Tyres mostly focus on a number of aspects - performance, safety, comfort and quietness are some. More often than not, tyres are mainly focused on one or two characteristics, and compromise on others.
But if you are looking for a tyre that manages to compliment all these pointers, we've got a recommendation - Goodyear's Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5.
The Asymmetric 5 is part of Goodyear's Eagle F1 high performance range - an improvement from the predecessor, the Asymmetric 3, Goodyear has called the Asymmetric 5 'the ultimate all-rounder', as it performs well in the dry and wet, in various road conditions.
Shorter stopping distances
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 promises high levels of performance in various driving conditions
One of the major improvements in the Asymmetric 5s is shorter stopping distances of up to 7% both in dry and wet conditions when compared to the Asymmetric 3. This is attributed to new technologies introduced to the Asymmetric 5 in regards to its structure and compound.
One of the technologies is called Active Braking. When under braking, the Asymmetric 5's thread expands outwards, offering an increased contact patch on the road.
Hence, it offers a larger surface area that helps improve grip under braking.
Furthermore, due to the Asymmetric 5's excellent anti-aquaplaning characteristics, the Asymmetric 5 truly excels in wet braking, making it an excellent choice for Singapore’s wet tropical climate.
Shorter braking distances aside, we felt a sense of confidence with the tyres in our braking tests, and the tyres still felt responsive even under hard braking - useful if emergency manoeuvres have to be executed.
Confidence in bends
Flex is directly related to steering feel and stability. If the tyre flexes under cornering forces, the car may not react to corrective steering inputs, despite having high levels of grip.
Thus, the Asymmetric 5's structure employs Goodyear's Power Cushion Technology, ensuring that power and steering inputs are being sent to the road, and not lost through tyre flex.
This allows for a more confident drive, as steering feels stable and precise, even at the limits of grip. And as 'Cushion' in the technology would suggest, the Asymmetric 5 remains to be comfortable despite the stronger structure.
And our favourite part is that with all these qualities related to on-road performance, the Asymmetric 5 is one of the quieter UHP tyres we've tested thus far.
All-round performance, at a great price
It complements cars that provide a spirited drive without compromise. The Asymmetric 5 we tested were fitted on a Volkswagen Passat, which provides an executive level of comfort, despite having a Golf GTI hot hatch powertrain.
The improvements are certainly felt. On the road, the Asymmetric 5 offers a comfortable and pliant drive. It is also quiet when faced with road undulations and bumps.
When driven spiritedly under our hands, the tyres did not falter, offering confidence-inspiring levels of grip and responsiveness.
The tyres also performed much more confidently under hard braking. It is certainly an improvement over the premium tyres that were fitted as standard from the factory.
So if you're looking for a tyre that provides high levels of on-road performance yet at a great price, the Asymmetric 5 is a great choice.
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 is currently available at all Goodyear authorised distributors in Singapore. It comes in more than 60 different sizes, ranging from 17 inches to 22 inches.
To find out more, head on down to Goodyear Singapore's official website for the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, here.
