Auto Union Jack

"T1-S Proxes

The T1-S was rated above average in most sections of Auto Motor Und Sport magazine's test (6/00). It did very well in the handling and driveability tests but was considered poor for resistance to aquaplaning on a straight line and for rolling resistance.

This tyre gave a good performance under wet conditions in Sport Auto's test (6/00) where it offered excellent traction, steering precision and braking. In the dry, however, it provided imprecise steering and low traction.b Aquaplaning was also described as a weakness.

Test Mot (4/00) voted this tyre 'Best in test' in their size 205/55 R16V tyre category and described it as sporty and safe in all conditions. It showed very good braking and aquaplaning characteristics as well as precise cornering in the dry. The tyre's only disadvantages were slightly limited comfort and relatively high rolling noise.

The T1-S was joint winner in a test of 205/55 R15 size tyres featured in Auto magazine (4/00). It was excellent in the wet and good in the dry, but let down by poor comfort and noise.

Rallye Racing (7/2000) praised the Proxes T1-S for its wet performance but found the tyre's dry performance, especially braking and handling, to be wanting

Gute Fahrt (3/2001) rated the tyre "Very Good" praising wet grip and aquaplaning performance.

AutoBild (Issue 11/2001) also paised wet performance, in particular directional stability and braking. Cornering on dry surfaces was quoted as a weakness.

ADAC Motorwelt (3/2001) on the other hand saw dry performance as a particular strength, reserving its criticisms for noise and wear factors."

April

Guess it's a good thing it doesn't rain much here:-)

Auto Union Jack

Good to have a lot of sources.

Stoney

They are very good to excellent in at least one category of grip -- sometimes wet, sometimes dry -- but, that they are not the most comfortable, quiet, or crisp in dry handling.

So, I have to conclude that the car and suspension setup (and driver) have a lot to do with the perceived performance.

So much for trusting any single review.

This is an example of why I picked the S-03s... There were a lot of Audi drivers who liked them; a lot of reports on TireRack were positive; and a general lack of negative reports. These, plus a general fit with my priorities: not too noisy; grippy in the dry; crisp handling in normal driving; designed for heavy cars.

The data available at the time on the Toyos suggested that it was better in some categories, but not as well-rounded for my priorities. And there weren't many reports back from Audis or other heavy cars.

Auto Union Jack

S03s here also. Toyos appear to rate higher in the small sizes mentioned.