3 models made summer road trip-ready by Hankook 

There’s nothing like a road trip; the privacy of your own space – as opposed to the colds and flu aboard a packed train or plane – and the joy of putting your foot to the pedal. Plus, temperatures and playlists of your choosing. 

So, whether you’re road trippin’ for the joy of the drive or as the most convenient way of getting from A to B, here’s our run down of great drives on Hankook’s newly accoladed summer tyres. 

BMW Z4 - Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3

Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.  

If Meryl Streep’s Prada-wearing devil were in the automotive world, she might say something equally cutting about convertibles and summer drives. 

Yet, petrolheads can delight that the 2024 BMW Z4 will still come with a petrol engine, although there will be a hybrid offering. But the Z4 will occupy a unique niche, as its closest notable rival the Audi TT bowed out in 2023. 

For a stylish roadtrip, the Z4 will still offer the iconic kidney grille front, inspired by racing cars, and we’re quite taken with the Portimao Blue paint option. But, we’d understand if you were questioning our choice of a sports car for long-distance journeys. Stay with us, as the Z4 packs some creature comforts. 

First up, it’s available with M Sport seats, which can be adjusted to meet driver and passenger individual requirements, with integrated headrests and backrest bolsters. 

Plus, BMW has offered ambient lighting to change the mood and you can use Connected Music with Spotify – so long as you’re already forking out for a Premium subscription – while the Safety Driving Assistant package will help on long journeys.  

Downside – or plus side – for a road trip, is that it’s a two-seater, so just for you and a special someone. And, as the Z4 starts at £45,135, we hope it’s a very special someone.   

Porsche Panamera - Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z

Porsche really wants you to know about the significantly improved comforts in the 2024 Panamera, which, paired with its Hankook partnership and famous sporting driving characteristics, should make for a fun and agreeable journey. 

Starting with the dual-chamber two-valve air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management which comes as standard. If you’d rather feel as if you’re seated on a cloud, E-Hybrid owners can opt for the innovative Porsche Active Ride suspension system.  

When it comes to the actual driving, optional all-wheel steering should improve handling on any terrain. While the driving gadgets, like dedicated lane brightening (up to 600 miles), active speed assistant, adaptive cruise control and swerve assistance, should enhance the experience. This is on top of giggle-inducing joy from the revised four-litre twin turbo V8 engine, which delivers 0-62 miles in 3.2 seconds in the E-Hybrid. 

Frequent passengers might also be tempted by the optional passenger display: a 10.9-inch screen which fucntions as a vehicle performance monitor, infotainment system, and video streaming player (all while the car is in motion). Allay your fears of driver distraction, as the passenger display isn’t visible from the driving seat, but we do think it’s a little mean to catch up on your box sets on a road trip. 

Skoda Octavia – Hankook Ventus Prime 4 

Yes, this might feel like a rogue suggestion here, but it wouldn’t be the first time the Octavia has punched above its weight class. And, for a long road trip with the family and luggage, it might be the most sensible option on our list.  

Firstly, it can move, although not at the pace of our earlier choices, it’s got a 148 bhp diesel engine and can reach 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds, with a PHEV powertrain also available. The extra bonus is it’s more frugal engine will make it a wallet-friendly option for covering long distances.  

Then, it’s comfortable, a must have on long journeys, with adjustable lumbar support. While there’s also a powered driver’s seat with a memory function – as an added option on certain models. Assuming you’re driving with more than just yourself, the Octavia offers roomy seating for multiple occupants, plus handy storage space for road trip snacks, including a cooled glove box and front armrest compartment.  

Last up, the luggage, it’s giant 600-litre boot puts vehicles in the list above into shame, notably Skoda’s own 640-litre Octavia Estate boot even takes on some of our best 7-seater SUVs. It really is perfect for everything from suitcases to foldable picnic chairs and inflatable pool toys. 

Ready for the road trip?

All admirable cars but paired with Hankook’s award-winning tyres takes their driving experience to the next levels. Hankook’s Ventus S1 evo 3, as chosen by the Z4, was recently accoladed with best value for money in Auto Zeitung’s awards. The Ventus S1 evo Z, partnered with Porsche’s Panamera, was noted in the summer tyre test as “perfect for sports cars thanks to its agile steering behaviour”, while the Ventus Prime 4 was rated “exemplary” in the summer tyre test for motorhomes. 

Given these notable recommendations: which of our Hankook-heeled choices would you take for a summer road trip? 

Hero Image Credit: Porsche