We love the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubbers. They’re some of the best all-rounder tyres available that function fantastically in the wet and dry without sacrificing comfort. Now, high-performance SUV owners can get a set for their vehicles with the launch of the Pilot Sport 4 SUV range that completes the entire Pilot Sport series in Malaysia.
It joins the current Pilot Sport 4, the 4S, the Cup 2 and the ultimate Cup 2R. Although the asymmetrical tread pattern might be familiar to Pilot Sport 4 owners, a number of new design elements were integrated into the tyre to cater for the heavier loads of a modern SUV.
These new elements include a new compound that adds an innovative functional elastomer and thin silica into the mix for improved grip and braking in the wet. Furthermore, the groove design features enhanced rigidity for better grip as well as longevity.
Modern high-performance SUVs or even sporty premium ones might seem to not be off the pace much compared with some performance sedans or hatches but their increased weight does place more load and force on all the components; especially the tyres.
The added heat, wear and general load under sport driving is the main reason specific tyres that address those requirements are needed. Even the base of the Pilot Sport 4 SUV has been upgraded in the form of a hybrid belt made of aramid and nylon that Michelin claims delivers sharper steering response and precision. There’s also a high density, double casing ply to better resist road shock.
Michelin even shared some performance data from tests conducted by independent testing and certification providers TUV SUD and DEKRA to demonstrate the superiority of the Pilot Sport 4 SUV.
The Pilot Sport 4 SUV achieved the best performance in dry and wet braking, outbraking the competition by 2.7-metre shorter in the dry, 4.9-metre shorter (new) and up to 8.5-metre shorter (worn) in the wet.
Lap times on a 1.05km test track were also faster by 5.06-second over the other tyres. With all that performance gains, the Michelin still lasted up to 13,000km more on test runs for life cycle against other tyres.
Michelin has made 39 sizes available that’ll fit wheels in the 17-23 inch range. Pricing starts at RM700 a piece and can be found at TypePlus and authorised Michelin outlets nationwide. Do note that the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is optimised for on-road performance and isn’t suitable for off-roading.