Best tyres 2015: ultimate tyre test - pictures

We tested the popular 225/45 R17 size again found on many family cars.

We assessed each tyre's performance across nine criteria before reaching our verdict. 

'Wet handling' was a measured performance criteria whereby an average time over several laps were recorded on a flooded circuit.

'Wet cornering' was a test lined around the edge of a 55-meter cricle. Average lap times were recorded, with strong stomachs required.

'Wet braking' is an unnerving test where steering isn't even allowed. The Uvalde rail system ensures that the car always runs over the same strip of tarmac, whilst allowing the tester to concentrate on speed and braking point.

'Straight aquaplaning' required the unnerving rail once again, where the car would accelerate hard with one wheel in the flooded section. 

As safety is the main priority when it comes to choosing a tyre, price was factored separately as a more minor role.

The Dry handling test combined rapid direction changes with long sweeps, having each lap of the track timed. An average of three attempts was recorded.

Unlike the 'Wet braking' test, the 'Dry braking' test requires no rail system here.  

The brakes have time to cool down each time we brake from 65mph.

An average of runs is used to rate the tyres.

The level of cabin noise was measured at 50mph over three varying road surfaces. An average of all three runs provided the final rating.

'Curved aquaplaning' was a test that required the driver to really be on form. The car is accelerated through a flooded curve section of track, with the lateral g-force measured whilst the car is brought back into control.

The Bridgestone Turanza T001 did show touring credentials after producing a good result with the cabin noise test. However, it was another disappointing performance elsewhere as it lagged behind its premium rivals.

The Continental ContiSportContact 5 performed dominantly in both wet and dry conditions, even if it did produce a disappointing rolling resistance figure.

The Dunlop Sport BluResponse impressed during the wet braking, handling and cornering tests, but stood out particularly well with its fuel-efficiency.

The Falken Azenis FK453 did demonstrate good balance in the dry track conditions, but this deteriorated on the wet surfaces. Its rolling resistance resulted in poor fuel efficiency as well.

Our previous winner, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, remains a sound choice even though its rivals have moved the game on.

The chinese branded GT Radial Champiro HPY tyre really struggled in the deep water of our aquaplaning tests. What was a demonstration of progress last time was not repeated this year.

The Hankook Ventus evo 2 proved a good performer in both wet and dry conditions, with aquaplaning being its forte.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 proves that the brand is making improvements. Previous struggles in the wet, was replaced with strong performances during aquaplaning.

The Pirelli P Zero has improved since our last assessment , with excellent cornering and braking in the wet. The level of rolling resistance is yet to improve though.

The ageing Toyo Proxes T1 Sport tyres found it tough against the competiton this year, finding itself at the bottom half of the table in most of the tests.

The Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tyres proved effective in the dry braking tests, but proved an expensive tyre to trun with its rolling resistance far down the table.