]
- • Nissan Juke F15 Facelift [2014 .. 2020]
- • Porsche Macan I (95B) [2014 .. 2018]
- • Porsche Panamera I (970) Facelift [2013 .. 2016]
- • Porsche Panamera II (971) [2016 .. 2020]
- • Rolls-Royce Ghost I Facelift [2014 .. 2020]
- • Tesla Model S [2012 .. 2016]
- • Tesla Model S Facelift [2017 .. 2021]
- • Volkswagen Beetle A5 [2011 .. 2016]
- • Volkswagen Beetle A5 Facelift [2016 .. 2022]
- • Volvo XC90 I [2003 .. 2014]
- • Volvo XC90 II [2015 .. 2023]
- • Volkswagen T-Roc I (A11/AC7) [2017 .. 2023]
- • Land Rover Range Rover Velar L560 [2017 .. 2023]
- • Skoda Kodiaq NS7 [2016 .. 2021]
- • Volkswagen Tiguan I (5N) Facelift [2018 .. 2023]
- • Seat Tarraco KN2 [2018 .. 2023]
- • Hyundai Tucson IV (NX4) [2020 .. 2023]
- • Kia XCeed CD [2019 .. 2023]
- • Ford Focus IV (C519) [2018 .. 2023]
- • Kia Stinger CK [2017 .. 2022]
- • Suzuki Swift Sport III A2L (ZC/ZD) [2017 .. 2023]
- • Hyundai Santa Fe IV (TM) [2018 .. 2021]
- • Volkswagen Passat NMS II [2019 .. 2023]
- • Volvo XC60 II [2017 .. 2023]
- • Kia Sportage [2018 .. 2021]
- • Renault Talisman [2015 .. 2020]
- • Renault Megane IV (9A) [2016 .. 2022]
- • Opel Insignia Country Tourer B [2017 .. 2019]
- • Ford Mondeo MK5 (CD391) Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • Volkswagen Passat Alltrack B8 Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • SsangYong Korando IV (C300) [2019 .. 2023]
- • Mazda CX-3 DK Facelift [2018 .. 2023]
- • Kia Rio IV (YB) [2018 .. 2022]
- • Opel Insignia B [2017 .. 2020]
- • Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class W166 [2015 .. 2019]
- • Mazda Mazda6 GL Facelift [2018 .. 2023]
- • Opel Astra V K (B16) [2015 .. 2020]
- • Opel Adam SCCS [2013 .. 2020]
- • Ford Kuga II (C520) Facelift [2016 .. 2019]
- • Jaguar F-Pace X761 [2015 .. 2020]
- • Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace AD/BW [2017 .. 2021]
- • Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class AMG 197 [2010 .. 2015]
- • Seat Leon 5F [2012 .. 2020]
- • Renault Kadjar HA/HL [2015 .. 2018]
- • Nissan Qashqai II (J11) Facelift [2017 .. 2023]
- • Land Rover Discovery 5 L462 [2016 .. 2021]
- • Peugeot 3008 II (P84) [2016 .. 2021]
- • Peugeot 5008 II (T87) [2017 .. 2020]
- • Ford Edge II [2015 .. 2018]
- • Land Rover Discovery Sport L550 [2014 .. 2019]
- • Land Rover Discovery Sport L550 Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • Volkswagen Multivan T6 [2015 .. 2019]
- • Toyota Supra V (A90/J29/DB) [2019 .. 2024]
- Year Released: 2010
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
One can hardly find any other tire brand that would be spoiled by so much critical acclaim and so many awards in comparative tests as the product of Hannover-based Continental. The ContiSportContact 5 showed no weak sides either on dry or on wet pavement. However, this time around it fell short of the total win because of its relatively weak hydroplaning resistance and only satisfactory scores for cabin noise and ride comfort. The second place.
