Pirelli Cinturato P7 review
After a troubled beginning, it seems Pirelli is finally getting a handle on the Cinturato P7, and is making the tyre a match for premium rivals
It is the fourth year in a row that we’ve tested this latest C2 version of the Cinturato P7, and this is its best result yet. We’ve written before that we can’t fathom what is going on with this big seller and we don’t have much more of an idea now. From joint last on its 2020 debut, to eighth in 2021, there’s evidence that whatever Pirelli is doing to the P7 is working. It’s closer to the front than ever before and, if you ignore the standout Continental, is among the leaders.
There’s a pretty balanced approach, too, with no real lows or highs. It was third across the wet tests, behind the Continental and Vredestein. It did well in braking, finishing best of the rest with the Hankook, just a metre behind Continental. It was close to the best for handling and cornering. The Pirelli had that vital strong front end entering and through corners, with decent traction on the exit and no interference from a wayward rear axle. This was a major improvement on the shortage of balance we’ve seen before. That same pleasing feel was there in the dry, too, with a stable rear.
Fuel economy was on a par with most rivals, while cabin noise provided the P7 with its only win. Over our rough tarmac and concrete paving, the noise was mid pitch and at a low level.
Blackcircles.com says…
"A popular tyre, rated 4.6/5 for ‘would buy again’ and noted for its good all-round performance, puncture protection and giving peace of mind."
Results
| Pirelli Cinturato P7 | ||
| Overall | 98.6% | |
| Price | £91.32 | |
| Wet braking | 96.0% | =2nd |
| Wet handling | 98.1% | =8th |
| Wet cornering | 98.1% | 9th |
| Curved aquaplaning | 86.6% | 6th |
| Straight aquaplaning | 93.9% | 7th |
| Dry braking | 97.4% | 5th |
| Dry handling | 99.0% | 7th |
| Cabin noise | 100% | 1st |
| Rolling resistance | 73.1% | 7th |
