Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 Review
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What is it?
In this age of what Car & Driver has dubbed the "super street tire," it's easy to get caught up on objective performance and test numbers. Sometimes the figures and comparison test results overshadow one salient point: Most street performance tires will accrue the vast majority of their miles on the, well… street, and in a non-high performance context. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 is a max performance summer tire engineered for street use on performance coupes and sedans. Hankook tires might not typically emerge victorious in comparison tests, but in our experience they often punch above their weight in a real world context. The Hankook Ventus R-S3 is one of our preferred "streetable" track tires, and one of a handful that offer enough civility and treadlife for regular street use. And the Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 has proved to be an excellent high performance all season tire, albeit a bit of a compromise when the snow flies. So does the Ventus S1 evo2 follow suit as a mid-pack finisher in comparison tests, but an excellent real world option? |
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
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Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 strengths and weaknesses?
While it's no slouch in terms of traction and performance, we'd suggest the strength of the Ventus S1 evo2 is really in its everyday use characteristics and features.
The Ventus S1 evo2 is one of the more fuel efficient max performance summer tires on the market, and among the quietest as well. We regularly swap tires on our MinimumTread M3 and are always pleasantly surprised at how quiet the (all season) Ventus S1 noble2 is relative to just about every other performance tire in our garage. Hankook's noise-reducing “sound absorber®” technology is the real deal.
The Ventus S1 evo2 also features a design aspect that permits engaged drivers to maximize treadwear. These "alignment indicators" are a nice touch and provide users a clear reference point to determine if the tire is set up properly:
While it's no slouch in terms of traction and performance, we'd suggest the strength of the Ventus S1 evo2 is really in its everyday use characteristics and features.
The Ventus S1 evo2 is one of the more fuel efficient max performance summer tires on the market, and among the quietest as well. We regularly swap tires on our MinimumTread M3 and are always pleasantly surprised at how quiet the (all season) Ventus S1 noble2 is relative to just about every other performance tire in our garage. Hankook's noise-reducing “sound absorber®” technology is the real deal.
The Ventus S1 evo2 also features a design aspect that permits engaged drivers to maximize treadwear. These "alignment indicators" are a nice touch and provide users a clear reference point to determine if the tire is set up properly:
Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 "alignment indicators"
via HankookTire.com
On the demerit side of the equation, and at the risk of contradicting the theme of this Ventus S1 evo2 review, it has to be said that in terms of maximum performance the Ventus S1 evo2 can't keep pace with the best in category. Most data points have the Ventus S1 evo2 running behind category leaders like the Pirelli P Zero, Michelin Pilot Super Sport, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3. The Ventus S1 evo2 is a performance tire that's far more at home on the street, and as a touring tire than at the test track.
How does the Ventus S1 evo2 compare?
In a 2016 comparison test conducted by Evo magazine, the Ventus S1 evo2 finished eighth out of nine performance tires tested. Test drivers found the Ventus S1 evo2 delivered sufficient, mid-pack dry road performance, but lacked wet road braking & handling as compared to the field.
The Ventus S1 evo2 fared a bit better in a 2016 Auto Express test, finishing sixth out of nine tires tested, and just behind the excellent Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3. Auto Express appropriately summarized the Ventus S1 evo2 as a tire that is "Quiet, safe and won’t cost you a fortune to run."
Lower comparison test rankings have continued into 2017. The Ventus S1 evo2 placed seventh out of nine in the 2017 Evo magazine performance tire test.
Despite some lackluster comparison test results, note that nearly every European testing authority has given the Ventus S1 evo2 a rating of "very recommendable, or "recommendable." Once again, the Ventus S1 evo2 is an everyday street performance tire, and that engineering orientation doesn't necessarily lend itself to top finishes in short-term performance tests against category leaders like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport.
Audi has recognized the Ventus S1 evo2's everyday merit, and selected it as the original equipment tire on the 2018 RS5.
How does the Ventus S1 evo2 compare?
In a 2016 comparison test conducted by Evo magazine, the Ventus S1 evo2 finished eighth out of nine performance tires tested. Test drivers found the Ventus S1 evo2 delivered sufficient, mid-pack dry road performance, but lacked wet road braking & handling as compared to the field.
The Ventus S1 evo2 fared a bit better in a 2016 Auto Express test, finishing sixth out of nine tires tested, and just behind the excellent Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3. Auto Express appropriately summarized the Ventus S1 evo2 as a tire that is "Quiet, safe and won’t cost you a fortune to run."
Lower comparison test rankings have continued into 2017. The Ventus S1 evo2 placed seventh out of nine in the 2017 Evo magazine performance tire test.
Despite some lackluster comparison test results, note that nearly every European testing authority has given the Ventus S1 evo2 a rating of "very recommendable, or "recommendable." Once again, the Ventus S1 evo2 is an everyday street performance tire, and that engineering orientation doesn't necessarily lend itself to top finishes in short-term performance tests against category leaders like the Michelin Pilot Super Sport.
Audi has recognized the Ventus S1 evo2's everyday merit, and selected it as the original equipment tire on the 2018 RS5.
Ventus S1 evo2 Warranty?
- Treadlife Warranty: None
- Uniformity Warranty: 1 year, first 1/32" of treadwear
- Treadlife Warranty: None
- Uniformity Warranty: 1 year, first 1/32" of treadwear
Anything else to know?
Ventus S1 evo2 availability in the good ole' USA is very limited; Tire Rack looks to have the only current inventory. Sizing and availability will probably expand some once the RS5 arrives stateside, but perhaps not beyond its OE sizes.
It might not offer the extreme performance potential of some of its contemporaries, but as is the case with numerous other Hankook tires, the Ventus S1 evo2 is a quality tire when considered from a real world, everyday use perspective.
If you prioritize everyday use attributes over objective performance figures, then the previously mentioned Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is also worth a look.
Before you buy...
Jump over to our Tire Deals section to take advantage of available tire coupons and rebates. Also, review our important Pre-Purchase Checklist for Tires to make sure you purchase a tire that fits your needs.
Ventus S1 evo2 availability in the good ole' USA is very limited; Tire Rack looks to have the only current inventory. Sizing and availability will probably expand some once the RS5 arrives stateside, but perhaps not beyond its OE sizes.
It might not offer the extreme performance potential of some of its contemporaries, but as is the case with numerous other Hankook tires, the Ventus S1 evo2 is a quality tire when considered from a real world, everyday use perspective.
If you prioritize everyday use attributes over objective performance figures, then the previously mentioned Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is also worth a look.
Before you buy...
Jump over to our Tire Deals section to take advantage of available tire coupons and rebates. Also, review our important Pre-Purchase Checklist for Tires to make sure you purchase a tire that fits your needs.
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