Writing about the
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 given
85% (215-45-18-)
Driving on
mostly country roads for 1300
average miles
Been driving these about 2000km's in a Mazda 3 1.5 120hp, drove in heavy rain, high speeds and both rough and smooth roads and some spirited action. In short, they feel like a true premium tyre, especially on B type of roads with some rough bits, they make the car feel very controlled and connected, offers excellent bump absorbation and feels never crashy. In terms of sidewall rigidness, they are absolutely spot-on in terms of comfort and sportiness balance and they are always ready from the get go, no need for heat to build up to generate grip like other sports tyres. These are the best aspects of S3 Evo's.
If you push them hard in dry mid-corner or try to make some quick direction changes, you can feel bit vagueness or latency from steering (my previous PS3's were sharper and a bit more connected) but nowhere near bad or loose as a "efficient-energy" oriented type tyres. But the worse thing is, they shift the cornering balance of the car from neutral to slightly understeery. Rear end was bit more playful with my PS3's, offering some lift-off action with pointy front end, these one's a bit more safety oriented thus less fun above the limit. In wet S3 Evo's are simply incredible, stick the tarmac like glue, both in brakes and lateral grip. I am amazed how grippy they are in the wet (at least when they are new).
My problem with these are excessive road noise in some surfaces. Sometimes they are exceptionally quiet, but in some surfaces they drone like hell. I think this sound fluctuation disrupts comfort more than a steady sound, since the Mazda 3 is a poorly soundproofed car, this problem may well be escalated more. It may not be problem in a premium german car.
In summary, S3 Evo's are not the most dynamic tyre in nature, not a true Potenza sport like tyre, but they feel like quality rubber, with great daily ride capabilites and some added sporty flavours. They will fit great in low to mid powered cars for mildly demanding drivers.
Sorry for my english by the way.
Ps: mines are 45"ZR"18 ones, i presume 45R18 ones offers softer tyrewall therefore are more comfort oriented.