Writing about the
Bridgestone Ecopia EP25 given
73% (185-65-15-T)
Driving on
mostly motorways for 10000
spirited miles
These tires are OEM on the car, with Treadwear 200 Temperature B Traction B
and EU labelling C for economy, B for wet braking and 70db.
Taking into account that the tire is an enviromentally friendly tire and not a sports one, here is what I think:
Dry braking is really good with no surprises whatsoever. I had an emergency braking because of a wild hog crossing the road and the tire outperformed the traction of the tarmac and the weather conditions, meaning you could tell it could have decelerated more without losing grip had the asphalt been completely dry and more rough.
Handling is also very good, despite the softness of the tire. This softness is present only in cornering at a high speed, so for normal driving and everyday use the tires are perfectly fine.
Feedback is also very good, you get on the wheel what you see on the road, so happy there, too.
On wet grip, I disagree with other people claiming the tire sucks. Yeah, it sucks if you think you're riding on a UHP tire. Keep in mind it's not a performance tire, with a Traction B rating, so prudence and reservation are mandatory on wet public roads where indifference, incompetence, arrogance and pure stupidity are also present.
Having said that, I think the Ecopia EP25 holds no surprises for the knowledgeable driver. Driving on the wet 20-30km/h less than on dry roads will give you the same results as in the dry.
Wet braking is mediocre at best at lower speeds (up to 80km/h) with the ABS engaging a bit more than I expected. This is the first reason I will not choose them again or recommend them, as well as the wear rate.
On the other hand, straight aqua is surprisingly good, even at 2cm of water, cutting through water ponds easily.
Wear is fast for these tires. In 15.000km of 95% motorway use they have got down to 6,1mm of tread, which is a bad result for me, being an old Michelin user. In comparison, Michelin Energy Saver+ started at 7,2mm losing 0,5mm of tread every 10.000km on the same conditions (mind you, the Michelins are Treadwear 400).
Noise is annoying. Only on newly-paved surfaces will there be silence in the cabin; otherwise, get ready for a continuous roar or get a pair of ear-plugs.
All in all, I would choose my Michelin Saver+ over the Ecopia25 time and again, simply because they are better.