Aspire XP

Originally fitted in December 2020, made as DOT 2520, now covered a reasonable mileage on first the front and now on rear, 24,900 miles in GB on mixture of UK roads, which are now very rough with many defects and potholes since we ran out out of money, about the Apollo's, no complaints, wear rate is very good and still 5.8mm average left of original 7.5mm of new tread (hope to get 40k+ out of them?). Comfortable and not too noisy that I can tell. Sure footed in the wet but I never push it in those conditions. Good dry grip. Looked to buy two more in 2022 could not find anywhere. Maybe no longer available in UK or replaced by other models of tyre at this size. Copes well with this 'heavy' electric Hybrid chassis. Fitted Khumo Ecsta's to front and they are a much softer compound that wears twice as fast as these Apollo's.

Additionally, these two Apollo Aspire 225/45 R17 91 Y XL’s came with 7.5 mm of brand new tread when fitted in December 2020. and with EU ratings of C, A and 70db I am hopeful that I will get good wear out of these according to the 2020 Auto Bild Tyre test summer tyres to which I mostly referred. They seem comfortable, quiet and hold road well but I don’t usually drive aggressively / spirited. Not tested in the very wet conditions yet but my regular round trip to the coast of 360 Uk miles is looming so I will get better insight then subject to Tier restrictions. Tread comprising 4 equal spaces and sized main grooves. Somewhat disappointed that these have no rim protection (RP) to save my alloys from minor scuffs but will just have to be extra careful. The Black Circles site had no info on RP or similar descriptive code but this info is available on tyre-shopper and etyres but Apollo is not one of their stocked brands. ( Other online tyre sales sites are available) . Had a good deal on BC including fitting at same price as delivery only on many lesser rated brands. Of course price is not main determinant, safety is and as long as I have good quality testing regime like Auto-Bild and tyrereviews to compare to, I have done my due diligence. Will report back after a year / 5000 miles. These replaced Old, hard and increasingly age degraded Michelin Primacy 4,s with 61k miles under them which were down to 3-4 mm remaining.

Additionally, these two Apollo Aspire 225/45 R17 91 Y XL’s came with 7.5 mm of brand new tread when fitted in December 2020. and with EU ratings of C, A and 70db I am hopeful that I will get good wear out of these according to the 2020 Auto Bild Tyre test summer tyres to which I mostly referred. They seem comfortable, quiet and hold road well but I don’t usually drive aggressively / spirited. Not tested in the very wet conditions yet but my regular round trip to the coast of 360 Uk miles is looming so I will get better insight then subject to Tier restrictions. Tread comprising 4 equal spaces and sized main grooves. Somewhat disappointed that these have no rim protection (RP) to save my alloys from minor scuffs but will just have to be extra careful. The Black Circles site had no info on RP or similar descriptive code but this info is available on tyre-shopper and etyres but Apollo is not one of their stocked brands. ( Other online tyre sales sites are available) . Had a good deal on BC including fitting at same price as delivery only on many lesser rated brands. Of course price is not main determinant, safety is and as long as I have good quality testing regime like Auto-Bild and tyrereviews to compare to, I have done my due diligence. Will report back after a year / 5000 miles. These replaced Old, hard and increasingly age degraded Michelin Primacy 4,s with 61k miles under them which were down to 3-4 mm remaining.

Bought these for front axle after studying the reviews and so far am not disappointed but frankly with COV19 not driven far so will reserve judgement until after a year of use. Original fitment was 215/45 R17 87W so upped the profile to this alternative for car model listed by Toyota for our 2010 Auris Hybrid as 215/45’s were noisy, harsh and felt every road defect. Old Michelin Primacy were reason for this. Were much cheaper than lesser rated tyres. Feel Grippy, Quiet and sure footed so far but I’m no expert. Wear will tell in a year.
Made by Apollo Vredenstein at their Hungary factory, Treadwear 280,Traction AA, Temp A, XL version 670kg load max at 51psi max. No Rim Protection what so ever. At car standard inflation of 33psi seem to have a soft sidewall so will up pressures in time to see if ride is effected. Maybe due to a single polyester ply. Very pleased so far and rear tyres will follow suit with profile change soon.

After 8000 kms the situation is as follows:
Comparing to previous OEM tyre: Conti PremiumContact 2, H rating
Pros:
- more comfortable, softer sidewall
- more economical
- noise went missing in action
Cons:
- much more weaker sidewall although it's an XL, tyre therefore spirited cornering is an issue.
For normal driving, commuting, on not so good and bad roads is perfect.
In the matter of dry/wet grip there is no difference between the last tyre.