Thanks to Michelin I am now conducting a test of two slightly different Michelin tyres on my Vectra C 3.0 V6 CDTI
I used to have Michelin HX MXM 205/55 R16 91V tyres on my Vectra B SRI 140, and I was so impressed with them I also bought them when I had my Mondeo Mk3 Ghia TDCI
However, the Vectra C came with Good Year tyres and the NCT5 215/50 R17 95W XL are over-priced, with numerous horror stories over bad batches
I then changed to the Eagle F1 GSD3 225/45 R17 94W XL
Michelin have supplied me with two tyres to test, which have both been fitted to the front
The rears are still a pair of identical Eagle F1 94W XL
On the nearside :
Michelin SP Primacy 225/45 R17 94W XL
This is a three compound tyre with an assymetric pattern
On the offside :
Michelin SXE Primacy 225/45 R17 91Y
This is a six compound tyre with the same assymetric pattern
Their tread pattern is also identical to that of the HP Primacy, which is due to be replaced later this year
The SP Primacy looks a chunkier tyre, compared to the SXE Primacy, but this may be due to the different construction method
Initially handling is very different to that of the Good Year NCT5, which was previously fitted on the front
The directional control is slightly improved and sharper
Ride quality is slightly worse, but that is due to the lower profile and higher tyre pressures
Road noise is much less than the NCT5 as well
I will report back on wet handling, when it happens!
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