Kumho

Kumho Ecsta HS52

Name: Kumho Ecsta HS52
Brand: Kumho

Wet braking is the budget summer tyre’s strength, placing third of 16 at 31.1 m. Curved aquaplaning, dry steering precision and fuel consumption expose the savings elsewhere.

$104 typical

Check availability

EDITION 01RESEARCHED 2026-10-125 SOURCESREFRESH DUE 2027-04

SUBSTANCE SCORES

substance6.9/ 10

design6.5/ 10

value6.7/ 10

WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED

The £78.99 quote is for a fully fitted 205/55 R16 91W tyre. Its price is supported by a disclosed high-grip-resin, silica and polymer compound, while testing shows strong wet braking but compromises in dry precision, curved aquaplaning, fuel consumption and abrasion. Lifespan predictions vary by test size.

MATERIALS

Tread compoundhigh-grip resin

Supports braking and cornering performance on wet and dry roads.

Tread compoundhighly dispersible silica

A disclosed compound ingredient associated with wet-grip formulation.

Tread compoundmultifunctionalized polymers

Part of the manufacturer-disclosed compound formulation.

CRITERIA

8/10

Wet Safety

2026 test wet braking was 31.1 m, third of 16; ADAC 205/55 R16 wet score was 2.3.

6/10

Hydroplaning Control

Straight aquaplaning was fifth at 77.3 km/h, but curved aquaplaning was in the bottom four.

7/10

Dry Control

Dry braking was 35.7 m, ninth of 16; independent coverage calls dry steering feedback and precision only adequate.

6/10

Wear Retention

Predicted mileage was 43,200 km in 225/50 R17 and 43,500 km in 205/55 R16; predictions vary by size.

7/10

Ride And Noise

Measured noise was 71.0 dB(A) in 205/55 R16; owner feedback is mixed on comfort and loudness.

6/10

Efficiency And Value

UK quote is £78.99 fitted, but 2026 testing placed fuel consumption 15th of 16 at 5.8 l/100 km.

5/10

Build Integrity

Neutral uncertainty placeholder: no independent bead, casing-symmetry, bonding or pressure-retention testing found.

IDEAL FOR

·Drivers prioritizing wet-road braking
·Compact and midsize cars using 205/55 R16
·Buyers seeking a fitted budget-to-midrange summer tyre
·Mostly mild-weather road use

NOT FOR

·Snow or sustained winter conditions
·Drivers prioritizing best curved-aquaplaning control
·Drivers seeking class-leading fuel efficiency or dry steering precision

DESIGN & ERGONOMICS

Asymmetric tread with four longitudinal water-clearing grooves and 3D blocks prioritizes wet-road water evacuation. The tread and casing receive mixed refinement evidence: one owner described it as quieter, while another found it less comfortable and somewhat louder.

LONGEVITY

Independent predicted mileage is approximately 43,200–43,500 km in the cited test sizes, but test-size variation is substantial and ANWB reported a possible wet-performance versus wear-resistance trade-off. No guaranteed lifespan or repairability evidence was supplied.