UHP Tyres – Kia Stinger GT

Testing High-Performance tyres means you need a high-performance car, and the Kia Stinger GT fits the bill perfectly. The immense 370hp punch from its 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 ensures there’s enough oomph to give the tyres a good workout, yet at the same time its rear-wheel drive layout gives it the balance needed to work the front and rear axles in unison. Meanwhile its long wheelbase, limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes all help make it easier for the driver to extract a more consistent performance from the car.

Comfort Tyres – Kia Cerato GT Line

If you were to think of a single car type that best symbolises our motoring landscape, chances are it’d be a four-door saloon, as it’s always been Singapore’s most popular car body style until this year. Four-door saloons like the newly-facelifted Kia Cerato have been many Singaporean families’ transport solution of choice for decades, which is why comfort, noise and safety are key considerations in this segment, attributes we’ll be looking out for amongst our Touring tyre competitors.

SUV Tyres – Kia Sorento SX Tech Pack

If there’s one family SUV that’s been an absolute standout for us this year, it’s the Kia Sorento. When we drove it, it thoroughly impressed us with its comfort, refinement, practicality, and everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink approach to features and equipment. Not only are SUVs steadily becoming more commonplace, but cars are also always increasing in size, so although the Sorento’s 235/60 R18 tyres are slightly larger than average, the test results will remain relevant further into the future. You could say we’re simply ahead of the curve…

Eco Tyres – Kia Niro EV

The state of battery technology means electric cars still aren’t exactly cheap at the moment, but when it comes to Kias, you can always count on good value. Such is the case with its first electric model, the Niro EV, which boasts one of the best range:price ratios of any EV on sale here. Its maximum claimed range of 455km makes it one of the longest-legged EVs around, yet even more attractive is its practicality, sensibility, and that it isn’t all in-your-face about its green credentials.

Mainstream Tyres – Kia Stonic M-Hybrid SX

One of the fastest-growing segments in Singapore’s car market is compact SUVs, so it was only natural that we brought one along to test. The Kia Stonic is currently the most affordable compact SUV on sale in Singapore, and is highly representative of a popular segment that sees great demand for affordable tyres. Its turbocharged 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine gives it a puppy-like eagerness, while its tall seating position and light steering make it a cinch to drive. Slightly less relevant to our tyre test but great news for owners is the addition of mild hybrid technology, which gives the Stonic incredible fuel economy as well.