Skip advert
Advertisement

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3 review

Pirelli has transformed this tyre into a clear winner

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3
Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

  • Score: 100%
  • Ranking: 1st
  • Price: £115

The previous iteration of this Pirelli was a midfield runner, consistently good in each discipline but not a leading tyre. However, this new version has upped its performance everywhere and scored wins on all surfaces: snow, wet and dry. Even the scores behind its lowest rankings were decent and it lifted itself clear of some very strong opposition to take a well deserved win. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Snow was not its strongest area but its sixth in braking wasn’t far off the pace and it topped snow traction. It was third in handling in these conditions, but not the best in terms of feedback, because while it was usefully adjustable, it was light in feel. 

The Pirelli really got going in wet conditions, kicking off with equal first in braking. It was second and third in the aquaplaning tests and although it was fifth on the wet circle, it was a very tight grouping. 

Third on the circuit felt about right – it was a little bit up on its toes but had good bite, lots of grip and strong traction, so it was exploitable and effective at all times. 

Remarkably, it was first in dry braking too, stopping a half metre sooner than the next best tyre, and equal third in handling, where it felt almost like a summer tyre: clean, decisive and accurate. Its rolling resistance is a little high, but the Pirelli is a great all-season offering. 

We say:

“Very impressive. A clear winner and the best choice for UK conditions.”

Blackcircles.com says:

“We've received positive feedback on performance in various weather conditions”

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3ScorePlace
Snow braking91.4%6th
Snow traction100%1st
Snow handling99.5%3rd
Straight aquaplaning99.4%2nd
Curved aquaplaning98.5%3rd
Wet braking100%>1st
Wet handling98.9%3rd
Wet circle98.1%5th
Dry braking100%1st
Dry handling99.6%>3rd
Cabin noise100%>1st
Rolling resistance87.8%5th

Buy the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3 from Blackcircles.com

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,528 off RRP*Used from £9,444
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £2,073 off RRP*Used from £8,987
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,585Avg. savings £6,027 off RRP*Used from £12,795
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £10,970
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Diesel cars aren’t dead, in fact they’re even starting to make a comeback
Opinion - Vauxhall Grandland

Diesel cars aren’t dead, in fact they’re even starting to make a comeback

If you're looking for the most cost-effective cars to run, Mike Rutherford thinks you shouldn't discount diesel
Opinion
1 Mar 2026
Major Renault Megane revamp due this year with more range and racy looks
Renault Megane E-Tech Electric - rear static (night)

Major Renault Megane revamp due this year with more range and racy looks

All-new battery could push the more aggressive Megane EV past 300 miles of range
News
27 Feb 2026
UK electric car chargers outnumber petrol pumps by almost two-to-one
Rapid charging Fiat 500

UK electric car chargers outnumber petrol pumps by almost two-to-one

DfT data shows there are more than 116,000 public EV chargers, on top of the thousands of home wallboxes nationwide
News
27 Feb 2026