Firestone has launched the second generation of its any-weather tyre, the Multiseason, which tests have shown has significantly better performance than the earlier version.

Winter tests on wet and dry roads at the start of the year conducted by the German auto organisation, the TUV, and fitted in 205/55 R16 94V size to a VW Golf, revealed 9% better braking in dry conditions and 14% in the wet. The tyre is labelled ‘B’ for wet grip. The Multiseason also carries the Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) marking so it is certified as a winter tyre.

It is ‘C’ rated for fuel efficiency and internal testing shows it is 20% better than the tyre it replaces.

Laurent Dartoux, chief strategy & marketing officer at Bridgestone EMEA, said: “We wanted to offer peace of mind to all drivers with the new generation of Multiseason. The roads might be dry when they leave home, wet by the time they arrive at work, and snowy when they drive home. But with the second generation of Multiseason, drivers will stay safe and feel in control all year-round regardless of the weather conditions may be.”

Firestone is launching the Multiseason this summer with more sizes due from January 2020. There will be 50 different sizes between 13 and 18 inches, covering 90% of the market, and 70% in high rim sizes of 17 inches and above suitable for SUVs.