Michelin PILOT SPORT 5

Like having a tractor beam anchored to the core of the planet!The grip is incredible in all conditions (ok haven't tested on ice/snow.)I punish these tyres daily with a 2000kg car on steep, winding, mountain roads. The conditions change from hot and dry to cold and wet as the road winds back and forth around the hillside. Never a hint of slipping.When it rains there can be 10cm of water on the roads and instant creeks pouring across the bitumen. Never a hint of slipping.Muppets and cyclists often prompt the need for sudden evasive manoeuvres, often partway through a tight, blind corner. Never a hint of slipping.Gives me absolute confidence that I'll always have traction, worth the high price. Absolutely.

In 2023 finding a new model and great performing UHP tyre has been a little difficult for the required size for my car. It seems some manufacturers are ceasing to offer in 18” now. So Michelin PS5 were one of the only options and I think the best. Very high performance, great sporty feel, they look the business, but are a little noisy and you feel the bumps more than others. I recommend these tyres as the pick for my size rim for the most sporty and high performance option. Comparing these to Original Equipment for my S3 which were the ContiSportContact 5, the PS5s are probably a better performing tyre, but I would prefer the Conti’s for sporty feel and comfort mix. Only Continental don’t offer the UHPs in 18” on their new model. Hence Michelin are the choice tyre in my opinion.

The 208GTi has Michelin's as standard and I think they started with the Pilot Sport 3. I've since had Sport 4 and now the Pilot Sport 5. I was advised by my fitter that grip was much the same as the 4 but better wear due to deeper treads. It's definite improvement over the Pilot Sport 4 with slightly better grip. The Pilot Sport 4 was excellent so wasn't expecting *any* improvement. They are definitely quieter though. No road noise at all that I can hear in the cabin. Hopefully last longer than the Sport 4 which was okay treadwear.

I went through two sets of PS4's before switching to the Pilot Sport 5's and couldn't believe the difference in handling and grip. There was also noticeably more grip in the wet, even on greasy roads or where it had rained the day before on a humid day. They are also a fairly strong tyre, as I had one tyre that was repaired three times for a puncture and was still going. Because they are so new, the price point is a bit steep so would be good to visit a wholesaler for a better price and get them fitted somewhere else. Nonetheless, very impressed and I think you will be too.

Have recently ditched my run-flats for one inch wider rim with a 17 deeper offset from OEM. I was expecting a sportier grip from these tyres at first, but am still getting to know them. No oversteer, they balance well on the wheel. They are certainly very comfy to ride on, quiet and respond well in daily driving. I haven't beat on them yet cause I'm still breaking them in. The fitter inflated them to 38 and I dropped them to 34, and the little spirited driving I've done shows great potential. In the wet rain, these things are incredible. Very confident, no aquaplaning, they feel great. I'd like a little more sports response from them, but that may be just finding the right inflation. The fitter tells me I could track them...a single eyebrow raised.