Continental Ultra Contact 6: For the first time in APAC, Continental launch a dedicated SUV product : Continental Ultra Contact 6 SUV. This tire has a different pattern compared to the UC6 hence entirely qualified as its own unique product. From the UC6 SUV brochure, it promotes a “High safety levels in both wet and dry conditions” and a “Precise handling and direct response designed for SUV plus a Quiet and comfortable ride“. Luckily for us, this tire is included in the SUV showdown conducted by emao.com and enables us to quickly compare how this tire performs in comparison to other top premium tire manufacturers.
Table of Contents
1. Wet braking.
Wet braking has somewhat been a staple advertisement criteria citing safety concerns. This make sense as a shorter braking distance during a rainy day could potentially save lives. How good is the UC6 SUV’s wet braking? The tire came in 4th among its competitor while it is not surprising that Michelin Primacy SUV once again is in the top spot. UC6 SUV takes about 1.3m longer to stop from a speed of 80-0km/h.
2. Wet handling
From the joint test, UC6 SUV came in 4th once again with tire ranking was similar like the wet braking results. The 1st place tire (Primacy SUV) was 1.9 seconds faster in the wet handling track compare to UC6 SUV.
3. Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning….. the criteria for people who can not seem to slow down when they run over a big puddle 🙂 . UC6 SUV did not fair well placing 5th clocking a speed of 77.7km/h @15% tire slip. The Hankook Ventus S1 EVO SUV 2 seems to be a beast in this catogery toping the charts with a speed of 84.8 km/h @ 15% tire slip.
4. Dry braking
With a disappointing wet braking performance, UC6 SUV redeem itself by coming on top of the dry braking test. It took the tire 37.9m to brake from 100-0 km/h. The closest competitor was 0.5m longer.
5. Rolling resistance
UC6 SUV placed 3rd on the rolling resistance chart beating Michelin Primacy SUV. Similar to the touring test results, Landsail LS588 SUV has a very 7% better rolling resistance compare to UC6 SUV.
6. Comfort
As SUV vehicles has a very good level of comfort in general, the tires has to at least maintain the same level. The UC6 SUV came out on top with the best comfort tire among the competitors. You might wonder how was this test performed? It was done by an experience test driver which uses the test tire to pass through roads with different roughness at different speeds and give an evaluation of the tires’ ability to filter bumps.
7. Cost
A 225/65 R17 UC6 SUV cost around RM 378 while in comparison with a Michelin Primacy SUV which cost RM 445. This make the UC6 SUV 17% cheaper. For the latest update on all UC6 SUV prices, please visit our table or app.
Summary
Overall UC6 SUV represents a balance tire. Its key strength in dry braking & comfort couple with an attractive price points makes it a great value purchase.