Kumho bringing passenger car tyre technology to SUV market

The rise and rise of the SUV has been a dominant feature of the car market for some time now, and Kumho says this is having a “fundamental effect” on its tyre range. This can be witnessed in the most recent addition to the company’s SUV/4×4 line-up, the Ecsta PS71 SUV.

Specially developed for powerful SUVs such as those made by Land Rover, BMW and Audi, the pattern is closely related to that of the Ecsta PS71 high-performance passenger car tyre and features the High Dispersible Micro Silica (HDMS) and fifth generation Solution Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (S-SBR) that have been so effectively employed for the passenger car tyre’s tread compound. Kumho is proud to point out that the pattern’s resultant handling on both dry and wet roads as well as its sporty and precise steering have been “much praised by consumers and professional testers alike.”

Currently available in some 12 sizes, by the end of 2022 Kumho will offer the SUV version of the Ecsta PS71 in more than 50 dimensions, including 15 in the increasing popular 21- and 22-inch bracket. Eventually succeeding Kumho’s current mainstream on-road 4×4 product, the Crugen HP91, the new product will meet growing demand for on-road 4x4s to ride and perform like their passenger car counterparts.

The PS71 range even includes a version dedicated to the rapidly expanding parc of electric cars. Standard equipment on the Kia EV6 crossover, the vehicle named What Car? ‘Car of the Year 2022’, the PS71 EV features Kumho’s patented ‘K-Silent’ low noise technology and will be available in some 15 sizes for 16- to 20-inch rims by the end of this year.

Crugen HP91

Aimed at owners of SUVs who seek the optimum driving experience from their prestige vehicles, the high-performance Crugen HP91 features an asymmetric tread pattern combined with four wide circumferential grooves. Kumho reports that the tyre’s silica-enhanced compound results in “exceptional wet weather handling and braking” as well as “rolling resistance comparable to that of most passenger car tyres.” Other stated major attributes include strong high-speed stability, low wear rates, and outstanding resistance to aquaplaning. HP91 is manufactured in V, W and Y speed ratings and is available in 48 sizes up to 22 inches to fit vehicles such as the Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque, BMW X5 and X3, and Volvo XC90 and XC60.

Crugen HP71

Recipient of a Red Dot design award in 2017, the HP71 is aimed squarely at the mid-sized line-up of SUVs currently constituting the fastest growing sector of the UK vehicle market. Its symmetrical tread pattern features four circumferential grooves for optimum water displacement, reinforced shoulders for strong cut and chip resistance, and a zig-zag solid centre rib for maximum stability. Kumho adds that it also boasts an impressive degree of traction and low noise output. HP71 is currently available in some 17 sizes for rims from 16- to 19-inch in diameter and a mix of H and V speed ratings.

Road Venture AT61

Another important cross functional offering, AT61 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 AT61 is available in a selection of eight sizes to fit 15- to 17-inch rims.

On the horizon and first seen at The Tire Cologne 2022 show is the AT52. Specifically designed for fitment on SUVs and pick-up trucks, Kumho shares that the newcomer is a “serious all-season offering” with 3PMSF certification and enhanced traction in all road conditions. Ultimately available in a total of some 54 sizes for 15- to 20-inch rims, this tyre is due to enter production this winter.

Road Venture MT51

According to Kumho, the mud terrain MT51 provides the “perfect combination of balanced on/off road driving and excellent off-road traction,” while its 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 sidewall livery conjures up images of the type of heavy equipment that MT51-shod vehicles may well rub shoulders with from time to time. It is currently available in 15 popular sizes to fit 15- to 17-inch rims.