Skip advert
Advertisement

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3 review

Pirelli has transformed this tyre into a clear winner

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3
Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

  • Score: 100%
  • Ranking: 1st
  • Price: £115

The previous iteration of this Pirelli was a midfield runner, consistently good in each discipline but not a leading tyre. However, this new version has upped its performance everywhere and scored wins on all surfaces: snow, wet and dry. Even the scores behind its lowest rankings were decent and it lifted itself clear of some very strong opposition to take a well deserved win. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Snow was not its strongest area but its sixth in braking wasn’t far off the pace and it topped snow traction. It was third in handling in these conditions, but not the best in terms of feedback, because while it was usefully adjustable, it was light in feel. 

The Pirelli really got going in wet conditions, kicking off with equal first in braking. It was second and third in the aquaplaning tests and although it was fifth on the wet circle, it was a very tight grouping. 

Third on the circuit felt about right – it was a little bit up on its toes but had good bite, lots of grip and strong traction, so it was exploitable and effective at all times. 

Remarkably, it was first in dry braking too, stopping a half metre sooner than the next best tyre, and equal third in handling, where it felt almost like a summer tyre: clean, decisive and accurate. Its rolling resistance is a little high, but the Pirelli is a great all-season offering. 

We say:

“Very impressive. A clear winner and the best choice for UK conditions.”

Blackcircles.com says:

“We've received positive feedback on performance in various weather conditions”

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3ScorePlace
Snow braking91.4%6th
Snow traction100%1st
Snow handling99.5%3rd
Straight aquaplaning99.4%2nd
Curved aquaplaning98.5%3rd
Wet braking100%>1st
Wet handling98.9%3rd
Wet circle98.1%5th
Dry braking100%1st
Dry handling99.6%>3rd
Cabin noise100%>1st
Rolling resistance87.8%5th

Buy the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3 from Blackcircles.com

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £3,637 off RRP*Used from £10,895
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £30,210Used from £9,995
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,597 off RRP*Used from £8,516
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,270Avg. savings £3,278 off RRP*Used from £7,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Every new EV ranked 161 to 1: the complete guide to UK electric cars
161 best & worst UK EVs rated - header image

Every new EV ranked 161 to 1: the complete guide to UK electric cars

There are 161 different electric cars on sale in the UK and here’s the complete guide to every one of them…
Features
28 Aug 2026
New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: faster and more powerful than a BMW M3, but £25k less
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 - front

New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: faster and more powerful than a BMW M3, but £25k less

The 671bhp CLA 45 is hypercar-quick, while sounding and shaking like its got an angry four-cylinder under the bonnet
News
28 Aug 2026
New Volkswagen ID. California Cruise is the retro electric campervan we’ve been waiting for
New Volkswagen ID. California Cruise

New Volkswagen ID. California Cruise is the retro electric campervan we’ve been waiting for

Off-grid camping in style and comfort is one step closer with VW’s new ID. California Cruise
News
28 Aug 2026