In its 2019 series of summer tyre tests, Auto Bild has compared 11 sports tyres in the size 245/45 R18. Tests conducted on different road surfaces provided the opportunity to summarise the main strengths and weaknesses of these tyres.
Tyres put through the track test
After passenger car tyres and those for SUVs, it’s now time for sports tyres. Auto Bild has conducted tests to find the best UHP summer tyres in the popular size 245/45 R18. This year, the German magazine has compared 11 tyres including 4 (Bridgestone, Goodyear, Nokian and Pirelli) which make their first appearance in this type of test:
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Continental Premium Contact 6
- Fulda Sport Control 2
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
- Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
- Maxxis Premitra 5
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4
- Nokian Powerproof
- Pirelli P Zero PZ4
- Toyo Proxes Sport
- Vredestein UltracVorti
These 11 sports tyres were put through a series of tests, in a standard setup, on the Austrian Wachauring track.
No bad surprises
If some tyres can be disappointing and show a level of performance below market standards in certain tests, it is not the case here. Even the lowest ranked tyre is considered to be “satisfactory” by Auto Bild.
The Fulda Sport Control 2 offers a very good price performance ratio since it is cheap and has a low rolling resistance. This orientation means that the tyre does not offer the best level of performance, particularly in terms of grip and wet braking.
Reassuring in wet conditions thanks to its high aquaplaning resistance, the Toyo Proxes Sport also delivers good handling on different surfaces. Its low price does not compensate for its high rolling resistance. This tyre also tends to understeer and its braking distances are relatively long in wet conditions.
In the cheap tyre category, the Maxxis Premitra is efficient in dry conditions with short braking distances and a low rolling resistance. It falls behind with its wet handling and slow steering response, its tendency to understeer and longer braking distances than its competitors.
Along the same lines, with similar points, the BridgestoneTuranza T005 has a much higher price tag than the Taiwanese manufacturer’s tyre. However, it has very good aquaplaning resistance and short dry braking distances while offering a good level of comfort.
The new Nokian Powerproof makes a respectable entry in tests after its recent launch. Offering good handling and safety, stopping distances are short in dry conditions and it is economical in terms of consumption. Auto Bild points out its good braking performance but only in wet conditions, a slight tendency to understeer and longer braking distances than its competitors.
The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2, which has since been replaced by the evo3 version, offers very good safety reserves and balanced handling in wet and dry conditions. With this tyre, dry braking distances are short. Although braking distances are a little longer in wet conditions, the tyre performs well and obtains the “good” rating from the German magazine.
5 “exemplary” tyres
Despite its high rolling resistance, Auto Bild considers that the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti has a very good price / performance ratio. The German magazine says it offers very good, dynamic handing and an accurate steering response. According to the test, its high ride comfort and short braking distances makes it an excellent tyre.
In a similar style but at a higher price, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 proposes a high level of sportiness. The secure lateral grip means this tyre provides safe handling in all weather conditions while maintaining a very sporty feeling. This tyre has also the best resistance to aquaplaning.
Good handling on wet and dry surfaces, the Continental Premium Contact 6 provides good road holding in all circumstances. Its precise steering on different surfaces and short braking distances makes it an excellent tyre despite its high noise level, according to Auto Bild.
The all new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, released at the end of last year, stood out by taking second place in this test. Its handling is exemplary in dry and wet conditions where it offers precise, sporty and very dynamic handling. It has good aquaplaning resistance, and also has short braking distances on all surfaces. The only drawback is its high rolling resistance.
The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 is the best sports tyre for 2019 according to the Auto Bild test. Winner with no flaws, this tyre provides excellent handling on dry and wet roads. Well balanced, it has a precise steering response and reacts quickly. Safe, it has a high resistance to aquaplaning and short braking distances on different types of roads.
| Tyre | Ranking | Remarks |
| Pirelli P Zero PZ4 | 1 | Winner without flaws |
| Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 | 2 | Exemplary handling, relatively high rolling resistance |
| Continental Premium Contact 6 | 3 | Good handling and precise everywhere, high noise |
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | 4= | Safe, sporty performance, most expensive tyre of the comparison test |
| Vredestein Ultrac Vorti | 4= | Best price performance ratio, relatively high rolling resistance |
| Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 | 6 | Good handling on all surfaces, relatively long wet braking |
| Nokian Powerproof | 7 | Safe in dry conditions, relatively long wet braking distances |
| Bridgestone Turanza T005 | 8= | Good in dry conditions, not as good in the wet |
| Maxxis Premitra 5 | 8= | The cheapest, slow steering response |
| Toyo Proxes Sport | 8= | Good resistance to aquaplaning, tends to understeer |
| Fulda Sport Control 2 | 11 | Economical, relatively long wet braking distances |
