With the sun due to appear somewhere over the British isles sometime soon, and the German tire test season in full swing, now is the perfect time to review the options for summer 2013.

While the maximum performance market hasn't had many new launches in the past twelve months, the premium touring segment has had a shake up with the introduction of two new tires from Goodyear and Dunlop.

Tire Labelling

After a number of delays, tire labelling was finally introduced at the end of 2012. While the new tire labels, which show the wet grip, fuel efficiency and noise performance of the tire are an important start to understand tires, they only cover an extremely small section of a tires overall performance. By using data from experience, tire tests and user reviews, we've considered as many variables as possible for our 2013 recommendations. The tires below are simply some of the the best money can buy.

Max Performance Summer

Max performance summer tires should be designed to give you the ultimate driving experience. Generally sized from 17 inch and larger, these tires are some of the most advanced tires in the world. Perfect for cars from the Golf GTI, to a Porsche 911 GT3.

	Michelin Pilot Super Sport While it sometimes gets marked down a little for its aquaplaning performance in group tests, the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is still the tire to be on for the ultimate driving experience. Good wear, mind bending dry grip, and a new, larger range of sizes means this is our sports tire of choice for 2013. If you enjoy driving, this is the tire to be on.
	Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 continues to be one of the best rated tire on Tire Reviews, with over 130 reviews averaging 92% overall, and 9 magazine group tests finishing no lower than 3rd. Probably the best all round tire on the market, the Asymmetric 2 is a solid recommendation, and usually priced a little more keenly than the Michelin above.
	Vredestein Ultrac Vorti With the new Ultrac Vorti, Vredestein have shown their intent of winning OE fitment. While the unique tread pattern of the Ultrac Sessanta is gone, Vredestein have managed to produce a much more rounded tire. There’s been a small price increase on the Sessanta, but it should still be priced less than the two premium brands above, making the Vorti a good mid range choice.

Premium Touring Summer

When compared with max performance summer tires, premium touring tires generally have a stronger bias towards comfort, safety and fuel efficiency. These tires are at home on cars such as a Ford Mondeo, which gets used as a tool, rather than a passion, but can range from 13 inches right up to 19 inches.

	Dunlop Sport BluResponse Often getting overshadowed by their sister company Goodyear, it has been a while since Dunlop have had a strong summer touring tire. With this years new launch, Dunlop finally seem to have the upper hand. The new Dunlop Sport BluResponse is winning test after test thanks to an excellent balance between wet grip, dry grip and rolling resistance.
	Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance While the Dunlop might have the edge in test wins, the Goodyear shouldn’t be ignored. Also winning tests, the Goodyear seems to emulate the Dunlops ability to blend wet and dry grip with good rolling resistance, but trades some of the Dunlops sporty characteristics for improved comfort.
	Vredestein Sportrac 5 Again Vredestein end up the "best of the rest" with the Sportrac 5. Its keen price and excellent group test results, along with universal praise from Tire Reviews submitters makes this an option when considering the smaller sizes.

SUV and 4X4

These premium touring SUV and 4x4 tires are at home on 4x4 vehicles which spend the majority of time on-road. While they might have better grass and mud performance compared to a sports tire, they're not suitable for serious off roading.

Continental Cross Contact UHP While we’ve not had a huge amount of SUV tire tests in the past few years, the two we’ve seen recently show one thing. Continental is the king of SUV tires. Perhaps losing a little ride comfort when compared to its competitors, the Cross Contact UHP offers excellent dry and wet grip, and reasonable off road performance too. Our recommendation for a high powered sporty SUV.

Pirelli Scorpion Verde The latest iteration of the Scorpion Verde has improved the tire, with a strong second in both tests this year. Another excellent all round SUV or 4x4 tire and offered in a wide range of sizes and fitments.