Continental the victor in evo tyre test, but buyers should consider their own priorities

Although there are winners and losers in every comparative test, evo magazine’s latest evaluation of nine summer tyres didn’t include any truly poor performers. The test was set up to favour the strongest all-rounders, with the caveat that consumers should bear their own preferences in mind when shopping for tyres.

In response to rising original equipment fitment of 19-inch tyres on hot hatches and performance coupes, evo chose size 235/35 R19 91Y for its 2016 test and fitted the tyres to a 247bhp Ford Focus ST. Testing took place at Continental’s Uvalde proving ground in Texas, USA.

It was a home ground win for the Continental SportContact 6, which finished a nose ahead of the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 and the Yokohama Advan Sport V105, which shared second place. Both runners-up demonstrated strong performance in the wet, however the Continental tyre’s dry results, combined with “competitive performance” in the wet tests, were sufficient to ensure its victory.

While this top trio deserve recognition for their performance, the upshot from evo was different from the conclusions we’re accustomed to reading in European tyre tests. The publication notes that excellent results in specific criteria didn’t necessarily ensure a good overall rating, and therefore it tells readers to consider the outcomes of individual tests before “aligning those with your own priorities.”