Michelin Pilot Sport 4 review

Whatever its heritage, the Michelin is a special tyre

You could be forgiven for thinking that this tyre is the successor to the Pilot Sport 3, but things are never that simple in the world of Michelin. The French giant has gone to some lengths to explain that, despite the name, this is really an update for the more sports-focused Super Sport and has precious little to do with the Pilot Sport 3. Apparently a mid-life refresh for the Super Sport evolved into the Pilot Sport 4. For us, it became a winner.

The Michelin only found itself off the podium for cabin noise, and while the tyres behind it are closely matched, the Pilot Sport 4 has a clear margin at the top.

It felt as good as the Continental around the handling tracks and was only a fraction slower. There’s a liveliness to the steering that makes most rivals feel soft and spongy.

It maintains grip longer through corners than all but the Continental, and its sporty feel supports Michelin’s claims for the tyre’s heritage. It starred in the braking tests, making rivals (even braking specialist Continental) look ordinary in the wet.

There was also a clear margin in the dry. It continued its podium run in the deep water of the aquaplaning tests, finishing close behind the winners. And none of this wet road prowess has come at the expense of fuel economy, for which it placed third.

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