Skip advert
Advertisement

Tyre Test 2011

The Auto Express annual tyre test is back! We put 10 leading brands to the test to find Britain’s top tyre

Tyre Test 2011

Compulsory tyre labelling comes into force next year, and manufacturers have never been so busy as they work to comply with the new rules. Each pattern will carry a rating, similar to those on fridges and other white goods, and makers are refining their line-ups to ensure they avoid the lowest bands.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But labelling takes into account only three factors: noise, fuel economy and wet grip. So has this frantic development for high ratings left us with rubber that scores well in those areas alone? For a complete picture of how a tyre performs and compares to rivals, we tested 10 of the best in nine key categories – spelled out below – and also considered price. So which is top of the Auto Express ratings, and deserves our Best Buy label?

As always, we look at a top-selling size – and this year, we return to the highly popular 225/45R17 tyre found on many family cars like our Volkswagen Golf test models. We also returned to Bridgestone’s state-of-the-art test facility in Aprilia, just south of Rome, Italy. All our assessments were carried out by Auto Express drivers, apart from those requiring specialist skills and equipment.

We asked each manufacturer to send 10 tyres – eight for track testing and two for rolling resistance. Plus, we bought two sets at random and compared them to the supplied rubber on the wet braking strip; this ensured we were testing exactly what you can buy.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Astra

2023 Vauxhall

Astra

11,209 milesAutomaticDiesel1.5L

Cash £21,199
View Astra
EcoSport

2019 Ford

EcoSport

16,963 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,495
View EcoSport
Grandland X

2020 Vauxhall

Grandland X

45,973 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,495
View Grandland X
e-tron

2023 Audi

e-tron

23,874 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £19,983
View e-tron

While the testing remains as rigorous as ever, we have changed the way we present our results, focusing on the tyres rather than the disciplines. In terms of scoring, the winner of each discipline is rated at 100 per cent and the rest ranked relative to its performance.

So which is the best all-rounder for your car? Our comprehensive test will reveal all.

The verdict

Former F1 champ Goodyear is on to another winner with the Asymmetric 2, combining consistent performances across our tests to take victory in this key size. There’s another GP star in second, as Michelin’s new design philosophy pays off: the Pilot Sport 3 just beat wet road champ Pirelli and fellow rain master Vredestein. A slight gap to Nokian proved it’s not only for winter driving. Continental struggled in the wet tests, as did Dunlop. Host Bridgestone will not be happy to finish last of the premium brands. New Apollo came ninth, and will be pleased to have just pipped Korean rival Hankook.

RankingTyreOverall score
1Goodyear100.0%
2Michelin99.6%
3Pirelli99.3%
4Vredestein99.2%
5Nokian98.4%
6Continental98.2%
7Dunlop98.0%
8Bridgestone97.3%
9Apollo97.0%
10Hankook96.5%
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,886
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,135
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025