Autoexpress tyre test.

[Ess_Three]

Isn't that what counts? Real world drivers, on their own cars, over 20,000 varied miles in different weather etc? Anyone, like pants, everyone has a favorite and these are mine.

I'd say so...

Too many variables to say x is just 'better' than y.
Feel, driving style and confidence come into play as much as anything...and besides, you can change a tyres behaviour by playing with the pressures.

Personally, I've never foung Michelin Pilots that good on a FWD car...but great on RWD.
SportContacts I've never rated - OK, but little more.
Same with the Bridgestones fitted to the Mk6...

Personally, I'd trust the opinion of someone who drives in a similar manner, and past experience over a magazine test.

[david25]

I have also found out that there are a variety of Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres.
There is a specific R050A for VW and is more expensive than the Michelins or Continentals. It is specifically designed for low noise. Most confusing, as there is a range of RE050As from £116.33 to £151.68 each and fitted (Prices from Blackcircles). The £151.68 one is specifically for VW.

That's very interesting, do you have a specific part number for the £151.68 tyre?

My GT160 came with RE050-91W non-A tyres which are around £105 to replace.

[am1w]

David: I was discussing this with another member and it seems that these Bridgestones are a headache to order due to so many sub varieties for the same tyre and possibly part number. If mine ever wear out, I'll get something else from recommendations from the lads on the forum.
The Bridgestones are too noisy for me.
The non A tyre is not reinforced as you will see from the links.

Link for Blackcircles for the Bridgestones:

http://www.blackcircles.com/order/tyres/filter - Fully fitted

http://www.blackcircles.com/order/tyres/filter - Tyres only

[Steve30]

I'm torn now between the Michys & Vredestein Sessanta Ultracs ?? Which is the best??

Gossa give us an update on th above mate?

[david25]

David: I was discussing this with another member and it seems that these Bridgestones are a headache to order due to so many sub varieties for the same tyre and possibly part number. If mine ever wear out, I'll get something else from recommendations from the lads on the forum.
The Bridgestones are too noisy for me.

Here are the links for tyre supplier Blackcircles for the Bridgestones:

http://www.blackcircles.com/order/tyres/filter - Fully fitted

http://www.blackcircles.com/order/tyres/filter - Tyres only

It would seem from the above, your car may have the cheapest version as probably does mine.

Thanks, I'll probably stick to the basic bridgestones. I think they're pretty quiet and think it's the CAR which is very surface sensitive.

[Snoopy]

I think Am1W just listed the overall result. The order of them changed alot depending on the test sections. As the article was quite long and tested them in all sorts of different situations.

[am1w]

David: Made a mistake. Re-did the links. The non A tyre is not reinforced and is also not the cheapest either!
Sorry for the confusion.

[am1w]

Glen: Which tyres would you recommend for 18" wheels, please?

[david25]

David: Made a mistake. Re-did the links. The non A tyre is not reinforced and is also not the cheapest either!
Sorry for the confusion.

No problem, I've just been to the newagent and read the tests, perhaps I wouldnt choose bridgestone again!!

[am1w]

David: Made a mistake. Re-did the links. The non A tyre is not reinforced and is also not the cheapest either!
Sorry for the confusion.

No problem, I've just been to the newagent and read the tests, perhaps I wouldnt choose bridgestone again!!

I know. Pretty hopeless result for such an expensive tyre.
I knew there was something wrong with them. The noise, oh the noise. Horrible.
The handling is also quite pooh!