Based on data given and customers feedback, these tires do not seem as good as advertised by tire retail store (especially in Hong Kong). Price does not reflect its performance supposed to give for drivers.
Michelin Energy XM2+
This model is succeeded by Michelin Energy Saver and Energy Saver 4. The Authorized Official Hong Kong Michelin is already selling the new model. However, this model is still in production and sold as parallel imported (in HK).
Looking through the EU tire label ranking, XM2+ has a D grade in fuel efficiency, which is surprisingly high fuel consumption. Besides, it has a B-C rank in wet grip for most sizes.
Some years ago, before the release of Energy Saver, a customer asked for advice to replace his newly installed XM2+. These tires get himself slip during rainy days. He later installed Pirelli P1C.
If you are opting for Michelin, you should choose the latest model Energy Saver 4 rather than XM2+ for a much better performance.
Bridgestone Ecopia EP300
The Thai eco tire label reveals this model has a C rank in wet grip for 195/50 R15, and E rank for fuel efficiency. This is shockingly high in fuel consumption. And it is totally different from “Impressive fuel efficiency” and “Superior wet grip” as shown on the poster.
Attracted by the advertisement, a customer gets these tires installed and later gave his feedback that this is just another normal tire without surprise. Besides, the price for this model is high too.
Given the high retail price for this model in HK, Michelin Energy Saver 4 and Continental UltraContact 7 are better options for the performance that they offer with almost the same price. And for a lower price, Kumho HS52, Dunlop Blue Response TG might be a better substitute.
Bridgestone Ecopia EP150
Already replaced by EP300 in HK. This tire is sold by a particular store as parallel imported. The old model is not better than the EP300. Slightly lower wet grip ranking but at least slightly better fuel efficiency thanks to its symmetric pattern.
The brand is famous, but the price is not correlated with its high overall performance. Some HK drivers like this brand so much that they do not care what model the performance provides as long as it is Bridgestone.
If it has to be Bridgestone, choose Ecopia EP150, a symmetric tread pattern that offers lower noise. Choose Ecopia EP300, an asymmetric tread pattern for better handling and control.
Bridgestone Techno
Sold as parallel imported in HK. This model has a surprisingly low wet grip with just a E rank in Thai eco tire label. Even the EU tire label ranks as C. Something that drivers seriously need to consider before installing.
Continental ComfortContact 6 (CC6)
Even though CC7 has already replaced CC6 in HK. CC6 is still sold as parallel imported. As a comfort model, it really gave a decent comfortable journey for drivers, offering a low external road noise.
However, it was labeled as “ice-skaters” for some people in South East Asia. Some Tyrehood customers also complaint about its low wet performance. All complaint about the tire slips when crossing the metal linkage on the bridge.
Nevertheless, its successor CC7 had shown improvement in overall performance but its wet performance still requires improvement given the data provided by the Thai tire label.
To choose one, get CC7 rather than CC6 for an overall performance.
Continental UltraContact 6 (UC6)
The new model UC7 has replaced this model. But it is still in production and sold as parallel imported. This model is advertised as good in wet performance but the Thai tire label says otherwise.
Just a C rank in wet grip (taken from size 225/50 R18), it might still perform well but gives you a long braking distance during rainy days. There are much better models to choose from with the same price or maybe even lower price.
In fact, I tried this model before in Toyota Estima, 215/55 R17, UC6 made in China. The experience was: nothing special.
Its successor UC7 has a GREAT improvement over the UC6. Undoubtedly, UC7 over UC6 if you are thinking of Continental.
Without trying out the tires, looking at the compulsory data provided by different countries is the way to choose and meet your requirements. More information will be coming up next to teach you how to look at the tire label.
The evaluation is based on publicly available data and general feedback. Actual experience may vary depending on the vehicle, road conditions, and driving habits. Readers are advised to make their own judgment.
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