Looks like the Continental Conti Sport 5 won yet another tyre test. ... ( I think I can hear the moans already .. )
http://www.evo.co.uk/features/16545/best-tyres-evo-tyre-test-2015/page/0/4
This one was from EVO in Sep 2015. The interesting thing here is that it was actually on the same tyre size as the S3 / Golf R rather than the 17inch versions in previous tests.
Hands up....I have to admit I have actually been pretty impressed with the Conti Sport 5 tyre. The roads around where I live are shocking, pot hole heaven and with terrible road surfaces, and they have performed great, no punctures ( I had some issues with previous cars / tyre brands ) and no issues with grip levels. I have found them consistent in just about all weather conditions, both wet and dry, handling as expected..if not better than expected ( although Quattro 4WD ( yes I know its only Haldex.. but it probably all helps to keep u planted around the bendy bits !
) . I have also found them to still be pretty good even though I am close to the wear indicators (3.5 - 4mm on the front and 5mm on the back @ 15k miles). Mileage probably not the best out of a set of tyres, but certainly not the worst with some changing after 6-8k. In fact some changing from new as they don't like the tyres at all !!!
I have also not really noticed them drop off in performance..( famous last words with the weather turning ) , i.e. no flashing traction control lights or spongy feel from them etc, even when pushing on. ( although to be fair I probably don't push them that hard.. no rally driving around here ! ). I have also not really noticed any excess noise, although I don't tend to drive around specifically listening to tyres or have the windows down. ( its either the exhaust or the stereo ! ). I do look after the pressures and keep a close eye on them but that's it. I don't like tyres to go below 3mm depth ( even though 1.6mm is the UK limit ) so thats where I always change and hence why I have started to look around as its getting closish.
I noticed there was also thread on Pistonheads about tyres and thats what started the ball rolling.....
However finding this thread here and reading through most of it.. has got me thinking yet again.... What tyres next .. Should I stick with another set of the Contis or bust for a different brand... and then if so what..???
Currently ( as of Jan 2016 ) all of the so called " premium " tyres are pretty much in the same ball park price wise. There are also quite a few deals out there especially if you buy a pair or 4 tyres. .. Halfords for example with £15 off every pair ... ( once again I can hear the groans )... ( I will probably buy 4 tyres and save the best 2 original tyres from the rear for punctures) .. I'm historically good at picking up nails / screws and even an old door handle ( yes I did say a door handle) great for getting punctures ! .
Tyre Options:
** Michelin PS3 ( PS4 latest version )- Price £99 upwards for PS3 / £110 for PS4 fitted ( Have always been a fan of Michelin tyres, found them very good on previous cars ( hot hatches etc ) , although wear rates worst than others )
** Goodyear Eagle F1 AS2 ( AS3 newer tyre ? ) Price £96 upwards fitted ( had these on previous rear wheel drive cars and loved them, both look and feel.. great tyre )
** Conti Sport 5 - Price £90 upwards fitted - Only had Contis once before and not anything like the Sport 5's. The things just would not wear out... These Sport 5's though are the complete opposite.. Although I am not moaning at 15k. Shame they don't do the newer Sport 6 in the 18 inch size yet.
** I notice that the Michelin Pilot Super Sports are not load rating 92Y but only 88Y. Not sure what difference that makes, but as mine is a Sportback and at times I have the boot loaded up and the rear seats full ( kids ) I will probably stick with 92Y load rating which I presume are safer with errrm... loads ( hence the rating? ) . So I will probably not look at the PSS.
** I also notice that the Conti Sport 5, seem to come in various OEM types which strangely are more expensive and have worst ratings for noise / fuel economy etc i.e. Merc / Audi variants etc than just the standard tyre... Not sure what that is all about ?
Anyway .... I digress.... Am I the only one out there though, who doesn't think the worst of the Conti Sport 5's ? .. And can someone please help me make a decision re tyre choice...
I'm going round and round and round... literally. !
Thanks
Jungle
