Tyres from less well known brands are getting closer to the market leaders for all-round performance and in some areas are even ahead, according to a comprehensive annual group test using family-car sized tyres by the respected magazine, Carbuyer.

It took more than 100 tyres in 205/55 R16 size to Bridgestone’s proving grounds near Rome with only Michelin being absent as it focused on its preparations to launch a new tyre. Each tread was put through nine separate assessments, a far more comprehensive analysis than the EU labelling scheme which only does three.

Within the overall classification there were some highs and lows. For example, while the Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 was the overall winner, taking top spot in handling tests – it shared this with the Hankook Ventus Prime3 on the dry track – its fuel economy was around 3% worse than the best.

Kumho’s Ecsta HS51 won for wet cornering and was third overall behind Continental and Bridgestone, Goodyear’s EfficientGrip Performance was found to be outclassed in certain areas by newer tyres but is still the best for interior noise and second in the straight aquaplaning test and although it was just outside the overall top ten in the final ranking, the German-designed Syron BlueTech was judged the best in the straight line aquaplaning test.

Turning to the Nankang AS-2+, Carbuyer said: “Tyre brands from the Far East aren’t too far behind well established makes and the Nankang’s results showed it was impressively close to more expensive tyres in some areas. Around the wet handling course, the AS-2+ felt balanced and secure, only noticeably struggling for traction out of corners. Its lap time was less than a couple of seconds behind the best, but it needed seven metres further to stop in the wet braking test.”

Summing up, it added: “The good news for consumers is that the gap between the best and worst tyres is getting smaller, no doubt spurred on somewhat by mandatory tyre labelling. Syron will be pleased its tyre won in the aquaplaning test but will need to iron out some issues elsewhere. The Nankang was a better all-rounder, but also needs improvements.

“Pirelli appears to have prioritised fuel economy at the cost of outright wet grip, while Falken and Toyo also struggled with the delicate balancing act between the two. The Goodyear and Hankook were closely matched, with the EfficientGrip better for saving fuel and the Prime3 working well in the dry. Kumho should also be happy with improved results on its return to our test.

“Not much separated our top three, particularly the Dunlop and Bridgestone runners-up. The latter illustrated something of a turning point in its tyre design, while the Dunlop continues to impress despite being first launched four years ago. Continental is on winning form again, achieving its dominance with strong results across the board.”

Carbuyer’s Top Ten

1. Continental ContiPremiumContact 5
2. Dunlop Sport BluResponse
3. Bridgestone Turanza T001
4. Kumho Ecsta HS51
5. Hankook Ventus Prime3
6. Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance
7. Falken Ziex ZE914 Ecorun
8. Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue
9. Toyo Proxes CF2
10. Nankang AS-2+