Skip advert
Advertisement

Continental PremiumContact 7 review

The Continental PremiumContact 7 is excellent in the wet and dry and great to drive, just let down by a shortage of refinement

There was little to separate our top three tyres, and all of them delivered an excellent performance. Indeed, the Continental did much of what was needed to secure the overall win; it led the way in the wet tests, with a near-perfect collection of results, and was strong in the dry too. However, its undoing was its poor refinement.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

It was first or second in all five wet tests, leading the braking and cornering tests, and it felt terrific on the wet handling circuit. It might not have been the grippiest, but it had an uncomplicated, nose-led balance, with just the right amount of adjustability to help it through the turns without the risk of the rear getting wayward. This was bolstered by second in both the deep-water aquaplaning tests. 

It was second in dry braking too, less than half a metre behind the winning Goodyear, and was fourth in dry handling where, again, it felt terrific, with strong grip and excellent composure and balance under pressure. 

As we said, where it unravelled a little for the Continental was in refinement. It was okay for cabin noise on the smooth surface, but the noisiest on the coarse. Plus subjectively, it was by far the loudest and most tactile tyre, especially over the roughest sections of road, setting interior trim and the pedals buzzing.

Blackcircles.com says...

“Drivers value the fuel economy of this tyre. Its excellent grip in wet conditions inspires confidence.”

Results

Continental PremiumContact 7  
Overall99.70% 
Price£97.60 
Wet braking100%1st
Wet handling99.80%2nd
Wet cornering100%=1st
Curved aquaplaning95.90%2nd
Straight aquaplaning98.70%2nd
Dry braking98.80%2nd
Dry handling98.70%4th
Cabin noise83.10%8th
Rolling resistance90.30%5th

Buy the Continental Premium Contact 7 from Blackcircles.com…

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. 

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,733 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025