MOTOR Tyre Test 2016: The Verdict

It’s a blackwash!

Even if our post-testing linear regression calculations knocked the Dunlop back one spot in the wet-braking, there was no changing the fact – or the overall final order – that the British rubber was stunningly dominant.

“It was a stand-out across the board for its performance in both wet and dry conditions,” said Luffy of the Sport Maxx. “This is just an excellent all-round tyre.” Its winning margin of 10 points was the biggest since MOTOR re-established its annual tyre tests in 2008.

The gap between the next four pumped-up protagonists, however, was more like the one between the 235/35 R19s and the RS3’s wheel-arches – all covered by just six points. Continental’s ContiSportContact couldn’t repeat the 5P’s 2015 Tyre Test victory, but was a valiant runner-up. And while it wasn’t quite three stars for Michelin, bronze is a bonza in (mostly) exalted company.

For bargain-hunters desiring a cheap tyre that could mix it with more expensive runners, our test results punctured those hopes. The HiFly, Nitto and Nexen tyres were all tightly grouped (with identical scores, in fact, after the application of linear regression), serving as perfect examples of a false economy.

“All the tyres gave good feedback, but it’s the tyres’ ability to react to the driver that is the big difference,” says Luffy. “Especially when you’ve got a fantastic sports car like the Audi RS3, you want a tyre that’s a match for the car.”

And in our 2016 rubber war, no tyre was quicker or sharper to respond than the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT.

THE RESULTS