Vredestein Ultrac 5 review

It may have scored only one outright category win, but the Ultrac’s consistent performance across the tests earned it another Auto Express victory. Dutch-based brand Vredestein is clearly keeping this familiar tyre fresh, having improved its rolling resistance significantly since our last test, where it finished third.

It performed most strongly in the wet, which we prioritise in our scoring, coming a very close second to the Continental in wet braking and within a whisker of the top two in wet cornering. It was a strong third in wet handling too. On the Ultrac, the Volkswagen Golf felt agile, creating a satisfying flow, although jumpy steering inputs at the limit could make the rear loose.

In deep water it was good rather than outstanding, but what’s remarkable is that it performed so well in the wet, yet delivered superb economy. We’ve rarely seen the two go together so effectively. The Ultrac was not quite so impressive in the dry, scoring sixth best in dry braking and finishing last on the circuit, although it wasn’t that far off the pace. It delivered fair grip, turn-in and traction, but was a bit squealy – in marked contrast to its general refinement, which was ranked first, with low cabin noise and excellent bump absorption on all of the surfaces of our road test route.

Blackcircles.com says...

“Customers like its good grip, particularly on wet roads. Some buyers also note less cabin noise.”

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