The German ADAC and Swiss Touring Club have compared different UHP (Ultra High Performance) tyres in the size 225/40 R18. The test shows that in some cases there is a compromise between wear and braking performance on wet.

By Published On: 4 June 2021Categories: Tyre reviews721 words3.8 min read
ADAC and TCS summer tyres test: Golf GTI on the track
UHP tyre test in size 225/40 R18. © ADAC

What is the best UHP summer tyre for ADAC and TCS?

Best UHP summer tyre +
Continental Premium Contact 6 (highly recommended) Excellent wet performance and low wear None
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (highly recommended) Quiet and low fuel consumption None
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 (highly recommended) Good performance balance and low wear None
Maxxis Victra Sport 5 (highly recommended) Good performance balance and quiet None
Nexen N’Fera Sport (recommended) Low wear and fuel consumption Weak wet performance
Sava Intensa UHP 2 (recommended) Low wear and fuel consumption Weak wet performance
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti (recommended) Low wear and fuel consumption Weak wet performance
Falken Azenis FK510 (recommended) Good wet performance and low wear Relatively weak in dry conditions
Bridgestone Potenza S001 (recommended) Very good in dry conditions Weak wet performance
Kumho Ecsta HS51 (recommended) Good performance balance Relatively high wear
Nokian Powerproof (recommended) Relatively quiet Relatively high wear
Pirelli P Zero (recommended) Good wet and dry performance High wear and fuel consumption
Toyo Proxes Sport (recommended) Good dry performance Low wear
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 (recommended) Low fuel consumption Weak wet performance
Cooper Zeon CS-Sport (recommended) Low wear Weak wet performance
Rotalla Setulla S-Pace RU01 (not recommended) Low fuel consumption Relatively weak wet and dry performance

Test of 16 UHP summer tyres

For the 2020 edition, 16 UHP summer tyres were tested in the very popular size 225/40 R18 for a Volkswagen Golf GTI. This size is also compatible with vehicles such as the Audi A3, BMW 1, 2, 3-Series and the Z4, Ford C-Max and Focus, Hyundai i30, Mercedes A, B, C-Class, CLA and SLK, Opel Astra, Meriva and Zafira, Skoda Octavia and Superb and the Volkswagen Golf or Touran.

Tyres reviewed:

The comparison test rewards the most balanced tyres and includes 6 categories: dry handling, wet handling, noise, fuel consumption; wear and rolling resistance with the first 2 categories accounting for 60% of the final score.

ADAC and TCS summer tyre test: fitting a tyre on a Golf
© ADAC

Only one tyre conditionally recommended

High performance in wet conditions is essential to be a good tyre, if we follow the ADAC and TCS methodology. This scoring method has already penalised many tyres in the past which obtained the “not recommended” rating.

Although no tyre obtained this dreaded rating, the Rotalla Setulla S-Pace RU01 was the only tyre to finish with the slightly higher “conditionally recommended” rating. In question? Its performances in wet conditions fall short of expectations, in the test conducted by ADAC and TCS.

Wet performance can be a problem

In this comparison test, 11 tyres obtained the “recommended” rating. As such, the scores for the Toyo Proxes SportPirelli P ZeroNokian Powerproof and the Kumho Ecsta PS71 are lower due to a mileage of around 30,000 km whereas the best tyres can last for an extra 10,000 km.

The Bridgestone Potenza S001Hankook Ventus S1 evo3Cooper Zeon CS-SportVredestein Ultrac VortiSava intensa UHP 2 and the Nexen N’Fera Sport tyres deliver a slightly weak performance on wet roads and lose ground. The Falken Azenis FK510 is relatively weak in dry conditions which results in a lower final score.

Just like the previous ADAC test results on tyres for SUVs has shown, some tyres make compromises between certain performances such as wear life and wet braking.

ADAC and TCS summer tyres test: Golf GTI in dry conditions
© ADAC

Best UHP tyres: 4 tyres highly recommended

Four tyres obtain the “highly recommended” rating from ADAC and TCS, proof that they have no weaknesses in all of the test categories. In the middle of the top tyres Continental, Michelin and Goodyear, the Maxxis Victra Sport 5 impressed testers, particularly with its low noise and very balanced performance. It obtains the same final score as the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, only behind the Pirelli P Zero in dry conditions while offering a much better balance of performance.

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and Continental Premium Contact 6 take the top spot, tying for first place. However, they offer different promises. The French tyre manufacturer’s tyre offers low fuel consumption and better ride comfort whereas the German brand’s tyre is safer, particularly for wet braking and handling.

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