In SportAuto's 2024 tire testing series, the focus is centered on evaluating high-performance summer tires sized 215/40R18, using the Hyundai i20 N as a test vehicle. Known for its robust handling and performance, the i20 N provided a consistent basis for assessing these tires under controlled conditions.
The lineup for this evaluation featured notable competitors. Participants included the Bridgestone Turanza T005 touring tire, and although the newly anticipated Potenza Sport was not available at the time testing began, the lineup was still strong. Competitors included the Continental PremiumContact 7, Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2, Maxxis Victra Sport 5, and Michelin Pilot Sport 5. To provide a comprehensive comparison, Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 tires were also tested to benchmark their performance against the summer tires
The testing sessions took place near Rome, under optimal conditions—variable cloudiness and temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. To ensure fairness and accuracy, each set of tires was preconditioned by running them for approximately 100 kilometers to wear in the tread surface adequately. This step was crucial for the tires to exhibit their true performance characteristics.
Each testing round began with a run on the reference tire, followed by the subsequent sets. The reference tire was retested before switching to the next set to account for any variables such as changes in asphalt temperature, wind direction, or moisture levels on the track. These factors were meticulously considered when interpreting the final results to ensure a precise and unbiased evaluation of each tire's capabilities.
Testing of Tire Performance Across Disciplines
During the tire testing series, the initial evaluation focused on braking performance from 80 km/h on wet asphalt and from 100 km/h on dry asphalt. On the dry surface, the Continental PremiumContact 7 showcased superior stopping power, achieving the shortest braking distance. Conversely, the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 lagged behind, with a stopping discrepancy of 1.6 meters compared to the Continental on dry asphalt and an even greater gap of 2.2 meters on wet surfaces.
Dry Braking
- Continental
- Michelin
- Maxxis
- Bridgestone
- Dunlop
- Goodyear
Info! Dry braking in meters, 100-0 km/h.
Dry Handling
- Continental
- Michelin
- Maxxis
- Dunlop
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
Info! Dry handling average speed, km/h.
As anticipated, the all-season Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 tire performed less effectively than its summer counterparts. This result is attributed to the tire's more flexible tread blocks and rubber composition, which are designed to remain effective in cold temperatures and on snowy surfaces. For context, when summer tires enabled the vehicle to come to a complete stop, the vehicle fitted with the all-season Goodyear tires was still traveling at a significant speed of 33.7 km/h on dry asphalt. This demonstrates the trade-offs between all-season adaptability and the optimized performance of dedicated summer tires.
Rolling Resistance
- Bridgestone
- Dunlop
- Continental
- Michelin
- Goodyear
- Maxxis
Info! Rolling resistance, kg/t.
Noise
- Goodyear
- Dunlop
- Maxxis
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Michelin
Info! Noise, dB.
In wet conditions, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 all-season tires still managed to impress, despite inherent disadvantages in hydroplaning resistance, with a residual speed of 32.3 km/h. This figure underscores the tire's robust performance among all-season models but highlights a critical shortfall in water displacement capabilities. The lack of wide longitudinal grooves in the V-shaped tread pattern means that these tires do not channel water as effectively as summer tires, leading to earlier loss of contact with the road surface due to hydroplaning.
Michelin, Bridgestone, and Dunlop excelled in hydroplaning resistance, benefiting from deeper treads and optimized patterns that enhance water evacuation, significantly improving wet road adherence.
Wet Braking
- Continental
- Bridgestone
- Michelin
- Maxxis
- Dunlop
- Goodyear
Info! Wet braking in meters, 80-0 km/h.
Lateral Stability
- Continental
- Michelin
- Maxxis
- Bridgestone
- Dunlop
- Goodyear
Info! Maximum lateral aceleration, km/h.
The test then moved to handling evaluations on a sports track, where experienced drivers conducted time trials over four laps. The Continental tires performed admirably on the wet track, clocking consistent laps in the 75-second range. The all-season tires were not far behind, with times around 79 seconds—only four seconds slower, illustrating that while all-season tires can be viable in summer, extra caution and increased following distances are necessary for safe emergency braking.
Wet Handling
- Continental
- Michelin
- Maxxis
- Bridgestone
- Dunlop
- Goodyear
Info! Wet handling average speed, km/h.
In their evaluation, Sportauto also focused on how the tires behaved when the driver eased off the throttle in a turn and the stability of the rear axle when it was no longer under load. They tested this in various scenarios, including both tight, slow corners and fast, sweeping curves, to assess the tires' tendency to understeer, their responsiveness, and how accurately they followed steering inputs.
For the dry asphalt tests, the team at Sportauto pushed the speeds higher to rigorously test the tires under more demanding conditions. They found that the rigidity of the tire’s tread blocks and the shoulder zone played a crucial role in achieving top speeds and maintaining stability in turns. Although the all-season tires were deemed safe, they showed noticeable wear when tested on rough, abrasive asphalt, indicating that while effective across various conditions, their longevity could be compromised in more challenging environments.
