Had the Avons fitted 4000 miles ago. After a bedding in period of around 400-500 miles, I started to test the tyre. These tyres offer good, if not somewhat spongy front end grip. They never 'fall off' quickly, but the feedback is somewhat less forthcoming, the harder you push the tyre. These tyres are amazing under brakes in the dry, although that sponginess can be felt, when heavy onthe pedal.
They do however come alive in wet conditions. The feedback is good, throughout a range of different treatments of the tyre. And best of all they're immense still under braking. The apparent sponginess is negated by the wet surface and in fact makes for a pleasant and comfortable ride.
The tyres are fitted to a 280bhp Golf Gti. Run on a race set up for brakes on the front and rear, with drilled and grooved discs, Yellowstuff pads, Goodridge stainless hoses and dot 5.1 fluid. It's an aggressive braking system and I'm sure that's why I'm receiving limited feedback from the front tyres. Having said that, the tyres are rated to 190mph+. So that would indicate the manufacturers expected some higher powered vehicles to be running their tyre.
The previous Falken F452's, even though completely worn out when I first bought the car, offered better feedback up front than the Avons. Despite being an all round far worse tyre. All in all the Avon suits the British climate very well, so it's a good compromise on other premium brand tyres, at usually £30-50 a tyre cheaper. The main downside to this tyre is wear. Completely disregarding the amount of power running through the front end, see tyres look set to last barely 8000 miles.
Parting shot! Want a mega tyre, good in the wet and dry, aesthetically pleasing, plenty of feedback across the board, quiet, comfortable, refined, semi decent on wear and for under £120 a tyre???? Buy the Vredestien Ultrac Sessanta. It's a way better all round package and I can't sing it's praises enough.