Skip advert
Advertisement

Dunlop SP Sport FastResponse

Safe and secure when the heavens open, but fuel efficiency needs to be looked at.

Dunlop SP Sport FastResponse

Safe and secure when the heavens open, but fuel efficiency needs to be looked at.

If the new Michelin Energy Saver+ has put too much emphasis on efficiency, you could argue that Dunlop has not focused on it enough. The tyre labels give the SP Sport FastResponse a C rating for rolling resistance, and it finished seventh in our test – way behind Michelin and Continental.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But as is so often the case, poor fuel efficiency is a trade-off for strong wet performance, and the Dunlop was among the top four on a soaked track. As with its Goodyear stablemate, it excelled in the deep water aquaplaning tests, and it put together a good lap on the wet handling circuit. Although it was a touch off the ultimate pace, it felt very secure with good balance and traction. It also finished fourth in our wet braking assessment.

Impressively, Dunlop has managed to achieve this wet performance without sacrificing too much in the dry – the tyre proved good enough for second place in braking. It was fifth in the very close dry handling table, but felt sharp, with good direction changes.

However, it was last by some distance in the cabin noise test, and was pipped to a podium spot by the Nexen, which was a bit better in the wet.

 RatingPosition
Dry braking98.7%2nd
Dry handling98.9%5th
Wet cornering98.3%4th
Wet braking96.3%=6th
Wet handling99.0%4th
Straight aqua99.5%2nd
Curved aqua86.3%3rd
Cabin noise97.5%8th
Rolling resistance75.3%7th
Overall99.3%=4th
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £10,200
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,514 off RRP*Used from £11,295
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,124 off RRP*Used from £8,250
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help
Number plates

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help

Cross-party committee is asking motorists to help solve the issue of illegal number plates
News
8 Oct 2025
Skoda Fabia 130 is a 174bhp hot hatch for under £30k
Skoda Fabia 130 - front cornering

Skoda Fabia 130 is a 174bhp hot hatch for under £30k

Along with more power the hot Fabia gets revised suspension and steering
News
7 Oct 2025
New Tesla Model Y Standard is here to make the EV SUV a bit cheaper, just not in the UK
Tesla Model Y Standard

New Tesla Model Y Standard is here to make the EV SUV a bit cheaper, just not in the UK

New Tesla Model Y Standard has been revealed, but UK buyers may have to wait a little longer to buy one…
News
7 Oct 2025