Independent tyre tester Tire Rack evaluated three ultra high performance all-season tyres (UHPAS) claiming a level of “newness.” These were the all-new Fuzion UHP Sport A/S as well as the redesigned Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 and Kumho Ecsta 4X II. Firestone’s existing Firehawk Wide Oval AS was included to provide a solid category reference point.
Tire Rack evaluated each set based on its performance in dry conditions, wet conditions, on the road and on the track. Using a 2014 BMW F30 328i sedan as its “test sled,” Tire Rack testers went to work on the company’s own test track and real roads.
Tire Rack’s South Bend test track provides a surface for wet and dry road simulations, as well as maneuvering challenges, such as 90-degree corners, ramps and a five-cone slalom.
The six-mile road loop, on the other hand, provides a variety of everyday traffic conditions, speed limits and surfaces, ranging from smooth concrete and new asphalt to coarse concrete and patched asphalt.
To get the complete picture, Tire Rack’s testing process also ensures that every tyre is subjected to the type of driving a consumer will engage in, regardless of geography, from expressways and state highways to country roads.
Kumho proved to be both champion and challenger in this test. The brand dominated in every test category, including handling, traction, steering response and road noise.
The Kumho Ecsta 4X II maximized sportiness and traction in both wet and dry conditions and minimized intrusive road noise – the best possible blend of attributes in the UHPAS category.
The Sumitomo, another updated model, took second place, demonstrating impressive traction in wet conditions and delivering a comfortable ride.
Firestone ended up in third place due to overall uncompetitive performance, including slow lap times. With the poorest results both on the track and on the road, including worst performance in wet conditions, Fuzion’s UHP Sport A/S brought up the rear in this group despite its all-new status.