Recent all-terrain pattern extends Kumho 4×4 range

Kumho’s 4×4 tyre range has was recently extended by the addition of the Road Venture AT61 tyre. While there are a range of Kumho 4×4 products from which to choose, the majority of requirements are covered by on-road products as the Crugen HP91 and KL33, plus the cross-functional Road Venture patterned MT51 and newly-launched AT61. Between them they cover everything from such top end SUVs as the Range Rover and BMW X5 to the ever-popular Land Rover Defender.

The Crugen HP91 is aimed at owners of the latest lifestyle and luxury SUVs who seek “the optimum driving experience from their prestige vehicles”. The high-performance Crugen HP91 has replaced Kumho’s long serving KL17. Kumho UK first demonstrated the HP91’s attributes at Rockingham Motor Speedway, from where the company reported “excellent customer feedback”.

The Crugen HP91 is a relative newcomer and features an asymmetric tread pattern combined with four wide circumferential grooves. Its silica-enhanced compound results in exceptional wet weather handling and braking, and a rolling resistance comparable to that of most passenger car tyres. The product’s other major attributes include: high speed stability, low wear rates, and resistance to aquaplaning. The HP91 is manufactured in V, W and Y speed ratings and is available in sizes up to 22 inches to fit, for example, the Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque, BMW X5 and X3, and Volvo XC90 and XC60. Recent additions to the line-up include 245/45R20, 255/40R21 Y XL and the increasingly popular Range Rover sizes 275/45R21 Y XL and 275/40R22 Y XL.

The fact that Jeep selected the Crugen KL33 for OE fitment on its Renegade model speaks of the tyre’s all-round credentials. Especially developed for the particular needs of the ever-expanding SUV sector, the all-season KL33 is designed to offer comfort at all speeds, coupled with good handling characteristics and notably low levels of noise. The symmetric tread is of four groove design for optimum aquaplaning suppression, while 3D shoulder blocks ably aid wet weather grip. Balanced traction characteristics are guaranteed in both wet and dry conditions. The KL33 is currently available for rims of 15 to 20 inches in diameter and a mix of H and V speed ratings.
Another relative newcomer to the Kumho 4×4 range, is the MT51, which now carries the mantle of being the company’s prime off-road mud terrain offering. It provides the perfect combination of balanced on/off road driving and excellent off-road traction, while the braking performance is equally impressive on surfaces as diverse as tarmac and gravel. The stiff sidewall construction minimises punctures, while notable shoulder notching maximises the tyre’s rock crawling performance. The eye-catching sidewall livery conjures up images of the type of heavy plant MT51-shod vehicles may well rub shoulders with from time to time. It is currently available in 15 popular sizes to fit rims of 15 to 17 inches in diameter.

The latest member of Kumho’s cross functional line-up, the AT61 replaces the long established KL78 all-rounder, which it is superior to in a number of respects. It features: two-step sipes for improved snow performance; larger, stiffer tread blocks for increased mileage; and zig-zag grooves for enhanced traction. The sidewall offers strong resistance to penetration and a rim protector to safeguard the alloy wheels that are standard fit on most on-road vehicles these days. The newcomer is initially available in a selection of eight sizes to fit 15, 16 and 17 inch rims.