When it comes to replacing tyres, it’s always a bit of a gamble as to whether you should go for something budget-oriented, or choose a well-known brand. After all, it’s not like you can try out a set and change them after a few days.
With our Kia Stinger GT having used up all the legally allowable tread on its rear tyres and the fronts showing serious signs of delamination – a common thing with staggered setups on these cars from about 25000km onwards – we had to consider a replacement.
Wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber from factory, it seemed a no-brainer when we were offered a set of 4 S tyres to try. That S is subtle but significant when it comes to intent, though we noted the tread between old and new looked pretty much identical.
Michelin describe the Pilot Sport 4 as a high-performance tyre, while the 4 S is the brand’s ultra-high performance, road and occasional track, offering. Both are said to feature ultra-reactive tread pattern designs that continuously adapt to the road.
That means they offer precise control and road-holding. Visually, the front tyres have a bit more sidewall than those we took off. At 225/45/19, the older tyre looked a bit stretched by comparison, but don’t compromise on turn-in.
While we tend to stay clear of curbs, there is a little more confidence afforded with the new tyre having that bit more rim protection up front. The rear tyres remain much the same on the half an inch wider rim at 255/35/19.
We’ve had the tyres on the car for about four months now and have covered approximately 3000km in that time, including a road trip from Sydney to Canberra. While we haven’t quite managed to go for an enthusiastic drive, the Michelin Pilot 4 S’ are holding up well.
The brand uses multi-compound technology to provide outstanding performance, including a hybrid component that increases grip in dry conditions. Wet weather capability is there as well, thanks to the large water channels doing their part.
What Michelin describes as “functional elastomas and silica” works a treat in slippery conditions and under braking. The brand also uses dynamic response technology to help with steering feel and directional stability.
It all sounds quite impressive, but basically it comes down to the fact that the tyres do a really good job. The other important thing in a grand tourer is ride comfort, and the Pilot 4 S’ offer reduced road noise over most surfaces.
Of course, there is only so much the rubber boots can do given the condition of many of our roads and, being compared against well worn older tyres might not be the fairest of comparisons, but the smoothness in ride, and on the ears has been appreciated.
Pricing will vary depending on size and where you source them from, but a quick scan at the time or writing had the rears at between $480 and $525 a unit. For a tyre that provides confidence at a bit of a price premium over the competition, they certainly deliver.
There’s extra reassurance seeing these appear to be the tyre of choice, either from factory or by enthusiasts looking for the perfect setup, so that doesn’t hurt either. You can find out more about the Michelin Pilot 4 S on the brand’s website, or by talking to your local stockist.
Pros – trusted name; reliability; quiet for comfort on most road surfaces; cornering and wet weather confidence.
Cons – price point; better when warmed up; difference between Pilot Sport 4 and 4 S is negligible in normal conditions.
Our test product was supplied by Michelin Australia. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this product.
