Thread Starter
#1
[Honest Review] Yokahama Earth 1 Tyres- Really designed for India
Hello Friends,
Last week I upgraded my Hyundai i10 to Yokohama Earth 1, In the size 175/70 R13. As we know, Stock i10 tyres come in 155/80 Size which is seriously undersized even for a small car and does not provide enough grip on sandy/dusty inclines.
I went ahed to the tyre Shop and Inspected various tyres from Applo, Bridgestone, Michellin, Ceat, MRF and likes.
Buying Experience-
The Dealer was quick to suggest Michellins which I straight away Rejected. I've already burnt my fingers with Michellins. While they may be silent and last longer, The Michs are very Puncture prone and their grip in bad roads is not that great. They're 100% City/Good road tyres. My Requirements where a bit Indian Hearted tyres which were tough, Puncture and wear resistant and a little aggressive thread for broken roads and minor off-roads.
Next came the Brigestones. Even the dealership was adamant of Bridgestones saying that any other tyres will spoil the handling and comfort of car. I already had bridestones shod the vehicle, and while they were'nt bad, the grip wasnt great either. The tyres spun out when taking an incline in Sandy/dusty road. The tyres also have a tendancy to develops micro cracks over the years.
Everyone straight away steered me away from Ceats and Apollos as they're hard and noisy. In come the Yokos! I am impressed a Japanese company launching specially launching "Designed for India" Tyres for us!
I took a good look and they where'nt lying. The tread pattern is aggressive. There are 5 grip bands compared to 3 or 4 on competition. There is a also a constant contact ring around for better silence and High speed driving. I was instantly sold.
The Dealer said 175/70 is a natural company upgrade size as cars in Europe are shod with this size only. Sure enough, they did fit well on the factory rims, Although they now baloon out from the rims compared to 155/80.
Driving Experience-
1>What stunned me first was the Noise, Or lack of it. Stock Bridgestones used to Generate a loud hum in the 60~80 KMPH range and Unbearable sound after 100 Kmph (Had to Raise stereo volume for this). The Noise with the Yokos is simply ABSENT in 60~80 range.
2>The New tyres are more comfortable on Potholes and Broken roads. Going over speed breakers is More muted.
3>There is No fouling with the fenders even on Full turns with 2 people and moderate luggage on board. I will update further with 5 people and full luggage.
4> Other Good news is that the steering Feel is the same. I had imagined that steering will get harder due to wider rubber but fortunately It did'nt
5> Taking mild corners at 60 KMPH has become a breeze and car feel stable than ever. Body roll is well controlled and steering feel is very planted and weighted on highways.
6> The new tyres Nicely fill up the wheel arches and lend a more Complete, Butch look the car. Really liked it. Also the tread pattern is interesting and looks visually pleasing to the eye.
7> I shall update the thread accordingly, regarding Monsoon drives and High speed drives.
Pricing-
The Yokos are priced at 4350 a piece. Alignment was free but I had to shell out for Balancing which was charged 540 for 4 wheels.
Ownership thread-
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...ue-boy-hyundai-i10-magna-detailed-review.html
Service Experiance-
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-boy-hyundai-i10-magna-detailed-review-8.html
Pics-
NOTE-
My Upgrade experience is based in Going from Bridgestone 155/80 R13 to Yokohama Earth 1 175/70 R13. So the Brand as well as size of tyres have changed. You may have a different experience when Upgrading the Brand or Size alone and respectively. Thanks.
Hello Friends,
Last week I upgraded my Hyundai i10 to Yokohama Earth 1, In the size 175/70 R13. As we know, Stock i10 tyres come in 155/80 Size which is seriously undersized even for a small car and does not provide enough grip on sandy/dusty inclines.
I went ahed to the tyre Shop and Inspected various tyres from Applo, Bridgestone, Michellin, Ceat, MRF and likes.
Buying Experience-
The Dealer was quick to suggest Michellins which I straight away Rejected. I've already burnt my fingers with Michellins. While they may be silent and last longer, The Michs are very Puncture prone and their grip in bad roads is not that great. They're 100% City/Good road tyres. My Requirements where a bit Indian Hearted tyres which were tough, Puncture and wear resistant and a little aggressive thread for broken roads and minor off-roads.
Next came the Brigestones. Even the dealership was adamant of Bridgestones saying that any other tyres will spoil the handling and comfort of car. I already had bridestones shod the vehicle, and while they were'nt bad, the grip wasnt great either. The tyres spun out when taking an incline in Sandy/dusty road. The tyres also have a tendancy to develops micro cracks over the years.
Everyone straight away steered me away from Ceats and Apollos as they're hard and noisy. In come the Yokos! I am impressed a Japanese company launching specially launching "Designed for India" Tyres for us!
I took a good look and they where'nt lying. The tread pattern is aggressive. There are 5 grip bands compared to 3 or 4 on competition. There is a also a constant contact ring around for better silence and High speed driving. I was instantly sold.
The Dealer said 175/70 is a natural company upgrade size as cars in Europe are shod with this size only. Sure enough, they did fit well on the factory rims, Although they now baloon out from the rims compared to 155/80.
Driving Experience-
1>What stunned me first was the Noise, Or lack of it. Stock Bridgestones used to Generate a loud hum in the 60~80 KMPH range and Unbearable sound after 100 Kmph (Had to Raise stereo volume for this). The Noise with the Yokos is simply ABSENT in 60~80 range.
2>The New tyres are more comfortable on Potholes and Broken roads. Going over speed breakers is More muted.
3>There is No fouling with the fenders even on Full turns with 2 people and moderate luggage on board. I will update further with 5 people and full luggage.
4> Other Good news is that the steering Feel is the same. I had imagined that steering will get harder due to wider rubber but fortunately It did'nt
5> Taking mild corners at 60 KMPH has become a breeze and car feel stable than ever. Body roll is well controlled and steering feel is very planted and weighted on highways.
6> The new tyres Nicely fill up the wheel arches and lend a more Complete, Butch look the car. Really liked it. Also the tread pattern is interesting and looks visually pleasing to the eye.
7> I shall update the thread accordingly, regarding Monsoon drives and High speed drives.
Pricing-
The Yokos are priced at 4350 a piece. Alignment was free but I had to shell out for Balancing which was charged 540 for 4 wheels.
Ownership thread-
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...ue-boy-hyundai-i10-magna-detailed-review.html
Service Experiance-
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-boy-hyundai-i10-magna-detailed-review-8.html
Pics-
NOTE-
My Upgrade experience is based in Going from Bridgestone 155/80 R13 to Yokohama Earth 1 175/70 R13. So the Brand as well as size of tyres have changed. You may have a different experience when Upgrading the Brand or Size alone and respectively. Thanks.