Straight Hydroplaning
- Bridgestone
- Dunlop
- Michelin
- Continental
- Maxxis
- Goodyear
Info! Float speed, km/h.
Lateral Hydroplaning
- Continental
- Dunlop
- Bridgestone
- Maxxis
- Michelin
- Goodyear
Info! Lateral acceleration, m/s².
Overall Verdict
The Continental PremiumContact 7 emerged as the clear victor in Sportauto's comprehensive testing, excelling across nearly all categories and demonstrating impressive safety margins on wet surfaces. The Michelin Pilot Sport 5, although slightly less adept in wet conditions, redeemed itself with strong performance on dry asphalt. The Bridgestone Turanza T005, while cost-effective, couldn't quite match the performance of its sportier counterparts, landing it in third place. Maxxis trailed in fourth, with its performance significantly hampered by poor traction on wet pavement. In fifth place, the Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 demonstrated solid performance with excellent dry braking and handling but showed areas for improvement in wet conditions. Rounding out the test, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3, despite being versatile, struggled with wet braking and handling, typical challenges for all-season tires.
Results
1st Place: Continental / PremiumContact 7
Quick Take
Continental PremiumContact 7
The Continental PremiumContact 7 stands out in the Sportauto Summer Tire Test for R18 tires, securing the top position with outstanding performances across the board. It leads in dry braking and handling, showcasing exceptional control and stability. In wet conditions, it continues to excel, leading in braking, handling, and wet circle tests, illustrating its superior grip and safety. While it ranks fourth in straight hydroplaning, its performance is still commendable, and it tops the chart again in lateral hydroplaning, emphasizing its high protection against hydroplaning. The tire's noise level is low, though not the quietest, and its rolling resistance is efficient, contributing to overall vehicle efficiency.
2nd Place: Michelin / Pilot Sport 5
Quick Take
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 takes second place, delivering exceptional performance across the board. It ties for first in dry braking, showcasing excellent stopping power. The tire also performs admirably in dry handling, just slightly behind the top, and maintains high performance in wet braking and handling, indicating strong grip and control in varied conditions. While it ranks well in straight hydroplaning, it shows room for improvement in lateral hydroplaning resistance. Noise levels are low, contributing to a quieter ride, and rolling resistance is efficient, indicating good fuel economy, though it's not the absolute best in this category.
3rd Place: Bridgestone / Turanza T005
Quick Take
Bridgestone Turanza T005
The Bridgestone Turanza T005, ranking third, shows commendable all-around performance. It secures a solid spot in dry braking and demonstrates strong capabilities in dry handling, albeit slightly off the top mark. In wet conditions, it excels, with near-top performance in braking and impressive handling and wet circle results. It stands out in straight hydroplaning, leading this test category, and also performs well in lateral hydroplaning. The tire's noise level is low, enhancing comfort, and it leads in rolling resistance, indicating superior fuel efficiency and environmental consideration.
4th Place: Maxxis / Victra Sport 5 VS5
Quick Take
Maxxis Victra Sport 5 VS5
The Maxxis Victra Sport 5 ranks fourth with impressive performance in both dry and wet conditions. It's near the top in dry braking and handling, showcasing its capability for dynamic driving and safety. In wet conditions, it maintains strong performance, especially noted in handling and the wet circle test, demonstrating excellent grip and control. While it performs well in straight hydroplaning, there's a slight margin for improvement. The tire's noise level is commendably low, enhancing ride comfort. However, its rolling resistance is higher than the best, indicating a potential impact on fuel efficiency.
5th Place: Dunlop / Sport Maxx RT2
Quick Take
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2
The Dunlop SportMaxx RT 2 secures the fifth spot, showcasing competent performances across various tests. It demonstrates solid dry braking and handling, indicating reliable control and stability. In wet conditions, it maintains commendable performance, though there's room for improvement in braking and handling to match the best. The tire excels in straight hydroplaning resistance and also performs well in lateral hydroplaning, providing good safety margins in wet conditions. Its noise level is one of the lowest, contributing to a quieter driving experience. Notably, the tire's rolling resistance is very low, enhancing fuel efficiency.
6th Place: Goodyear / Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
Quick Take
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3, ranking sixth, is a versatile tire that shows good performance in noise reduction, leading its category. It demonstrates decent dry handling but falls significantly behind in dry braking. In wet conditions, the tire's performance drops further, with longer braking distances and lower handling and circle test scores. Its hydroplaning resistance, especially lateral, indicates a notable area for improvement. While the tire maintains a good noise level and dry lane change safety, its wet grip and braking efficiency are areas where it does not meet the standards set by top summer tires.
