This year we put 16 of the best-sellers through their paces. Even the industry’s specialist engineers can’t tell how well a tyre performs just by looking at the tread, no matter how dramatic the water-shifting pattern. And as we have proved before in our product tests, a top name does not guarantee top performance.

Nor is price or reputation a determining factor. That’s why Auto Express leads the way among UK magazines in giving you all the information to pick the right rubber for you, your car and your budget. Each year we test at least one popular size to let you make an informed decision when buying.

This year is no exception, as we have gone for one of the biggest-selling 16-inch tyres in the UK – 215/55R16 – with either V- or W-speed rating (up to 150 and 168mph).