Guide: New rubber for the summer 🎥
TIRE TEST For the 2024 summer tire test, the Touring Club Switzerland took a close look at tires in the popular compact SUV dimension 215/55 R17. 16 products were tested in terms of safety and environmental performance.
After the new summer tire test, the TCS found that for the first time, unknown brands also made it to the top. In general, the conclusion on the tested dimension is positive. Of the 16 tire models, three are rated as highly recommended, twelve as recommended and one as conditionally recommended. Despite the pleasing overall picture, however, the differences in some test criteria are considerable. This becomes clear when comparing braking distances and residual speeds.
215/55 R17 98W tires are suitable for SUVs in the lower mid-size class as well as for mid-size vehicles such as the VW T-Roc, Audi Q2, Hyundai Kona, Renault Mégane or Scénic, Skoda Karoq or Ford C-Max. The test results were obtained with a VW T-Roc.
A South Korean pushes to the top
The test winners come from Continental, Michelin and Kumho. While the Continental Premium Contact 7, which was tested for the first time, sets the benchmark in terms of driving safety thanks to its clearly above-average performance, the Michelin Prmacy 4+ impresses in terms of environmental performance. The Continental is far ahead of the rest of the field, especially when it comes to wet braking. The South Korean Kumho Ecsta HS52, on the other hand, is on a par with the Michelin in terms of driving safety and on a par with the Continental in terms of environmental performance. It should be noted, however, that the Michelin is the only tire in the test field to score well in both disciplines and therefore falls into the category of particularly balanced.
... and these are further reviews
The tires from Debica, Dunlop, Bridgestone and Fulda are in the other places and just miss out on the overall rating of highly recommended. Bringing up the rear is the Vredestein Ultrac with a conditionally recommended rating. However, this tire is not downgraded because of its driving safety, but because of its low predicted mileage. Nevertheless, it can be a good alternative for infrequent drivers.
