Auto Express Tyre Test 2020 with Blackcircles.com

Motoring magazine and website Auto Express have unveiled their annual Tyre Test. In this year’s test, experts trial 10 tyres nominated by manufacturers in the world’s top-selling size ( 205/55 R16) to find out which tyre is best. The test was completed in association with Blackcircles.com, so we were also asked for our views on the tyres for their finished article.

Tyre Test

For the first time, the Auto Express Tyre Test was split across three countries. Though the testing its self was consistent with previous years, testing all tyres in wet and dry conditions as well as measuring cabin noise and fuel economy.

The key criteria tested were:

• Price
• Wet handling
• Wet braking
• Straight aquaplaning
• Curved aquaplaning
• Dry handling
• Dry braking
• Rolling resistance
• Cabin noise

The Tyres Tested

All the tyres tested were 2055/55R16 with a mix of 91 and 94 weight ratings, 8 of the tyres were V speed ratings (up to 150mph) and two had an H speed rating (up to 130mph). The 10 models were:

• Bridgestone Turanza T005 91 V
• Continental PremiumContact 6 91 V
• Dunlop Sport BluResponse 91 H
• Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun 94 V
• Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 91 H
• Laufenn S Fit EQ+ 91 V
• Maxxis Premitra 5 HP5 91 V
• Michelin Primacy 4 91 V
• Nokian Wetproof 91 V
• Pirelli Cinturato P7 91 V

Tyre Test – The Verdict

In the end, all 10 tyres were closely matched, with only 1.6% between first and last. The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 took the top spot overall, followed closely by the Michelin Primacy 4 and the Nokian Wetproof took the third spot on the podium.

1st – Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2

What Auto Express said:

Well deserved win for Goodyear, the EfficientGrip Performance 2 excelled in refinement.

What we said:

Successor to the popular EfficientGrip Performance, this new model is picking up from its predecessor. Rated 4.8/5 by customers, its fuel economy, grip and performance are praised.

2nd – Michelin Primacy 4

What Auto Express said:

Impressive all-round result from Michelin which performed well and, importantly, felt good to drive.

What we said:

This tyre is a firm customer favourite with more than 1,600 reviews. With a 4.8/5 overall score, it’s a high-scoring tyre. Positive reviews praise the Michelin’s grip, comfort and handling.

3^rd – Nokian Wetproof

What Auto Express said:

Nokian Wetproof was last year's SUV tyre test winner has another good showing in 2020.

What we said:

At the time of writing, we do not currently hold stock of this tyre, meaning we are unable to provide any insight into the tyre’s popularity or performance with our customers.

4th – Maxxis Premitra 5 HP5

What Auto Express said:

Promising test from Taiwanese producer Maxxis, with good performance in the wet.

What we said:

A lesser-known brand and model, yet with decent scores. It appears more awareness is necessary before Maxxis can be pushed further in the UK’s tyre market.

5th – Bridgestone Turanza T005

What Auto Express said:

A winner at the pumps from the Bridgestone Turanza T005.

What we said:

Well liked by our customers, this model has a good overall customer rating of 4.6/5. Buyers often praise the tyre’s low noise levels and the ability to perform in wet and dry conditions.

6th – Laufenn S Fit EQ+

What Auto Express said:

The Laufenn S Fit EQ+ transfers little noise to the cabin and is the second cheapest on test.

What we said:

At the time of writing, we do not currently hold stock of this tyre, meaning we are unable to provide any insight into the tyre’s popularity or performance with our customers.

7th – Continental PremiumContact 6

What Auto Express said:

The Continental PremiumContact 6 was the best on test for dry handling but disappointed elsewhere.

What we said:

More than 570 reviews from our customers have garnered this tyre an overall score of 4.6/5. Buyers have remarked upon the tyre’s noise levels and wet-grip performance.

8th – Dunlop Sport BluResponse

What Auto Express said:

We found the Dunlop Sport BluResponse easy on the wallet and fairly refined.

What we said:

Another tyre that’s popular with customers. More than 3,600 reviews have resulted in an overall score of 4.6/5. It is a slightly older tyre now, which may explain its lower position.

Joint 9th – Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun

What Auto Express said:

Although the Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun handled well in the dry, rolling resistance let it down

What we said:

Not a high-selling tyre for us. However, those customers who have ordered a set have left good reviews, with strong grip in various conditions being singled out for praise.

Joint 9th – Avon ZV7

What Auto Express said:

Formula One supplier props up the table with Pirelli Cinturato P7, not excelling in any area.

What we said:

A new model, with the same name as its predecessor, Pirelli’s latest generation of the Cinturato P7 comes with good wet-grip label scores of A-B across the available sizes.

Read the in-depth results on the Auto Express website.