Skip advert
Advertisement

Michelin Pilot Sport 3

Firm has widened focus on fuel economy to produce a top buy

There has been a revolution at Michelin, as the firm seems to have changed the key factors it builds into its tyres.

Fuel economy used to be a top priority, with wet grip down the list, but the Pilot Sport 3 follows a more balanced approach. It’s still good, if no longer always the best on fuel consumption, and now this is combined with a strong wet road showing.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It was brilliant in our aquaplaning tests, just in front of the Pirelli, even after our test weighting lessened the impact of its superb showing on the curved aquaplaning result and ninth place on the wet circle.

Traction was excellent on the wet circuit, although the rear of the Golf moved around more than with most rivals; this could help lap times, yet meant a demanding drive.

The balance was restored on dry tarmac, but grip dropped away early, and it required more steering lock. Plus, it propped up the dry braking table, nearly two metres behind the winning Continental. Add a poor noise result, and it has to settle for second.

Our verdict

Change in performance targets has worked, with firm delivering a better all-round tyre.

On test…ScoreRanking
Wet braking91.3%4th
Wet handling98.8%=3rd
Wet cornering96.4%9th
Straight aquaplaning99.8%2nd
Curved aquaplaning100%1st
Dry braking92.2%10th
Dry handling99%5th
Rolling resistance93.4%6th
Cabin noise98.2%=10th
Overall99.6%2nd

Contact

Michelin: http://www.michelin.co.uk/

 
 
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,383
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £10,000
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025