Given
83%
while driving a
Ford Fiesta Zetec S
(195/45 R16) on
a combination of roads
for 11,000
spirited miles
I've fitted these to my Fiesta TDCi Zetec-S Rims (195/45 R16) for almost 2 years now, replacing the original Contisport which I found terrifying in the wet. I wanted good tires for the dry, but my main criteria was for driving in the wet.
The ZV5's need replacing more often than standard tires, but thats what I would expect for softer compound. Good grip in the dry, and very ejoyable to chuck the Fiesta around the odd bend or roundabout, you are given plenty of warning when you're at the limits of your grip. Grip in the wet however is fantastic, no risk of aquaplaining when you hit the odd puddle at the speed limit, and it's noticeable how fast and confidently you can manouver compared to other road users when the roads are wet.
Price wise they are mid range, which I think is good value for the dry grip they offer, but fantastic value for the wet grip they offer. Lastly, they are completely useless in the snow an ice we had last winter, you can't get ANY traction at all, and pretty damn poor when it's cold/damp. I've learnt my lesson, this year I've bought some Pirelli Snowcontrol Series II Winter tires (not much choice available in winter tires for my rims), and will see how I get on with them.