Kumho keeps eyes on road with 4×4 tyre range

Kumho’s recent development of its SUV and 4×4 tyre range have focused on satisfying the increasing requirement for more car-like on-road performance from such vehicles. The Korean company’s line-up offers more than just on-road SUV fitments, though, with two all-terrain models and the mud-terrain MT51 offering performance away from smooth tarmac.

Kumho’s SUV flagship Ecsta PS71 SUV tyre (Photo: Kumho)

Kumho’s new SUV flagship product has been specially developed for the powerful SUV models offered by the likes of Land Rover, BMW and Audi. Its pattern is closely related to that of the company’s much-praised 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. The pattern’s handling on both dry and wet roads and the sporty and precise steering that also results have been much praised by consumers and professional testers alike.

The SUV version of the Ecsta PS71 is currently available in some 53 sizes including several in the increasingly popular 21 and 22-inch bracket, with more due later this year. Progressively succeeding Kumho’s current mainstream on-road 4×4 product, the Crugen HP91, the new pattern meets the increasing demand for general use 4x4s to ride and perform like their passenger car counterparts.

Though now being progressively phased out, the high-performance HP91 is still available in selected sizes for SUV owners seeking a quality driving experience from their prestige vehicles. It features an asymmetric tread pattern combined with four wide circumferential grooves, while 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 strong high-speed stability, low wear rates and outstanding resistance to aquaplaning.

The recipient of a Red Dot design award in 2017, the HP71 is aimed squarely at the mid-sized line-up of SUVs currently constituting one of the fastest growing sectors 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. It also boasts an impressive degree of traction and low noise output. HP71 is currently available in some 19 sizes for rims from 16 to 19 inches in diameter and a mix of H and V speed ratings.

All-terrain models

Kumho AT52 all-terrain tyre (Photo: Kumho)

The AT52 has been specifically designed for fitment to SUVs and pick-up trucks. It is Kumho’s first major European all-terrain offering for some years and comes with 3PMSF certification. AT52’s notable features include multi-angle sipes and zig-zag grooves for all-season and snow traction, rugged shoulder blocks with saw-tooth style edges for off-road driving, rugged side-biters for added protection from punctures, and a cut and chip resistant compound that’s moulded into the symmetric tread pattern in order to resist irregular wear. The first 19 R, S and T rated sizes to fit wheels from 16 to 20 inches in diameter are now on sale in the UK. Over time, it is planned to extend the range to a total of more than 50 sizes.

Kumho AT61 (Photo: Kumho)

Another 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 five sizes to fit 15, 16 and 17-inch rims.

Mud-terrain performance

The mud-terrain MT51 provides a 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 18 inches in diameter.