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

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £5,624 off RRP*Used from £11,999
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,250 off RRP*Used from £25,250
Toyota Yaris Cross
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,532 off RRP*Used from £17,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Two new Volvo models on the way this year, and an estate car could follow
Volvo XC40 - front cornering

Two new Volvo models on the way this year, and an estate car could follow

Significantly upgraded SUVs are likely for 2026, but Swedish firm is also leaving the door open for new estate cars in future
News
17 Jul 2026
eVED pay-per-mile road tax explained: will it make EVs pricier than petrol?
eVED pay-per-mile road tax

eVED pay-per-mile road tax explained: will it make EVs pricier than petrol?

From April 2028, EV drivers will be forced to pay three pence for every mile they drive, over and above their annual road tax fee
News
17 Jul 2026
Long-term test: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro
BMW iX3 long-term test - header

Long-term test: BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro

First report: Award-winning first Neue Klasse BMW gets off to a strong start on our fleet
Long-term tests
18 Jul 2026