Auto Express Tyre Test - Summer 2022

In the recent issue of Auto Express, the annual summer tyre test returned in it’s full form – after a 2 year hiatus.

The tests were carried out at the Bridgestone Aprillia facilities in Italy. Asking tyre manufacturers to nominate tyres, Auto Express was keen to test the UHP (Ultra High Performance) sector, rather than the UUHP (Ultra Ultra High Performance) tyres.

The Tyres Tested

Given the trend of larger vehicles becoming increasingly popular and even standard in some cases, the testers decided to test tyres in the market’s biggest selling 18 inch size - 225/40 R18.

For consistency, each tyre was also rated 92 for load rating (see what is load rating) and Y for speed rating (that’s tyres capable of performing at speeds of up to 186mph).

In total, seven tyres ended up taking part in the Auto Express Tyre Test. These were:

• Austone Athena SP 7
• Bridgestone Potenza Sport
• Falken Azenis FK520
• Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
• Hankook Ventus S1 evo3
• Maxxis Victra Sport 5
• Pirelli Cinturato P7

The Tyre Tests Categories

As part of the test Auto Express magazine put each tyre through its paces, assessing the following aspects of performance:

• Wet performance
• Dry performance
• Cabin noise
• Fuel economy
• Tyre Price

In the interest of fairness, when testing the wet and dry performances, the testers completed multiple runs – with an average score then being calculated once outliers had been removed.

The Tyre Test Results

The results were converted to percentages to accurately reflect the differences between each tyre.

The wet tests formed 50 per cent of the result, dry 40 and noise, fuel economy and price the final 10. Within the first two categories there was an emphasis put upon the braking and handing.

1st - Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Auto Express said: “If you are looking for a great tyre to drive in wet and dry, look no further. Bridgestone finally has a tyre that can compete in this sector”

Blackcircles.com said: “Since it launched in 2021, this model has regularly received high ratings – with an overall score of 4.8/5 from Blackcircles.com customers. Reviews praise the overall performance, focusing on grip and balance in dry conditions.”

View the Bridgestone Potenza Sport

2nd - Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

Auto Express said: “An impressive debut, with good performance in all conditions and near-best fuel economy helping to offset high prices at the pump”

Blackcircles.com said: “New to the market in 2022 this tyre seems well placed to build upon the popularity of its predecessor, which is a popular tyre with customers – scoring 4.6/5 from over 1,500 reviews.”

View the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

3rd - Maxxis Victra Sport 5

Auto Express said: “Maxxis has definitely found something with the Victra Sport 5, which delivered a good all-round performance matching higher-profile brands”

Blackcircles.com said: “At the time of writing, Blackcircles.com does not currently hold stock of this tyre, meaning we are unable to provide any insight into the tyre’s popularity with our customers at present.”

View the Maxxis tyres stocked at Blackcircles.com

4th - Hankook Ventus S1 evo3

Auto Express said: “Former test winner is still a top performer and the one to have if you’re after a quiet ride and value good wet-braking performance”

Blackcircles.com said: “This tyre is a popular choice amongst our customers, with over 120 customer reviews leading to an overall rating of 4.7/5 – reviews will often commend the grip, road handling and overall performance.”

View the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 

5th - Falken Azenis FK520

Auto Express said: “A promising newcomer from Falken in deep water, but other aspects of wet grip need work if it’s to challenge the top performers”

Blackcircles.com said: “A new tyre to market - we are unable to provide any insight into its popularity with customers currently. Although its predecessor has scored well with customers – gaining 4.6/5 from over 130 reviews.”

View the Falken Azenis FK520

6th - Pirelli Cinturato P7

Auto Express said: “We’ve said it before and will again: Pirelli needs to look again at the P7 because it is currently no match for its premium rivals in this sector”

Blackcircles.com said: “This tyre is showing early signs of being a popular tyre thanks to an overall rating of 4.6/5 from customers. Customers comment on the tyre’s good grip and smooth performance.”

View the Pirelli Cinturato P7

7th - Austone Athena SP 7

Auto Express said: “Athena is the Greek goddess of practical reason, which dictates this tyre should be avoided regardless of the tempting price”

Blackcircles.com said: “At the time of writing, Blackcircles.com does not currently hold stock of this tyre, meaning we are unable to provide any insight into the tyre’s popularity with our customers at present.”

For an in-depth take on the results, visit the Auto Express article.