Top Tire Review APAC Touring Tire Test: Introducing Top Tire Review’s Inaugural Tire Showdown! –> Ladies and gentlemen, gearheads and driving enthusiasts, prepare yourselves for the most exhilarating tire test of the year! In our pioneering venture into tire evaluations, Top Tire Review presents a face-off like no other. We’ve brought together six of the most sought-after names in the touring segment: Giti Control P10, Michelin Primacy 4 ST, Continental UltraContact UC7, Bridgestone Turanza T005A, Nexen N Fera SU1, and Goodtrip GM-5. But only one can truly reign supreme!
Buckle up, because we’re taking these tires to the limit across eight exhaustive tests, navigating both wet and dry terrains. Our comprehensive review will provide clarity to the age-old debate: which tire provides the pinnacle of performance, safety, and value? Will it be the renowned prowess of Michelin? The consistent reliability of Bridgestone? The evolving sophistication of Giti or the dark horses, Nexen and Goodtrip? Or perhaps Continental will surprise us all with its UltraContact mastery?
Join us on this rubber-burning journey as we chart unexplored terrains, push boundaries, and ultimately unveil the champion of touring tires. Let the tire tussle begin!
Table of Contents
Test Setup
We centered our tire test on the BMW F30 equipped with brand-new 225/45 R18 tires, amidst the tropical setting of West Java, Indonesia, with temperatures ranging between 28-35°C. Recognizing the tires’ primary market as South East Asia, we’ve intentionally selected a proving ground that mirrors the region’s characteristic hot and humid conditions, ensuring that our test authentically reflects real-world driving situations. This environment challenges the tires across wet and dry terrains.
For uniformity, front tires are calibrated at 2.2 bar, with rear tires at 2.4 bar. The Giti Control P10 serves as our reference tire, providing a consistent benchmark for comparison amidst the contenders, ensuring any observed variations stem from tire design and not external factors.
Note that for subjective evaluations, we consider 1 point to be equivalent to 10%. This means that if tire A receives a rating of 7 and tire B receives a rating of 8, tire B is deemed 10% better than tire A. For noise tests, an increase of 1 dB corresponds to a 10% change in rating. This reflects the logarithmic nature of decibel measurements. The overall test ratings are derived based on the following weightage distribution: Noise & Comfort at 25%, Wet Performance at 40%, Dry Performance at 30%, and Rolling Resistance (RR) at 5%.
Noise
In the APAC region, vehicular noise and comfort are paramount due to the region’s dense urban settings and varied driving conditions. To address these concerns, we conducted three tests: pass by noise for external measurements, interior noise for in-cabin acoustic comfort, and a subjective noise and comfort evaluation to gauge overall driving experience.
Pass By Noise Results
Understanding tire noise, especially during drive-by scenarios, is crucial for both vehicle manufacturers and consumers. The R117 noise regulation plays a pivotal role in this. Established to create a standardized method of measuring tire noise, R117 ensures that manufacturers are producing tires that contribute to quieter road environments, benefiting both drivers and pedestrians.
From our pass by noise test results:
- The Bridgestone Turanza T005A emerged as the quietest tire, registering a mere 69.8 dB. It just slightly pip Michelin Primacy 4 ST with a minute 0.1 dB difference !
- On the flip side, the Goodtrip GM-5 was the loudest in the lineup, with a reading of 71.2 dB, which is 0.5 dB more than the second last finisher.
Such tests underscore the importance of tire selection in influencing the auditory comfort of a drive and the broader impact on the surrounding environment.
Interior Noise Results
Moving to the interior noise assessment, this test is vital from a driver’s perspective, offering insights into the cabin’s acoustic environment during drives. For accurate readings, microphones were strategically positioned in both the front and back seats to capture the nuances of tire-generated noise.
From the gathered data:
- The Continental UltraContact UC7 recorded the lowest interior noise, presenting an impressive 71.7 dB at the front and 72.1 dB at the back.
- Conversely, the Goodtrip GM-5 showed the highest readings, with 73.2 dB at the front and 73.3 dB at the back.
Such results highlight the importance of tire choice in influencing the in-cabin ambiance and overall driving comfort.
