THIS YEAR WE PUT THE INCREASINGLY POPULAR 235/35 R19 TYRE through the uniquely exacting evo tyre test, a test that delivers results based on both objective and subjective ratings. We include subjective assessments because as well as delivering great numbers, a tyre also needs to provide the feedback to give you the confidence to exploit its performance. So, 60 per cent of the total possible score for each tyre is objective and 40 per cent subjective, with a bias to wet weather ability because that’s when you’re most likely to find the limit of grip without trying.
Coming in as favourite for this test is Continental’s all-new SportContact 7. Earlier this year it cleaned up in a three-way test of 265/35 R20s on a rear-drive, 460bhp Ford Mustang (evo 298). Can it repeat the success in this high-volume, front-wheel-drive fitment? The competition is formidable and includes the Pirelli P Zero, Goodyear F1 SuperSport and the impressive new Bridgestone Potenza Sport. We also welcome the Falken Azenis FK520 and, for the first time, the Maxxis Victra Sport 5, which was an unofficial entry on an earlier evo test and performed extremely well (evo 265). Last and far from least is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, winner of the last two tests in this most popular 19-inch size. It’s all set to be one of our toughest tests yet.
THE CAR
For many years the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been the default test car, for its decent feedback and consistent, composed dynamics. In road tests the Golf GTI Mk8 hasn’t impressed us like previous models, but
