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

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,411 off RRP*Used from £24,999
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,239 off RRP*Used from £13,990
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,270Avg. savings £2,406 off RRP*Used from £8,745
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £7,970
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus primed for sensational return, but as an SUV
Ford Focus exclusive image

Ford Focus primed for sensational return, but as an SUV

Could a new Ford Focus be ready to fight Europe’s biggest sellers such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Nissan Qashqai?
News
4 Jun 2026
Kia PV5 gets long-awaited 7-seat version for under £37k
Kia PV5 7-seater - front 3/4

Kia PV5 gets long-awaited 7-seat version for under £37k

The seven-seat Kia PV5 boosts family-friendly range alongside some neat range-wide upgrades
News
3 Jun 2026
New Audi Q4 e-tron: the cheapest Audi EV just got even cheaper
Audi Q4 e-tron facelift - front action

New Audi Q4 e-tron: the cheapest Audi EV just got even cheaper

Audi’s second best-selling car has just been made even better
News
4 Jun 2026