2025 | 205/55R16 | Summer - MOTOR Magazine Summer tire test

The test team selected seven tires in the popular 205/55 R16 size, which is commonly used on vehicles such as the Audi A3 and Volvo V70.

Six of the seven models carried the highest EU label rating of “A” for both rolling resistance and wet grip. The seventh tire, the Prinx XLAB Comfort EV, had an “A” for rolling resistance but only a “B” for wet grip.

What the magazine didn't explicitly state, however, is that only the Continental UltraContact NXT and Prinx were aftermarket (replacement) specifications. The other AA-rated models were OE-tuned versions - i.e. optimized for specific car manufacturers:

• Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun and Bridgestone Turanza T005 – specification for Audi
• Michelin e.Primacy – version for Peugeot
• Nexen N'Fera Primus – Renault
• Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 – unmarked version, probably VW specification (which is often unmarked in the aftermarket)

The exact extent of the modifications to these OE versions is unknown, but it is common for manufacturers to slightly sacrifice maximum wet grip levels or other performance parameters when optimizing for the lowest possible rolling resistance.

The Motor 2025 Low Rolling Resistance (AA) test in the popular 205/55 R16 size compared seven models with an emphasis on efficiency (low rolling resistance) without significant compromise in safety disciplines. Six tires had an AA rating on the EU label (A for both rolling resistance and wet grip), one model (Prinx XLAB Comfort EV) had an “A/B”.

The Continental UltraContact NXT took the top spot, offering the best overall performance with excellent results in braking and handling on both dry and wet roads, while also scoring highly in subjective comfort and handling tests.

Second place went to the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, which demonstrated very balanced performance and also had the second lowest rolling resistance, while recording the lowest external noise in the comfort test. Third place went to the Michelin e.Primacy, which excelled in the lowest rolling resistance, although it fell behind the competition in some aquaplaning disciplines.

The Bridgestone Turanza T005 and Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRun were in the middle of the field, with Falken showing that even mid-range models can keep up with premium competitors in many areas. The Nexen N Blue S offered the best water evacuation in one-way aquaplaning, but fell behind in subjective handling sensations.

The weakest performer was the Prinx XLAB Comfort EV, which fell significantly short in wet braking and handling despite having low rolling resistance – a result that raises questions about its safety in rainy weather.

Summary : The test confirmed that modern low rolling resistance tires can offer a good balance between fuel economy, comfort and safety, when based on quality premium designs. However, caution is needed with cheaper models - low energy consumption must not lead to significant compromises in critical performance such as wet grip.