Subjective noise and comfort results
Delving into the subjective noise and comfort test, where ratings were given out of 10:
For subjective noise:
- Both the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Continental UltraContact UC7 tied for the top spot, earning an average rating of 7.25. Giti Control P10 was closely behind with a 7.15 rating.
- The Goodtrip GM-5, however, lagged behind the rest with a rating of 6.7, making it the least favored in terms of noise perception.
When it comes to subjective ride comfort:
- The Bridgestone Turanza T005A took the lead, securing a commendable rating of 7.3.
- In contrast, the Goodtrip GM-5 again found itself at the tail end, with a comfort rating of 6.65.
These subjective evaluations provide a holistic view, illustrating how drivers might perceive and feel about the overall performance and comfort of each tire during real-world driving scenarios.
Rolling Resistance
In today’s age, where sustainability and energy efficiency are paramount, rolling resistance becomes a pivotal consideration for tire performance. Lower rolling resistance not only reduces fuel consumption in traditional vehicles, but it’s also a key factor in extending battery ranges in electric vehicles (EVs). A tire with a lower rolling resistance coefficient can effectively translate to an EV driving further on a single charge, making it a critical element in the current automotive landscape.
Comparing the provided data:
- The Michelin Primacy 4 ST boasts the best rolling resistance with a coefficient of 7.8 N/KN, indicating optimal energy efficiency.
- The Bridgestone Turanza T005A registered the highest rolling resistance at 9.2 N/KN. Notably, this result can be attributed to the tire being tested with a non-XL load due to its specification, which clarifies its position at the end.
These findings illustrate the evolving priorities in tire design and the increasing emphasis on creating tires that contribute to a more sustainable and efficient future.
Dry
While many factors contribute to a tire’s overall performance, its behavior on dry roads is foundational. For most drivers, dry conditions are the default, representing the majority of their driving experiences. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on long road trips, the assurance of dependable grip, stability, and responsiveness on dry asphalt is paramount.
Dry Braking Results
Upon assessing the dry braking performances:
- The Michelin Primacy 4 ST showcases superior stopping capabilities, requiring just 36.01 meters to come to a complete halt. This makes it the top performer in dry braking among the contenders. It is also worth to mentioned only 0.12 meters separated the top 3 tires.
- On the opposite end, the Goodtrip GM-5 took the longest distance to stop, clocking in at 39.29 meters.
These results emphasize the varied braking efficiencies across different tire models and underscore the importance of choosing a tire that guarantees both safety and performance during dry conditions.
Dry Handling Results
While the touring tire segment may not prioritize dry handling as its primary feature, it’s noteworthy that these tires still manage to deliver commendable performance in this area. It’s a testament to the advancements in tire technology that even within a segment focused on comfort and longevity, good dry handling remains a consistent trait.
- Subjectively, both the Michelin Primacy 4 ST and the Continental UltraContact UC7 impressed with a tied rating of 7.4/10, standing out for their perceived handling prowess. In contrast, the Goodtrip GM-5 received the lowest subjective score at 6.9/10.
- From an objective standpoint, based on lap times, the Continental UltraContact UC7 led the pack with a swift lap time of 26.9 seconds. The Goodtrip GM-5, however, trailed behind, completing its lap in 28.9 seconds.
These evaluations, both subjective and objective, highlight the importance of balancing the core requirements of the touring segment with the dynamic aspects of dry handling.
Wet
As we journey through our comprehensive tire review, we finally arrive at arguably the most pivotal criteria for the touring segment: wet performance. Wet conditions introduce a myriad of challenges on the road, making it crucial for tires to possess superior grip, stability, and water-dispersion capabilities.
The importance of wet performance cannot be overstated. Hydroplaning, a phenomenon where tires lose direct contact with the road due to a layer of water, can lead to a loss of control. The right tire design can significantly reduce this risk, offering better water evacuation and maintaining grip. Wet roads also inherently demand longer braking distances. Thus, a tire that excels in wet conditions ensures shorter stopping lengths, directly influencing accident prevention. Ultimately, when it comes to rain-soaked roads, the margin for error is slender, making a tire’s wet performance vital for safety.
With the backdrop of this significance, let’s delve into our test results to discern which tires stand out and which may need some rethinking in wet conditions.
