the guys using size 205/55/16 with this model who are happy are either on drugs or have never actually used quality tyres in there life period! please read on carefully.
to begin I'am a Mechanical Engineer and a car fanatic so be sure that you wont find many that will go into as much detail as I have.
another thing I want to point out is that I work for a company whom has been using the same leasing company of which we get our cars replaced yearly after doing about 60k kms driving.
since 2012 I have receieved 4 units of the same identical car which is the Clio 4 1.5 dci 90hp since then I have used the OEM tyre, sold it brand new to replace with others, worn a few and got replacements etc and my findings are:
1) Continental ECO 5 (The OEM tyre) definatley the longest lasting (80k kms), the best feedback, by far the best traction, loud by not unbearable, stiff so not the comfiest.
2) Nokian Line, lasted 40k kms, about dead center in terms of comfort within this list, traction cant find any reason to complain, noise again dead center.
3) Michelin Primacy 3 almost identical performance in every term with the Nokian Line except for that its a little more softer and quieter but just slightly.
4) Falken ziex 914, very quiet at the beginning gets louder as used, lifespan is about 40km kms, traction not bad but certainly not as reviewed and stated on this site at all, rather stiff when compaired with the rest except its better than the contis.
5) Goodyear EGP , after ready countless statements that its smooth,comfy and grip is above average I went and bought a set as the wife is due for a baby in 2 weeks and I want them to be comfy in the car.
oh dear god what a surpize this set was for me, guys this tyre is not at all that comfy when compaired to primacy 3 and nokians I can assure you they outperform in the comfort zone.
these tyres traction wise are the worst in comparison to any of the above mentioned tyres and by far distant to the conti's.
the noise level again is nowhere near the labeled 68db's , the 69db michelins are a tick quieter so arre the falkens which were also tagged 69db and the nokians are identical at 70db so I assure you this is most likely a game from the manufacturer.
wear, well I have only used for 2000kms so far and it is very clear from this sites reviews that this tyre has wear issues so to be honest I had bought them knowing there downsides in return for a smoother and quieter ride which I can now only dream of. will not ever come close to a goodyear dealer again.
if you want lifespan and traction go for conti's, if butter smooth ride michelins end of story!
please note that I do about 60k kms anually and %85 of this is on a autobahn/highway/motorway whatever you call it at 128km/h (80mph), yes I do from time to time drive faster in a sprited manner too :)
to begin I'am a Mechanical Engineer and a car fanatic so be sure that you wont find many that will go into as much detail as I have.
another thing I want to point out is that I work for a company whom has been using the same leasing company of which we get our cars replaced yearly after doing about 60k kms driving.
since 2012 I have receieved 4 units of the same identical car which is the Clio 4 1.5 dci 90hp since then I have used the OEM tyre, sold it brand new to replace with others, worn a few and got replacements etc and my findings are:
1) Continental ECO 5 (The OEM tyre) definatley the longest lasting (80k kms), the best feedback, by far the best traction, loud by not unbearable, stiff so not the comfiest.
2) Nokian Line, lasted 40k kms, about dead center in terms of comfort within this list, traction cant find any reason to complain, noise again dead center.
3) Michelin Primacy 3 almost identical performance in every term with the Nokian Line except for that its a little more softer and quieter but just slightly.
4) Falken ziex 914, very quiet at the beginning gets louder as used, lifespan is about 40km kms, traction not bad but certainly not as reviewed and stated on this site at all, rather stiff when compaired with the rest except its better than the contis.
5) Goodyear EGP , after ready countless statements that its smooth,comfy and grip is above average I went and bought a set as the wife is due for a baby in 2 weeks and I want them to be comfy in the car.
oh dear god what a surpize this set was for me, guys this tyre is not at all that comfy when compaired to primacy 3 and nokians I can assure you they outperform in the comfort zone.
these tyres traction wise are the worst in comparison to any of the above mentioned tyres and by far distant to the conti's.
the noise level again is nowhere near the labeled 68db's , the 69db michelins are a tick quieter so arre the falkens which were also tagged 69db and the nokians are identical at 70db so I assure you this is most likely a game from the manufacturer.
wear, well I have only used for 2000kms so far and it is very clear from this sites reviews that this tyre has wear issues so to be honest I had bought them knowing there downsides in return for a smoother and quieter ride which I can now only dream of. will not ever come close to a goodyear dealer again.
if you want lifespan and traction go for conti's, if butter smooth ride michelins end of story!
please note that I do about 60k kms anually and %85 of this is on a autobahn/highway/motorway whatever you call it at 128km/h (80mph), yes I do from time to time drive faster in a sprited manner too :)