I have had Conti DW performance summer tires on my TDI for over a year, now, and run them between 40 - 41 psi. For me, that is a good compromise between handling and comfort, and gives the added benefits of longer tire life and better fuel economy. Note, however, that the standard sport suspension on the US TDI, while about equal in handling to the GTI on real roads, is a bit softer and more forgiving on bad roads. Also, 16" wheels help and are better suited to the chassis than 17" wheels.
four tires (Continental DW)
If its the tires its time to invest in some Continental DWS
The Kumho Sense tires look like a good option for you, but they are $208 a set +shipping and installation.
I replaced the OE tires with Continental DWS tires and they've been pretty solid. I've got 35k on them at this point and they have good tread remaining. However, I took my car in for rotation recently and they informed me the tires were cupping really badly.
Mine actually came with Continental Pro contact tires. However, I did buy it certified pre owned with 24k miles so I'm not sure if the PO changed them before trading. Whichever, this tires are pretty damn good!!! I'm used to buying Falken Ziex performance tires which I have had on all my previous cars but these seem a lot better. Might have to stick with these now....
Yep, haven't ran those Falkens, but have run the Kumhos. On my 2nd set of the Evos on my summer wheels for the R, great tire for the money. It's no PS2 or Direzza, but I'm not a racecar driver either. And +1 running them a little higher on PSI.
I had the Kumho on my Fx45 before the current Kooks. Overall, I prefer the Hankooks since I feel the ride better, quieter, etc (maybe I am just getting old and need to trade in for an ES300). Plus the Hankooks come with tread warranty, no? The Kumho were a bit stickier but I felt they wore a bit prematurely.
I have the Kuhmo Road Venture APT KL51 235/60. I was very happy with them until I realized the fronts are shot after 20K mi. I probably ran them under inflated a bit for too long. And never rotated them =(. The taller than stock size makes zero noticeable difference on the speedo or power on the road. My speedo matches my GPS reading exactly. Clearance is no problem.
I have the Kumhos and I don't like them. They are quiet, and seem to last forever, to my chagrin. Personally, I'd rather trade a little tread life for more performance, but they might be what you are looking for. A word of warning, though: they break loose pretty easily when it's wet.
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