Skip advert
Advertisement

Continental ContiSportContact 3

Our former champ is left half way down the field this time

Regular test winner Continental has to settle for a midfield place, a few percentage points behind the podium. Usually, its tyres are well balanced all-rounders, scoring in every area, but the ContiSportContact 3 was up and down.

As with the Bridgestone, it starred on dry roads, taking a clear win in the braking test and a close second on the handling track. It felt sharp, with good initial turn-in, but required more lock than the Potenza S001 as the loads built up. It was also the quietest tyre tested.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The sporty turn-in was evident on the wet track, too, but it lost grip as the power was applied in corners; although it remained well balanced, it was off the pace. This was reflected in the closely matched wet cornering test.

It struggled more in wet braking, taking over three metres longer to stop than the winning Pirelli. The aquaplaning results reflected its wet cornering problem: it was reasonable in a straight line, but trailed on the curve. Fourth for rolling resistance is impressive, though.

Our verdict

Strong choice in the dry, but has trouble on wet roads. Should be easy on the pocket.

On test…ScoreRanking
Wet braking86.6%8th
Wet handling97%=7th
Wet cornering96%10th
Straight aquaplaning96.1%=5th
Curved aquaplaning72.1%9th
Dry braking100%1st
Dry handling99.6%=2nd
Rolling resistance95.4%4th
Cabin noise100%1st
Overall98.2%6th

Contact

Continental: http://www.conti-online.com

 
 
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 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
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025