Skip advert
Advertisement

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 Gen-3 review

Pirelli has transformed this tyre into a clear winner

  • 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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,514 off RRP*Used from £11,195
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,310 off RRP*Used from £15,200
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,075 off RRP*Used from £10,295
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £6,416 off RRP*Used from £13,302
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Zeekr 9X has landed! Chinese SUV hits London ahead of brand’s 2026 launch
Zeekrs London

The Zeekr 9X has landed! Chinese SUV hits London ahead of brand’s 2026 launch

Exclusive interview with the boss of Chinese premium brand about its UK introduction
News
30 Oct 2025
Iconic Nissan Skyline set for 2027 rebirth, and it’ll be a manual
Nissan Skyline - front 3/4

Iconic Nissan Skyline set for 2027 rebirth, and it’ll be a manual

Nope, this isn’t a drill. Nissan’s leaning hard into its heritage for high performance enthusiast cars with a new Skyline.
News
30 Oct 2025
New Toyota RAV4 GR Sport 2026 review: playful SUV has plenty to like
Toyota RAV4 GR Sport PHEV - front

New Toyota RAV4 GR Sport 2026 review: playful SUV has plenty to like

The all-new Toyota RAV4 SUV is an improvement over the model it replaces, but still falls short in some areas
Road tests
31 Oct 2025