Falken Azenis FK510 SUV — «Very good-», recommended
Quick Take
Falken Azenis FK510 SUV
- Available Sizes in Line: 54
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Porsche Macan I (95B) Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
- • Toyota Yaris Cross XP210 [2020 .. 2023]
- Year Released: 2017
- Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
The Falken Azenis FK510 SUV, which got high scores from the test experts, brought a lot of success to its parent company Sumitomo. It demonstrated effective braking and excellent lateral stability on wet pavement, and well as crisp steering response in the dry. The overall picture was slightly spoiled by weak lateral hydroplaning resistance, increased rolling resistance, and average ride comfort. The third place.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 — «Very Good+», recommended
Quick Take
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
- This tire has been replaced by Goodyear / Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
- This tire replaced Goodyear / Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
- Available Sizes in Line: 154
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Audi e-tron GT [2020 .. 2023]
- • Tesla Model Y [2020 .. 2023]
- • Rolls-Royce Ghost II [2020 .. 2023]
- • DS DS 4 F [2021 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz EQS X296 [2022 .. 2024]
- Year Released: 2018
- Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Oceania
Launched on the market in 2019, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 in this competition lineup became the star of wet pavement, making a great impression on the experts who appreciated its handling precision and reliability. Confident performance on a dry track, combined with low cabin noise and comfortable ride, charmed the experts so much that they, turning a blind eye to its «incredibly high rolling resistance», maned this Goodyear model as the winner of the test.
Nokian Wetproof — «Good+», recommended
Quick Take
Nokian Wetproof
- This tire will be replaced by Nokian / Wetproof 1
- Available Sizes in Line: 75
- Year Released: 2019
- Regions for sale: Europe
The product from this Finnish tire maker sometimes produces quite a favorable impression in comparative tests of winter tires, but when it comes to comparative tests of summer tires, this northern manufacturer seems to still have a lot to learn.
The Nokian Wetproof model is a vivid example of that: it shows high class in dry braking, but in all of the wet disciplines it falls short of its premium-class rivals. In addition, the Nokian Tires engineers should probably think of improving the Wetproof’s hydroplaning resistance, especially lateral.
On the other hand, this model is particularly good from the environmental standpoint.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 — «Good-»
Quick Take
Pirelli Cinturato P7
- Many sizes of this line have been discontinued.
- This tire has been replaced by Pirelli / Cinturato P7 Blue , Pirelli / Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
- This tire has run-flat model:
- Available Sizes in Line: 158
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Alfa Romeo Giulietta 940 [2010 .. 2023]
- • Audi A7 4G8 [2010 .. 2015]
- • Audi A6 C7 [2011 .. 2018]
- • Audi A5 8T/8F [2007 .. 2016]
- • Audi A4 B8 [2007 .. 2012]
- • Audi A4 Allroad B8 [2009 .. 2011]
- • Audi A3 8P [2003 .. 2005]
- • BMW 6 Series III (F06/F12/F13) [2011 .. 2015]
- • BMW 5 Series VI (F10/F11) [2009 .. 2013]
- • BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F36 [2013 .. 2017]
- • BMW 3 Series V (E90/E91/E92/E93) LCI [2008 .. 2013]
- • BMW 3 Series V (E90/E91/E92/E93) [2005 .. 2010]
- • BMW 1 Series I (E87) [2004 .. 2007]
- • MINI Paceman R61 [2012 .. 2016]
- • MINI Countryman R60 [2010 .. 2016]
- • Chevrolet Montana II [2011 .. 2023]
- • Fiat Punto 199 [2005 .. 2012]
- • Fiat Punto 199 Facelift [2012 .. 2018]
- • Fiat Bravo 198 [2007 .. 2015]
- • Ford Focus III (C346) [2011 .. 2015]
- • Ford Fiesta VI Facelift [2012 .. 2019]
- • Ford Fiesta VI [2011 .. 2013]
- • Ford EcoSport II [2013 .. 2019]
- • Jaguar XF X250 [2007 .. 2011]
- • Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 [2013 .. 2020]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br212 [2009 .. 2013]
- • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Br211 [2002 .. 2009]
- • Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Br209 [2003 .. 2010]
- • Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class R172 [2011 .. 2016]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br204 [2008 .. 2015]
- • Mercedes-Benz B-Class W246 [2012 .. 2018]
- • Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 [2013 .. 2017]
- • Mercedes-Benz Viano W639 [2004 .. 2009]
- • Mitsubishi Lancer X (CY) [2007 .. 2017]
- • Seat Leon 5F [2012 .. 2020]
- • Skoda Octavia Mk3 A7 (5E) [2013 .. 2017]
- • Skoda Octavia Mk2 A5 (1Z) [2005 .. 2012]
- • Skoda Superb II B6 (3T) [2008 .. 2017]
- • Volvo S80 II [2006 .. 2016]
- • Volvo V40 Cross Country I [2012 .. 2017]
- • Volvo V40 II [2012 .. 2016]
- • Ford Ka
- • BMW 2 Series
- • Kia Cerato
- • MINI Clubman
- • Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
- • BMW X1
- • BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo
- • Jaguar XE
- • Alfa Romeo Giulia
- • BMW X4 G02 LCI [2021 .. 2024]
- Year Released: 2004
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania
The tire model from this well-known Italian brand, Pirelli Cinturato P7, ultimately scored a «Good-" verdict, but there is a certain doubt if it deserves even that, because in this test it demonstrated an obvious lack of balanced performance, which is a must for a really good tire. Only twice during the entire test, this Pirelli model was able to make it into the winning trio — in the environment and the straight aqua disciplines; otherwise, the Italian tire was not up to their level.
Let us hope that the second-generation tire model Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2), designed for the summer season 2020, will improve the situation, and in 2021 this model will be among the prize winners.
Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV — «Satisfactory-»
Quick Take
Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV
- This tire has been replaced by Toyo / Proxes CL1 SUV
- Available Sizes in Line: 30
- Year Released: 2015
- Regions for sale: Mexico, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East
It looks like Toyo cannot yet fully master the art of tire making. Against the background of its stronger rivals, Toyo Proxes CF2 SUV looked really unconvincing. The only «good» grade that this model was able to score from the experts was for straight hydroplaning resistance; otherwise, it was rated either as «satisfactory», or, still worse, «mediocre». The highest rolling resistance on test.
Vredestein Ultrac Satin — «Good-»
Quick Take
Vredestein Ultrac Satin
- This tire has been replaced by Vredestein / Ultrac
- Available Sizes in Line: 128
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Volkswagen Touareg II (CR) [2018 .. 2023]
- Year Released: 2016
- Regions for sale: USA+, Canada, Europe, Russia+
India’s Apollo with the tire of the Dutch brand, Vredestein Ultrac Satin, finally secured the right to be called a high quality tire maker. This model delivered a well-balanced performance in all of the wet disciplines, demonstrating noise level and ride comfort on a par with Goodyear. Its downsides include a relatively long braking distance on dry pavement and average straight hydroplaning resistance.
Yokohama BluEarth RV-02 — «Satisfactory-»
Quick Take
Yokohama BluEarth RV-02
- This tire has been replaced by Yokohama / BluEarth-RV RV03
- Available Sizes in Line: 40
- Year Released: 2014
- Regions for sale: USA+, Canada, Central & South America, Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East
The performance delivered by the Yokohama BluEarth RV-02 in the 2020 tire test can hardly be rated as successful. As its melodic name suggests, the tire’s main strong side is its environmental performance, yet, when compared to that of its rivals, it is surely not as high as the tire maker would want it to be.
The tire demonstrated the worst hydroplaning resistance on test, especially lateral. In other disciplines, the BluEarth RV-02 delivered just an average performance, and, therefore, an average level of safety. Not recommended by the Gute Fahrt experts.
Price
Besides the Gute Fahrt tests, there are plenty of tests performed by other industry publications available on our website.
