Nokian Z G2
Whisper-quiet rubber gave top names a run for their money
Best known for its winter tyres, Nokian is fast becoming a top choice for summer use as well, after finishing close behind premium rivals Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli and former winner Vredestein.
Its biggest problem was on the dry handling circuit, where it felt a bit like a winter pattern and lacked the precision of the best. It was safe, though, and only around a second slower than the fastest.
It managed fifth in dry braking, half a metre behind the winning Continental. It showed similar form in the wet, although it preferred the shallower water of the tracks and braking strips to the 7mm used in aquaplaning.
Traction was good on the handling circuit, but lateral grip let it down, so it finished around 1.5 seconds off the winning pace.
Fifth spot here was matched on the wet circle and curved aquaplaning, although it was further off the pace. Drivers wanting a quiet tyre should consider the G2, plus it’s efficient; the tyre came seventh, but at the back of a closely matched pack.
Our verdict
Brand focuses on winter driving, but this result proves it’s a year-round solution.
| On test… | Score | Ranking |
| Wet braking | 90.5% | 5th |
| Wet handling | 98.1% | 5th |
| Wet cornering | 97.6% | =5th |
| Straight aquaplaning | 95.9% | 8th |
| Curved aquaplaning | 78.8% | 5th |
| Dry braking | 95.6% | 5th |
| Dry handling | 97.8% | 10th |
| Rolling resistance | 92.4% | 7th |
| Cabin noise | 99.4% | 2nd |
| Overall | 98.4% | 5th |
Contact
Nokian: http://www.nokiantyres.com/products
