2013 ADAC summer tyre test 185/60 R15 H size

ADAC has undertaken a 185/60 R15 H summer tyre test.
Check which models are considered best in the market.

This publication presents and analyses the results of the latter test.

The VW POLO used in the test sits in the B-segment of the market, which includes smaller and subcompact cars. Other makes and models included in this category are: Alfa Romeo MiTo, Citroen C3, Dacia Logan, Dacia Sandero, Fiat Punto / Grande Punto / Punto Evo, Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Kia Rio, Lancia Ypsilon, Mazda 2, Mitsubishi Colt, MINI, Nissan Micra, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207, Renault Clio, Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia, Subaru Justy, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris and Chevrolet Aveo.

The test results are the most reliable in the case of the models listed above. It must be remembered that the test results are for the 185/60 R15 tyre size or similar. The performance of same tyre models in much larger or smaller sizes may differ significantly; the test results for a different size would probably be different.

ADAC checked 19 H-rated tyre models, signifying a maximum speed of 210 km/h.
The results show that most of the tested models received good or satisfactory scores:

• 9 of them received good scores (highly recommended);
• 4 models were considered to be satisfactory (recommended);
• 2 were graded as adequate (conditionally recommended);
• 4 proved to be inadequate / defective (not recommended).

The tyres were tested by ADAC in five categories: dry conditions, wet conditions, noise / driving comfort, fuel consumption (rolling resistance) and tread wear.

Test summary

The best performance in dry conditions was recorded for the Dunlop Sport BluResponse (1,4), closely followed by the Michelin Energy Saver+ (test winner), Continental ContiPremiumContact 5, Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance, Bridgestone Turanza T001 with a score of 1.6 and the Vredestein Sportrac 5 with 1.7 points.

In wet conditions Dunlop's Sport BluResponse was still rated the highest, together with Goodyear's EfficientGrip Performance, both scoring 2.0. Third place went to the Continental tyre ContiPremiumContact 5 with 2,1 points. Subsequent results in wet conditions were as follows: Vredestein Sportrac 5, Nokian Line (2.3 points) and Michelin Energy Saver+ and Semperit Comfort-Life (2.4 points).

Interestingly the most comfortable tyre models scored in the lower half of the result board. The GT Radial 228 Campiro (2.8) was the quietest tyre of all the models tested, followed by the Nexen N'Blue HD, Marangoni Verso and Bridgestone Turanza T001 (2.9).

Fuel consumption has become increasingly important due to high petrol prices. The lowest fuel consumption was recorded for the Nexen N'Blue HD (1.5), Sailun Atrezzo SH402, Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance and Dunlop's Sport BluResponse (1.6).

In the tread wear category the best rates were scored by the Michelin Energy Saver+ (0,8), GT Radial 228 Campiro (0.8), Marangoni Verso (0.8) and the Rotalla radial F108 (1.0).

The test winner is undoubtedly the Michelin Energy Saver+ (Photo: Michelin).

Conclusions:

The test results clearly prove that the best rated models provide the highest level of security and also receive good results in other categories. These are balanced tyres, built especially to provide high safety levels.

The tyres with lower scores are often more comfortable and durable with lower rolling resistance and tread wear parameters than the test leaders. Unfortunately, their scores in terms of safety are simply too low.

Which models are worth purchasing? Everything really depends on driving style, the car's power and the location in which the car is used. A spirited driver, who covers a high mileage and / or drives a high power car should opt for a higher-end tyre, as only such products can provide adequate traction and confidence at high speeds.

However, for drivers who use more modestly powered cars mainly in the city, a cost saving option could be a tyre not included in the test leader group.

Test results:

How to read the table

In ADAC tests the following criteria and weight ratings are used: tyre performance in wet conditions - 40% of the final score; tyre performance in dry conditions - 20% of the final score; tread wear - 20% of the final score; noise - 10% of the final score and fuel consumption - 10% of the final score. The best results in specific categories are highlighted in green; the values that lowered the ADAC scores are marked in red. The table contains detailed scores received in each category. The order of the tyre list results from the evaluation of the precise value calculations. In ADAC tests a lower score means better results.

The following scores were used in the test, from the highest to the lowest: very good, good, satisfactory, adequate and inadequate. The scale represented in points:

• 0.5 - 1.5 - very good;
• 1.6 - 2.5 - good;
• 2.6 - 3.5 - satisfactory;
• 3.6 - 4.5 - adequate;
• 4.6 - 3.5 - inadequate.

The 2013 ADAC summer tyre test 185/60 R15 H size results

The test winner

Michelin Energy Saver+

The Michelin Energy Saver+ is a new product introduced this year. The French consortium decided to improve the performance of one of its flagship products and this has proven to be a sound decision. The new Energy Saver is safe and economical. The tyre yielded good results in both dry and wet conditions, helped to reduce fuel consumption and is extremely resistant to wear. Definitely an investment that pays off!

Continental ContiPremiumContact 5

It was launched last year but is still an attractive proposition. The ADAC and ACE / GTÜ 2012 205/55 R16 test winner also scores very highly this year. The tyre shows good resistance to wear and very good safety properties in both dry and wet conditions. Continental's ContiPremiumContact 5 is a great example of German reliability.

Dunlop Sport BluResponse

Another of this year's models is experiencing a successful début. This year the model has already won the ACE / GTÜ 2013 in the 195/65 R15 V size. It was ranked third but was the best in security-related categories with the highest scores for performance in wet and dry conditions. Dunlop used their experience in motorsports to produce a tyre model with an exceptional traction parameters.

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance

Goodyear's tyre is safe and economical. EfficientGrip Performance proves that high traction parameters can be combined with low rolling resistance. The tyre is leading edge in terms of technology.

Vredestein Sportrac 5

"Quiet, comfortable, sporty", these words are used is the advertising of this Dutch brand. The ADAC test proved that this is far from being just a marketing catchphrase. The Vredestein Sportrac 5 provides a high level of security and good driving comfort levels.