I want an excellent all-season tire with a stiff sidewall for an immediate turn-in. Additionally, I will purchase some Star Specs or something of that nature with new wheels after the snowy season.
I do not want a snow tire, we have the Prius with the Michelin X-Ice for that. Just something to get me through some light stuff in the winter.
Traditionally, I am a fella who buys only Michelin and Bridgestone, but in the 195/55/16 category, my options are limited. Tirerack gives the Kumho's excellent ratings in all categories, so if anyone has experience with this particular tire, please fill a brotha' in.

aaron

 

bump

 

I just bought a set of the Kumho's for my Mini on Monday. Should be here tomorrow, getting installed Friday.

 

Is it the Ecsta 4x in the same size?
aaron

 

Ecsta 4X in 225/50R16

 

Well jaq, what do you think.

Aaron

 

Kumho Ecsta 4X.... +10000!

 

Melangell, could you please elaborate as to why you like them so much.

Aaron

 

This tire tested very well. Quiet, good steering responce, great braking feel. Decent in the water, better than the ASX for sure. To me it seemed to be the best overall package in the test.

 

Alex, How do you rate these against the 2 other popular MINI tires, the DWS and the Pilot Sport +?

 

Pro Contact SSR is the bet of the runflats. Ecsta 4X is best bang for the buck. DWS gets you a bit longer mileage, and excelent snow handling. The Pilot Sport AS is hands down the best driving all-season of the group for an aggressive driver.

These tires are really all over the board, not really comparable. They each have their niche.

 

I've had mine on for a bit over a week now, and I love them so far. They handle well, ride well, are silent on smooth pavement, and grip well in the rain. I have no complaints at all so far.

 

Just got my Kumho's on the other day. Great tire thus far for an all-season. Much more responsive turn-in than the Conti DWS and not a bad looking tire as well. If anyone here wants pics, let me know and I will take some. It is the first non Bridgie/Mich tire that I have actually enjoyed! Grip in the dry seems just slightly less than the Turanza's I had from the factory, but those are a summer tire. I believe it will snow tonight, so I will report back on the snow feedback.

aaron

 

I really LOVE the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires. I think I drive normally...everyone else is slow. Seems like everyone I know thinks I drive aggressively though.