Continental AllSeasonContact review

The Continental AllSeasonContact is promoted as a tyre for wet and muddy roads here in the UK, and the maker highlights ‘superb aquaplaning performance’ amongst its many virtues. That’s down to the open-sipe shoulder design, while excellent all-weather grip is a function of the Traction Silica Compound, says Conti, who also highlights the AllSeasonContact’s efficiency in the quest to reduce CO2 and save fuel.

Tester’s notes

We tested the Continental AllSeasonContact as part of a joint feature with evo’s Autovia sister titles Auto Express and Carbuyer. The snow tests were carried out at Hankook’s test track in Finland, while the wet tests were performed at Continental’s ‘Contidrom’ track near Hanover. Unfortunately Covid restrictions meant we were unable to perform dry handling comparisons.

The six tyres in the back-to-back comparison were: Continental AllSeasonContact; Cooper Discoverer All Season; Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3; Hankook Kinergy 4S2; Michelin CrossClimate +; Vredestein Quatrac Pro.

The Conti AllSeasonContact clinched overall victory in our group test, up against some stiff competition. While it might appear to be a less extreme version of the Michelin CrossClimate + with a stronger focus on wet and dry grip than some of its snow-specialist rivals here, it actually proved unbeatable in the snow tests. On a subjective level it offered bags of grip and traction, and had a great balance.

If it has an Achilles heel it’s dry braking, where the AllSeasonContact could only manage fifth place. It struggled to keep up with rivals on aquaplaning too, but on the handling track the Conti was good to drive, with strong grip even as lock was applied.

Test results: Continental AllSeasonContact

Size tested: 225/45 R17

Test vehicle: VW Golf

Price when tested: £103

Location: Hanover Test Track; Hankook Technotrac, Finland