It also ran

The test results for a tyre, in a particular size, on a particular vehicle are broadly reflective of that tyre’s performance in other sizes and applications. Want the proof? This year, in a facsimile of the Wheels Tyre Test, online sister title Whichcar.com.au held its own program. Different test vehicle and field of contestants; same course and weather conditions.

And guess what? Of the brands present for both tests, there was no shock result. The cheapies occupied the tail-end; the likes of Maxxis, Bfgoodrich and GT Radial put in very respectable performances; and some big names did very, very well.

So to uncover the value-for-money 17-inch boots for your SUV that deliver a stack of grip for comparatively little cash, that’s where the Whichcar Tyre Test comes into frame.

Whichcar’s bumper 13-tyre grid topped the Wheels field by two, and boasted three entries not present for this Wheels test: Bridgestone, Goodyear and Dunlop (but not Hankook.) The presence of the majority of big tyre brands seems to say the same thing the new-car sales chart does – SUVS are where it’s at. And at least one brand among the additions will be pleased it turned up.

Digging more deeply into the results brings revelations on which tyre is best for particularly wet parts, which is the star stopper, which is the maestro of feel and progression, and which has the most grip, just quietly. (Spoiler alert: it’s possible we’re talking about just one tyre here.)

You can read the full wrap – and watch the videos from both Tyre Tests online now at Whichcar.com.au.