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 £3,224 off RRP*Used from £13,495
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £8,206 off RRP*Used from £9,995
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £27,145Avg. savings £2,383 off RRP*Used from £15,509
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £1,429 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Make motorists pay-per-mile if you must, but at least use the cash to fix the roads!
Road repairs - opinion

Make motorists pay-per-mile if you must, but at least use the cash to fix the roads!

Dean Gibson wants more money from car taxation to go specifically on road maintenance
Opinion
25 Dec 2025
The Multi-Purpose Vehicle must return to save car buyers from their SUVs
Opinion - MPVs, header image

The Multi-Purpose Vehicle must return to save car buyers from their SUVs

Steve Walker thinks that MPVs would bring some much-needed choice back to a family car market fixated by SUVs
Opinion
26 Dec 2025
Cars that will die in 2026: get 'em before they're gone
Auto Express team members standing with their favourite outgoing cars

Cars that will die in 2026: get 'em before they're gone

In 2026 we'll wave goodbye to some big names from the automotive world. We drive the best of these death row models one last time...
Features
27 Dec 2025