Eco Tyres the Focus of Latest European Tyre Test

Bridgestone and Nokian are both chuffed with their tyres’ performance in the latest tyre test to be published by a German car magazine, and they’re not ashamed to mention this. The test in question was published in the August 8 edition of Auto Bild and compares the performance of five eco tyres – the Pirelli Cinturato P7, Bridgestone Turanza ER300 Ecopia, Nokian V, Goodyear EfficientGrip and Michelin Energy Saver. The quintet of size 205/55 R16 green products were fitted to a C-Class Mercedes and subjected to a number of wet and dry performance tests, while fuel consumption was measured with a highly precise in-car meter at speeds of 80, 100 and 130 kph. Rolling resistance was also measured in a test facility.

Both the Nokian and Bridgestone products, along with the Pirelli tyre, received Auto Bild’s highest “exemplary” rating. While no winner from within this top three was named, Auto Bild listed no weaknesses for the Cinturato P7 and described it as a “convincing all-round talent with satisfying savings potential.” Bridgestone’s Turanza ER300 Ecopia was singled out for its “balanced characteristics in wet and dry, high safety for hydroplaning, good wet braking and low noise while providing satisfactory fuel savings,” although Auto Bild did note the tyre had a reduced fuel savings potential.” The Nokian V was said to have “well balanced safe handling properties on wet and dry road, high safety reserves with aquaplaning, short braking distances on wet road, satisfying fuel saving potential” as positives, although on the minus side Auto Bild reported “slightly reduced ride comfort.” Interestingly enough, the two most fuel efficient tyres in the test, the Michelin and Goodyear, were only “recommendable with some reservations.”

“Bridgestone’s philosophy has been to produce tyres with well balanced performance. By coming first in 5 out of 10 of the Auto Bild tests, we are satisfied that we are meeting our goal of safety first and good performance in a wide range of conditions,” commented Des Collins, Bridgestone’s vice president European Communications.

“As the test results show, the biggest challenge for tyre manufacturers is to achieve absolute safety and environmentally friendly tyre properties such as excellent wet grip and low rolling resistance as an ideal solution,” added Nokian Tyres’ vice president R&D, Teppo Huovila. “Nokian Tyres offers top products with excellent grip and handling features combined with efficient fuel economy, long durability and enduring environmental friendliness. The driver can rely on our tyres in all weather conditions.”