2011 AMS Ultra High Performance Tire Test

In 2011, Auto Motor Und Sport tested 11 tires on a VW Golf GTD in the popular size of 225/45 R17. As with previous years, AMS subjected the tires to the usual mix of wet, dry and rolling resistance tests.

Interestingly, it wasn't one of the premium brands that won this test but the Nokian V. The Nokian secured the win due to its excellent wet braking and good rolling resistance, yet still managing to post an overall 3rd on the dry tests. A true no compromise tire.

Second to eighth position were covered by the usual "big 5" premium brands, with only Goodyear missing from this test. Amongst the traditional big scorers was the now consistently scoring Vredestein Ultrac Cento and the Fulda Sport Control, two tires certainly worth considering if you're on a budget.

The last 3 places were taken by the Toyo T1 Sport, GT Radial Champiro HGY and Kumho KU39, with common criticisms of these 3 tires being high rolling resistance, poor wet performance and a risk of aquaplaning.

Click here to view Results as a single table and adjust the score weighting based on your own driving needs!

1st: Nokian V
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 175 Dry: 83 Wet: 92 The best compromise of wet performance and rolling resistance Read Reviews
2nd: Continental Sport Contact 3
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 162 Dry: 81 Wet: 81 Great wet and dry grip, slightly higher rolling resistance than the Nokian Read Reviews Buy from £79.62
3rd: Bridgestone Potenza S001
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 160 Dry: 84 Wet: 76 Best tire in the dry Read Reviews
4th: Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 156 Dry: 81 Wet: 75 Great tire in the dry, a little let down by its wet performance Read Reviews
5th: Vredestein Ultrac Cento
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 156 Dry: 72 Wet: 84 Excellent braking performance Read Reviews
6th: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 155 Dry: 75 Wet: 80 Joint with the Fulda, only the wet bias puts the TT ahead Read Reviews
7th: Fulda SportControl
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 155 Dry: 81 Wet: 74 Great tire in the dry, a little let down by its wet performance Read Reviews
8th: Pirelli P Zero
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 152 Dry: 70 Wet: 82 No comments Read Reviews Buy from £194.48
9th: Toyo Proxes T1 Sport
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 140 Dry: 74 Wet: 66 No comments Read Reviews Buy from £78.97
10th: GT Radial Champiro HGY
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 135 Dry: 79 Wet: 56 Scores well in the rolling resistance test, but compromises wet grip Read Reviews
11th: Kumho Ecsta KU39
225/45 R17 3PMSF: no	Total: 135 Dry: 71 Wet: 64 No comments Read Reviews