Skip advert
Advertisement

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 review

The Pirelli saw off some fierce competition to become our favourite all-season tyre

  • Score: 100%
  • Ranking: 1st
  • Price: £127

Last year’s winner dominated our all-season test once again. Top in four tests, second in four more and with an equal third and a fourth its lowest rankings, the Pirelli All Seasons set an unassailable standard.

That equal third place was in snow braking, but it was within half a metre of the best and went on to set the pace in the traction test and around the handling circuit, where it seemed to have more of everything – but particularly traction and lateral grip. It was composed and really inspired confidence, which contributed to a remarkable consistency: all three timed laps were within a tenth of a second.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Pirelli was just as impressive on the wet handling circuit, finishing third, and a mere 0.6sec behind the pace-setting Continental. It felt great there too, with terrific turn-in and mid-corner grip. It didn’t put a wheel wrong around the lap, finding the ideal lines and hitting all the clipping points to deliver a satisfying, solid performance. This was bolstered by a second-place spot in wet braking, fourth on the wet circle (but not far off the pace) and a pair of strong aquaplaning results – first in the curved test and second in the straight.

It notched up another first place in dry braking; it stopped from 62mph in 36.9m, 1.3m better than the next best tyre and almost 3m better than the third. It was second on the handling circuit, where it felt right at home: grippy, responsive, finely adjustable and quiet. It was quiet according to the noise meter, too, ranking second quietest on our three surfaces. All this and third-best rolling resistance.

Objectively, it was a very strong performance on all three surfaces, and it delivered top-drawer feel and feedback around the laps. Outstanding.

We say:

“The definitive all-season tyre, and perfectly matched to UK conditions.”

Blackcircles.com says:

“We are unable to provide any insight into the tyre’s popularity or performance with customers at present.”

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3ScorePlace
Snow braking98.9%=3rd
Snow traction100%1st
Snow handling100%1st
Straight aquaplaning98.3%2nd
Curved aquaplaning100%1st
Wet braking99.3%2nd
Wet handling99.3%3rd
Wet circle97.6%=4th
Dry braking100%1st
Dry handling99.8%2nd
Cabin noise99.2%2nd
Rolling resistance90.2%3rd

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

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £10,295
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,481 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £6,189 off RRP*Used from £12,195
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,644 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades
AUDI E5 Sportback - front tracking

New AUDI E5 Sportback 2026 review: the best car Audi has built in decades

This is the first car from Audi's China-focused sub-brand, and it's a real shame that we won't be getting it
Road tests
16 Jan 2026
New BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a bargain alternative to the Kia Sportage
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i - front static

New BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is a bargain alternative to the Kia Sportage

Chinese giant is pitching its new plug-in SUV at the mainstream elite, but undercuts them on price
News
14 Jan 2026
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan spied with brand new body and interior
Volkswagen ID. Tiguan - front 3/4

Volkswagen ID. Tiguan spied with brand new body and interior

The transformation from ID.4 to ID. Tiguan will be big, as VW preps one its most important new cars of 2026
News
15 Jan 2026