Given
90%
while driving a
Audi A3 Sportback
(225/45 R17) on
a combination of roads
for 750
spirited miles
I will preface this with the fact that this is an initial review. Updates will follow.
I fitted the PS5s about 1200km ago coming from Bridgestone Potenza Sport, both on 225/45 R17 (94Y)
I have had the opportunity to test them in dry and wet conditions, on motorways and along country roads. Type of driving: commuting + spirited when possible.
Compared to Bridgestones when new, the PS5s have more (and more, and more) grip on dry surfaces. The car is planted on 4 wheels, the feeling is to have an AWD car instead of a FWD.
Where the Bridge showed a “dancing” rear during spirited driving, with the Mich you are on rails. And that is confidence inspiring.
On wet surfaces no differences at all.
When it comes to handling and feedback at the wheel, distinctions must be made.
Sportiness increases proportionally with speed! As long as you are travelling at low speeds, I agree with Johnatan that these tyres are slightly slow in following the steering wheel commands (in this the Bridgestones gave a quicker feel), but the higher the speed increases, the more the tyres respond instantly to steering wheel input. And it doesn't just depend on the steering-assist calibration, the feel during turn-in is exactly the same as the Bridgestones, without being too nervous at the limit. With the PS5s you are forced to drive very fast. And, oh, they are lovely!
The only drawback, for me, is the road feedback. The refinement over bumps is achieved at the expense of the rubber-to-road connection.
It is the French way of conceiving sportiness, but for cars of modest performance to be used every day on the road (no track), I think it is a compromise you can live with.
As for wear, the tyres came with 8mm tread depth. I'll update the review after 10k kms