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

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,597 off RRP*Used from £7,595
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,705Avg. savings £6,173 off RRP*Used from £8,836
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £586 off RRP*Used from £9,495
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £5,225 off RRP*Used from £8,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Electricity VAT axe to make EV charging cheaper, just not if you can’t charge at home
Vauxhall Astra GSE connected to a home wallbox charger

Electricity VAT axe to make EV charging cheaper, just not if you can’t charge at home

VAT on domestic electricity will be scrapped from October, thus widening the gap between home and public charging
News
23 Jul 2026
New Dacia Spring confirmed for September reveal and super low price
New Dacia Spring - rear teaser

New Dacia Spring confirmed for September reveal and super low price

The new Spring will be based on the adorable Renault Twingo and built here in Europe
News
22 Jul 2026
New Volkswagen ID. Polo will start from under £24,000
Volkswagen ID Polo - front static

New Volkswagen ID. Polo will start from under £24,000

Volkswagen’s electric supermini is arriving with a 280-mile range, classy looks and a pinch of nostalgic charm
News
21 Jul 2026