Wet Braking Results
Upon examining the wet braking performances:
- The Giti Control P10 takes the lead, showcasing the best wet stopping capabilities by requiring only 17.91 meters to achieve a complete halt. Bridgestone Turanza T005A was second place trailing by 0.43meters.
- At the other end of the spectrum, the Goodtrip GM-5 demonstrated the longest braking distance in wet conditions, coming to a stop at 19.95 meters.
These results underline the diverse braking efficiencies across the tested models in wet conditions. It’s imperative to consider such differences, especially when prioritizing safety in the often challenging and unpredictable realm of rain-soaked roads.
Wet Handling Results
When it comes to wet handling, both subjective perceptions and objective metrics play an integral role in determining tire performance:
From the subjective ratings:
- The Michelin Primacy 4 ST emerges as the top performer, securing a remarkable score of 7.7/10, which reflects a commendable balance of grip, stability, and driver confidence in wet conditions.
- The Goodtrip GM-5, on the other hand, garnered the lowest subjective rating at 7.0/10, suggesting that there’s room for improvement in terms of perceived wet handling.
From the objective standpoint, using lap times:
- The Giti Control P10 stands out, completing the course in a swift 26.1 seconds, demonstrating excellent wet traction and control. Michelin Primacy 4 ST was a whisker behind trailing the 1st place finisher by 0.2 seconds.
- Conversely, the Goodtrip GM-5 posted the slowest time, with a lap completion of 28.2 seconds.
These findings reinforce the importance of wet handling, showing that while some tires manage to offer a confident grip and prompt response in wet conditions, others may struggle to deliver the same level of assurance.
Aquaplaning Results
Delving into the aquaplaning results:
- The Continental UltraContact UC7 emerges as the clear frontrunner in aquaplaning resistance, boasting an impressive slip speed of 77.53 km/h, which guarantees a safer and more stable ride in wet conditions, highlighting its superior grip and stability.
- Bringing up the rear, the Bridgestone Turanza T005A, while in the last position, is by no means a laggard. With a slip speed of 75.37 km/h, it still offers a performance that falls within the competitive range of its peers.
The conclusion of this aquaplaning test underscores a very tight affair, with a mere 2.16 km/h difference separating the first and last positions. This narrow margin highlights the stiff competition and the advanced engineering embedded in each tire, ensuring that even those at the bottom of the ranking provide commendable aquaplaning resistance.
2023 Top Tire Review APAC Touring Tire Test: Final Standings
1. Michelin Primacy 4 ST
| Ranking | % | |
| Pass By Noise | 2nd | 105.0% |
| Interior Noise,dB (front) | 5th | 99.9% |
| Interior Noise,dB (back) | 2nd | 104.1% |
| Subjective Comfort | 2nd | 100.0% |
| Subjective Noise | 1st | 101.0% |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st | 110.3% |
| Dry Braking | 1st | 100.3% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 1st | 101.3% |
| Dry Handling (obj) | 2nd | 103.2% |
| Wet Braking | 3rd | 95.5% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 1st | 102.0% |
| Wet Handling (obj) | 2nd | 99.2% |
| Aquaplaning | 3rd | 100.1% |
Pros:
- Superior handling in both wet and dry conditions, complemented by precise steering responsiveness. A comprehensive and commendable package.
Areas for Enhancement:
- While the tire performs admirably, there’s room for improvement in wet conditions, particularly in the aspect of wet braking.
2. Giti Control P10
| Ranking | % | |
| Pass By Noise | 3rd | 100% |
| Interior Noise,dB (front) | 4th | 100% |
| Interior Noise,dB (back) | 4th | 100% |
| Subjective Comfort | 2nd | 100% |
| Subjective Noise | 3rd | 100% |
| Rolling Resistance | 5th | 100% |
| Dry Braking | 3rd | 100% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 3rd | 100% |
| Dry Handling (obj) | 3rd | 100% |
| Wet Braking | 1st | 100% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 2nd | 100% |
| Wet Handling (obj) | 1st | 100% |
| Aquaplaning | 4th | 100% |
What we like
- Stands out as the top performer in wet braking during our tests. It also boasts the fastest wet handling lap time, coupled with a commendable comfort level.
