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Extract from the latest Which? test on summer tyres:
Tyre test results
205/55 R16W summer tyres Price Availability Test score
Continental PremiumContact 2
£93
Fair
69%
Uniroyal RainSport 2
£86
Good
68%
Michelin Primacy HP
£103
Good
68%
Bridgestone Turanza ER300
£100
Good
67%
Nokian Z G2
£85
Poor
67%
Firestone TZ300 a
£82
Good
66%
Dunlop SP Sport Fastresponse
£88
Good
63%
Semperit Speed-Life
£84
Poor
60%
Kumho Ecsta HM KH31
£92
Poor
60%
Hankook Ventus Prime K105
£95
Poor
52%
Avon ZV5
£84
Good
51%
Best Buys
This is one of the most popular sizes in the market, so there's good incentive for tyre makers to do well here. Consequently, no fewer than five tyres this size were good enough to make the Best Buy grade. All offer balanced performance across all conditions and are class-leaders in some aspects of the test.
Continental Conti PremiumContact 2
Average price £93
Which? test score 69%
The Continental PremiumContact2 offers first-rate handling on dry roads, good wet and dry braking and good resistance to aquaplaning in bends and on straight roads.
It’s around average for noise, so motorway cruising at speed shouldn’t be too much of a strain.
Uniroyal RainSport 2
Average price £86
Which? test score 68%
This tyre has good all-round grip, and handling, whether it's in wet or dry conditions, on the straight and in bends.
It offers good value for money in terms of purchase price, compared with many direct competitors and it's widely available. However, it can't match the best on test for wear. The Uniroyal brand is owned in Europe by Continental.
Michelin Primacy HP
Average price £103
Which? test score 68%
The Michelin Primacy HP is very well-balanced, providing excellent handling on dry roads, good wet and dry braking, and reasonable wet grip in bends and on straight roads. It’s around average for noise, and rolling resistance is slightly lower than most, so it should give reasonable fuel consumption.
It costs a bit more than competitor tyres, but given its class-leading wear rating and competitive rolling resistance, it may be worth the premium. And it shouldn't be hard to find as most outlets we checked stock it.
Bridgestone Turanza ER300
Average price £100
Which? test score 67%
The Turanza ER300 performs well in dry conditions. Wet grip is good on the straight and acceptable in bends, and although wet braking is not exceptional, it’s still OK.
Noise and rolling resistance are around average, so motorway cruising should be reasonably quiet and economical. It’s widely available.
Nokian Z G2
Average price £85
Which? test score 67%
The Nokian Z G2 is a very well-balanced tyre that offers first-rate handling on dry roads, good wet and dry braking, and good resistance to aquaplaning in bends and on straight roads.
It’s around average for noise and rolling resistance. When we checked, the price we found was competitive, but availability was quite limited.
Edited by Auristocrat on 04/01/2012 at 13:35
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