XM2+ offers a grippy drive
MICHELIN Malaysia unveiled its new Energy XM2+ tyre that boasts of affordability, performance and safety.
With the Sepang International Circuit set as the backdrop for the newly launched tyre for small to mid-sized passenger cars, the XM2+ (from RM200) is touted to have been developed to outperform not only the previous generation tyre in the wet but also the competition.
The new tyre, although seen with the same tread pattern, boasts of a new full-silica rubber compound that will help to shorten wet braking distances by as much as 1.5m when new and 2.6m when worn (down to the tread-wear indicator) when compared to the competition.
In terms of durability, it is also touted to endure 25% more mileage than the competition, even though the compound is much softer, thus able to conform to the micro-grooves of road surfaces better.
Much like the Primacy 4 that was tested in Thailand, the degradation of grip level between new and worn was significantly smaller against other tyre brands.
The “+” sign on the sidewall of the new tyre denotes the new rubber compound used while also maintaining the Green “X” marking that signifies optimised fuel-saving properties.
For Malaysia, the Energy XM2+ tyre is available at Tyreplus and all Michelin authorised dealers nationwide with its 32 sizes able to fit 14 to 16-inch wheels.
Following the launch of the tyre, members of the media were given the opportunity to test a Honda City fitted with the new tyre in size 175/65 for its standard 15-inch wheels.
The tests were performed against the XM2+’s Japanese and German tyre competitors, which proved that the French tyremaker clearly had the better overall compound with shorter braking distances and better overall grip performance in the wet.
Even in a worn state, the XM2+ was still able to provide a distinct amount of grip compared to the competition.
“The Michelin Energy XM2+ improves on its Energy XM2 predecessor which has been a leading mass-market tyre for eight consecutive years in many aspects,” said Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei managing director Pascal Nouvellon.
All Michelin tyres have a Standard Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty covering defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original usable tread, or for six years from the date of purchase (whichever comes first). —