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

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,442 off RRP*Used from £7,295
Toyota Yaris Cross
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,863 off RRP*Used from £17,795
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £8,315 off RRP*Used from £25,969
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault 5 updates unlock more range, but the price stays the same
2026 Renault 5 update - front overhead

New Renault 5 updates unlock more range, but the price stays the same

Clever tweaks have unlocked greater efficiency, plus buyers have more scope for customisation
News
22 Sep 2026
Slow-selling Ford Transit Nugget camper axed in UK
Ford Transit Custom Nugget - front

Slow-selling Ford Transit Nugget camper axed in UK

The Ford Transit Nugget has been discontinued in the UK, but marches on in left-hand-drive markets
News
22 Sep 2026
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon 30/06/26

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2026, 2027 and beyond

Here are the most important new cars from Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
21 Sep 2026