When I first got the car, I was quite happy with the stock run flat tires (225/45/18 Continental ContiProContact SSR) that came on it. They were comfortable and quiet enough on smooth roads, provided the tire pressure wasn't above the mid 30's. They gripped well enough to take corners very hard, though I could occasionally push the limit. Overall, they seemed to be quite good tires. However, from reviews, it seemed possible to change the car quite a bit with better tires. Show After a lot of research, I went with the Pirelli P-Zero All Season Plus Revised Compound in 245/40/18. After looking through tons of tests, individual reviews, and forum posts, these seemed to be the best for what I was looking for and were also at the lowest price point. For more winter traction, I would have went with the BFGoodrich or Continental version of UHP A/S, but I really just limp my vehicle home during the occasional snow and stay there or don't drive at all. After reading all of the individual reviews, I shouldn't have been surprised when the tires completely transformed the car. But I was. The car now went from having accurate steering and good turn-in response with not much feel to having very precise steering and excellent response with good feel. I can now actually feel the road when I drive. Not like the previous generation hydraulic steering, but enough to know what the surface underneath me is like and what the tires are doing to grip it. And the grip, it is phenomenal. It even seems to talk to you about how much is left; and it always seems to say you're not even close, keep pushing. It is incredibly confidence inspiring. The car went from "fun to drive" to "I can't believe I get to drive this car again today!". All of this would be moot though if I had turned my daily driver into a harsh, noisy, uncomfortable vehicle. Instead, the ride comfort and noise got much better. No longer does a bump or pothole sound and feel like a bomb went off and jar the entire car. There is little to no detectable road noise inside the car and it is so much smoother over any road imperfections. The ride, to me, is absolutely perfect. In summation, I really can't imagine a better tire for anyone looking for luxury and sport in a daily driver. I can't wait to take it to the local mountain roads. This is the latest version of the P Zero, not that you’d know it by the name. Unlike its rivals, it doesn’t add a number to indicate a newer design. And this version has been a long time coming, as the outgoing tyre was a test winner back in 2008. There have been revisions since, but this is the first time the Pirelli has been totally new since its test win. In fact, it’s three new tyres, as there are variants targeted at different types of car and application, in line with the brand’s Perfect Fit strategy. We tested the replacement tyre in this size designed for a wide range of cars. Drivers may have been waiting a while for the P Zero to arrive, but it has been worth it.  As you expect from a new tyre aimed at the mass market rather than the sporting one, fuel economy is special. It topped previous pace-setter Goodyear and it’s all been achieved without compromising the wet grip – the usual trade-off for low rolling resistance. It won the cornering test and was on the podium around the handling track. Through a series of turns, it was well controlled and progressive, and although grip was gradually lost as lock increased, turn-in was sharp. There was a similar feeling on the dry track, where it finished third. It wasn’t as lively as the Continental, but worked well in the early parts of corners, with decent traction. Buy the Pirelli P Zero from Black Circles Price £101.56Dry handling 99.50%=3rdDry braking 97.70%4thWet handling 99.30%3rdWet braking 92.70%=4th Wet cornering 100%1stStraight aqua 98.60%4thCurved aqua 88.30%7thRolling resistance100% 1st Cabin noise 100%1stOverall99.10%2nd Kim has worked for Auto Express for more than three decades and all but a year of that time in the Products section. His current role as products editor involves managing the section’s content and team of testers plus doing some of the tests himself. 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Is the Pirelli P Zero a run flat tyre?P Zero Nero All Season Run Flat tires feature Pirelli Self-Supporting Run Flat Technology that enhances safety and convenience by providing temporary extended mobility in the event a puncture allows complete loss of air pressure. How long does Pirelli run flat tires last?Most run-flat tyres will usually run on for at least 50 miles at a reasonable speed, certainly long enough to organise a safe replacement in all but the most unusual situations. How long can you drive on Pirelli run flats?No need to change the flat tire immediately. First drive home safely for 80 km (50 miles) at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and then change your tire. A flat tire won't mean missing a flight or an important meeting. |
