Skip advert
Advertisement

Tyre test 2012

We test eight of the latest tyres to the limit to reveal which is best for your car

From 1 November, new labelling will make it easier than ever to choose a tyre. This works like the labels on fridges and washing machines, and tells you how well the tyre stops in the wet, how fuel efficient it is and how much noise it makes. But tyre labels don’t give you the full picture – unlike our annual tyre test, which covers nine performance criteria down to the last percentage point.

Advertisement - Article continues below

For our first test since makers revealed their tyres’ ratings, we look at the UK’s top-selling size: 205/55R16. The labels are driven by eco concerns, so our eight test tyres had an H speed rating (up to 130mph) – these are often found on ‘green’ models.

And we were amazed at the number of new tyres on the market. No maker wants a low label rating, so they’ve updated their ranges to suit. In fact, the Nokian, Nexen and Vredestein had yet to go on sale. Plus, Pirelli is absent here as its AA-rated Cinturato Blue had yet to be produced in the size we tested.

We returned to Bridgestone’s proving ground in Aprilia, south of Rome, where Auto Express drivers did all tests except those requiring specialist skills.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Makers supplied our samples, but we bought two random sets to ensure they’re identical to those on sale. These were put through a wet braking test to reveal any compound or construction differences.

Here, we rate our eight test tyres in our nine assessments – with the winner in each test getting a score of 100 per cent, and the rest given a score relative to this.

Our verdict

Tyre labelling has made manufacturers revamp their ranges, as our test has never included so many new tyres that have yet to go on sale. But we’ve been assured our samples are production tyres. Differences in performance have closed as a result of the labels, too, with all our tyres up to a high standard, although those with a focus on efficiency failed to impress in the wet.

Goodyear put in a strong all-round display, with few lapses, to take the win from Vredestein. Debutant Nexen snatches third from Dunlop and fellow wet weather performer Nokian. This group was a long way ahead in the wet, where the frugal Michelin, Continental and Bridgestone struggled.

Overall results

PositionMakeOverall rating
1Goodyear100%
2Vredestein99.5%
3Nexen99.4%
4=Dunlop99.3%
4=Nokian99.3%
6Continental99.0%
7Bridgestone98.3%
8Michelin98.2%

Check out page two to find out how we tested each tyre >>

Skip advert
Advertisement
Products editor

Kim has worked for Auto Express for more than three decades and all but a year of that time in the Products section. His current role as products editor involves managing the section’s content and team of testers plus doing some of the tests himself. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”
Opinion - MG4
Opinion

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”

The wave of Chinese cars has arrived in the UK, and Mike Rutherford thinks it’s not about to stop any time soon
17 Mar 2024
New Skoda Epiq electric SUV revives the spirit of the Yeti
Skoda Epiq - front
News

New Skoda Epiq electric SUV revives the spirit of the Yeti

The all-electric Skoda Epiq crossover SUV is set to be fully unveiled next year and is likely to cost around £22,000
15 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: brand new, top-spec VW Tiguan SUV for way less than you think
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line - front tracking
News

Car Deal of the Day: brand new, top-spec VW Tiguan SUV for way less than you think

The all-new third generation of Volkswagen’s smash hit mid-size SUV is our Car Deal of the Day for 14 March
14 Mar 2024