Discover the Best Summer Performance Tires According to Auto Zeitung’s 2025 Test
Top 5 performance tires according to Auto Zeitung’s 2025 test: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Continental PremiumContact 7, Bridgestone Potenza Sport, Michelin Pilot Sport 5, and Pirelli P Zero PZ4.
Auto Zeitung’s 2025 Summer Tire Test: Ten Ultra-High-Performance (UHP) Tires Evaluated
The top five tires for sports cars, as tested by Auto Zeitung, Germany’s renowned automotive publication.
Summer tire testing for the upcoming season has begun. This time, Auto Zeitung selected ten high-performance tires and rigorously evaluated them.
Not all tires are created equal. Just as there are significant price differences between budget and premium tires, there are also major variations in tread performance, durability, and grip—key factors highlighted in this test.
The tested tires ranged from two budget Chinese models—the Mastersteel Super Sport 2 and Triangle EffeXSport TH202—to mid-range options like the Falken Azenis FK520, Toyo Proxes Sport 2, and Vredestein Ultrac Pro, and finally premium contenders: Bridgestone Potenza Sport, Continental PremiumContact 7, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Michelin Pilot Sport 5, and Pirelli P Zero.
Technically, the Continental tire isn’t strictly a UHP (Ultra-High Performance) model, as it was designed for touring. However, in Auto Zeitung’s 2024 summer tire test, it demonstrated such solid performance and dynamic handling that it earned a spot in this competitive lineup.
The Tires and Test Vehicle
Tire size: 225/45R18, suitable for compact and midsize cars.
Test vehicle: Skoda Octavia Combi 1.5 TSI with 150 hp (110 kW) and a manual transmission (Selection trim). Equipped with adaptive dampers for improved comfort and dynamics, the car ran on 18-inch wheels and completed the 4,000 km test without issues.
Results of Auto Zeitung’s 2025 Summer UHP Tire Test
🏆 1st Place – Test Winner
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 (Highly Recommended)
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 279/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Fastest wet handling time
✅ Shortest wet braking distance
✅ Best dry performance
🥈 2nd Place
Continental PremiumContact 7 (Highly Recommended)
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 274/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Shortest wet braking distance
✅ Strong wet grip
✅ Best ride comfort
🥉 3rd Place – Best Value for Money
Bridgestone Potenza Sport (Highly Recommended)
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 265/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Strong wet grip
✅ Shortest dry braking distance
✅ High slalom speed
❌ Disadvantages:
High rolling resistance
4th Place
Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (Highly Recommended)
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 260/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Low wear
✅ Good aquaplaning resistance
❌ Disadvantages:
Early understeer
5th Place
Pirelli P Zero PZ4 SC (Highly Recommended)
225/45 ZR18 95Y
⭐ Score: 254/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Strong wet grip
✅ Agile handling
❌ Disadvantages:
Long wet braking distance
Moderate wear
Low ride comfort
6th Place
Vredestein Ultrac Pro
225/45 ZR18 95Y
⭐ Score: 230/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Good aquaplaning resistance
❌ Disadvantages:
Long wet braking distance
Average dry performance
7th Place
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
225/45 ZR18 95Y
⭐ Score: 228/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Short dry braking distance
✅ Fastest dry lap time
❌ Disadvantages:
Moderate wet performance
Moderate wear
8th Place
Falken Azenis FK520
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 219/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Good durability
❌ Disadvantages:
Weak wet grip
Long wet braking distance
9th Place
Triangle EffeXSport TH202
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 167/300
❌ Disadvantages:
Weak wet grip
Long wet braking distance
High wear
10th Place
Mastersteel Super Sport 2
225/45 R18 95Y
⭐ Score: 154/300
✔ Advantages:
✅ Low rolling resistance
❌ Disadvantages:
Weak wet grip
Long wet braking distance
Long dry braking distance
Conclusions
🏆 Goodyear combines performance and sustainability at the highest level, making it the clear winner.
🥈 Continental takes second place thanks to its exceptional wet grip.
🥉 Bridgestone earns third for its sporty focus and value for money.
📉 The balanced and durable Michelin and the decent Pirelli follow. Meanwhile, Vredestein, Toyo, and Falken can’t compete with premium models but have their strengths. The budget Triangle and Mastersteel tires aren’t viable alternatives.
We hope this information is helpful…
The 225/45R18 tire size fits the following car models:
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Audi A3 allstreet, A4, A5
BMW 1, 2, 3, 4, X1, Z4
Citroën C4
DS 4, DS 4 Crossback
Fiat 500X
Ford C-Max, Tourneo Connect
Genesis G70
Honda Accord, HR-V
Hyundai i40, Kona, Sonata
Jaguar XE, XJ
Kia Niro, Stinger
Mazda CX-3, 3, 6, RX-8
Mercedes A-, B-, C-Class, CLA
Mini Countryman
Nissan Juke, Leaf
Opel Astra, Insignia
Peugeot 3008
Renault Latitude, (Grand) Scenic
Seat Alhambra