Michelin Malaysia launches Pilot Sport 4 SUV

Aimed at premium, high performance on-road SUVs, Michelin Malaysia has recently introduced a new range of Pilot Sport premium tyres aimed specifically at SUVs.

Available in sizes ranging from 17- to 23-inches, the highlight of the new Pilot Sport 4 SUV is its well-balanced, all-rounded performance. It delivers above average performance in nearly all areas of objective evaluation – long service life, superior braking performance as well as handling, and good ride comfort.

The key to achieving this well-balanced performance is a new compound that incorporates innovative functional elastomers and thin silica.

A new asymmetrical groove design that rigidifies the tread pattern and provides excellent grip during dynamic cornering while a hybrid belt made of aramid and nylon also provides dynamic steering responsiveness and driving precision.

An intelligent design that incorporates rigid tread blocks and a high-density double casing ply also increased robustness against road shock damages.

Complexities in material science aside and tyre groove design aside, what this means is that Michelin Malaysia is confident that the Pilot Sport 4 SUV is now the benchmark in its class.

In a test conducted by the independent TUV SUD, an Audi Q5 2.0 TDI fitted with 235/60 R 18 Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres completed a 1,050 test course 5.06 seconds faster than other premium tyres.

When measured for its braking performance, the same MIchelin-shod Audi Q5 came to a complete stop sooner than any other rival tyres - up to 2.7 metres shorter than competitors in the dry. In the wet, it stops up to 4.9 metres shorter than other premium competitor tyres when new tyres were used, and up to 8.5 metres shorter when worn tyres were used.

A separate test by the equally independent Dekra Test Centre using a Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi fitted with 235/60 R 18 Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres also showed that the Michelin tyres have a 13,000 km plus longer service life than other premium SUV tyres.

Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, Mr. Pascal Nouvellon said, “The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV completes our well-established Pilot Sport family with the latest motorsport technologies and intelligent enhancements to provide unlimited driving pleasure in total safety. The new tyres feature an improved tread pattern and a new tyre compound for better grip and wet braking – staying true to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tagline, “Out there, you are always in control.”