What could be improved
- There is potential for refining its rolling resistance and further reducing its interior noise to enhance the overall experience.
3. Continental UltraContact UC7
| Ranking | % | |
| Pass By Noise | 5th | 97.0% |
| Interior Noise,dB (front) | 1st | 109.3% |
| Interior Noise,dB (back) | 1st | 107.5% |
| Subjective Comfort | 4th | 99.0% |
| Subjective Noise | 1st | 101.0% |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th | 103.6% |
| Dry Braking | 2nd | 100.1% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 2nd | 100.6% |
| Dry Handling (obj) | 1st | 104.9% |
| Wet Braking | 4th | 95.1% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 2nd | 100.0% |
| Wet Handling (obj) | 4th | 93.9% |
| Aquaplaning | 1st | 101.0% |
What we like
- This tire impresses with its extremely quiet and soothing characteristics, alongside commendable dry performance.
What could be improved
- Its performance in wet conditions could be bolstered. Additionally, pass-by noise remains an area for improvement.
4. Bridgestone Turanza T005A
| Ranking | % | |
| Pass By Noise | 1 | 106.0% |
| Interior Noise,dB (front) | 2 | 103.5% |
| Interior Noise,dB (back) | 5 | 98.4% |
| Subjective Comfort | 1 | 101.5% |
| Subjective Noise | 4 | 99.0% |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 | 93.5% |
| Dry Braking | 5 | 93.6% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 4 | 99.2% |
| Dry Handling (obj) | 4 | 99.6% |
| Wet Braking | 2 | 97.7% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 4 | 97.8% |
| Wet Handling (obj) | 5 | 93.5% |
| Aquaplaning | 6 | 98.2% |
What we like
- This tire excels in pass-by noise reduction and comfort, further solidified by its impressive second-place finish in wet braking.
What could be improved
- Its dry braking and aquaplaning capabilities could be improved.
5. Nexen N Fera SU1
| Ranking | % | |
| Pass By Noise | 3 | 100.0% |
| Interior Noise,dB (front) | 3 | 100.4% |
| Interior Noise,dB (back) | 3 | 101.8% |
| Subjective Comfort | 4 | 99.0% |
| Subjective Noise | 5 | 97.5% |
| Rolling Resistance | 2 | 108.9% |
| Dry Braking | 4 | 94.0% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 5 | 97.4% |
| Dry Handling (obj) | 4 | 99.6% |
| Wet Braking | 5 | 93.6% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 5 | 97.0% |
| Wet Handling (obj) | 3 | 94.3% |
| Aquaplaning | 5 | 99.3% |
What we like
- Ranks commendably as the second-best in rolling resistance.
What could be improved
- There’s big room for improvement in both wet and dry performance categories.
6. Goodtrip GM-5
| Ranking | % | |
| Pass By Noise | 6 | 92.0% |
| Interior Noise,dB (front) | 6 | 94.8% |
| Interior Noise,dB (back) | 6 | 94.9% |
| Subjective Comfort | 6 | 95.0% |
| Subjective Noise | 6 | 95.5% |
| Rolling Resistance | 3 | 106.2% |
| Dry Braking | 6 | 91.9% |
| Dry Handling (subj) | 6 | 96.3% |
| Dry Handling (obj) | 6 | 97.9% |
| Wet Braking | 6 | 89.8% |
| Wet Handling (subj) | 6 | 95.0% |
| Wet Handling (obj) | 6 | 92.0% |
| Aquaplaning | 2 | 100.4% |
What we like
- Offers satisfactory performance in aquaplaning and rolling resistance.
What could be improved
- Demonstrates significant deficiencies in both wet and dry performance metrics. Not recommended based on current evaluations.
Summary
Concluding the “2023 Top Tire Review APAC Touring Tire Test,” each tire showcased unique strengths and areas for refinement. From superior wet conditions performance to standout dry grip, the competition was intense and closely-fought. This test underlines the advancements in tire technology and each brand’s dedication to excellence. While we crowned a champion, every contender demonstrated their own capability and weakness . Thanks for joining us on this insightful journey, and always remember: the quality of your ride matters. Drive safely!