ContiEcoContact 5: really does consume less than its predecessor

We briefly tested the ContiEcoContact 5 tyre in December 2010 when the tyre was presented in Porto, in Portugal. Continental then allowed us to test it more seriously on the Portimão track, in the Algarve region in south Portugal. Fuel consumption and resistance on a wet road were tested.

1. The fuel consumption test

Knowing that tyres are responsible for about 20% of a vehicle's fuel consumption, it is interesting to test the fuel savings generated by this new green tyre.

Test protocol

>A route with 3 different tyres:

ContiEcoContact 5;
ContiEcoContact 3;
A Continental prototype.

On arrival: comparison of fuel consumption obtained.

>Vehicles used: Golf VI with the same configuration, with the same level of fuel, tyre pressure, etc.

>In order to minimize the impact of driving style, each vehicle is fitted with a GPS module (photo) giving instructions to the driver in real-time: change of gear, engine speed, braking…

Results of the consumption test

> ContiEcoContact 3:     6.47 l/100 km (average speed 52.60 kph)
> ContiEcoContact 5:     6.13 l/100 km (average speed 52.67 kph)
> Prototype:         5.49 l/100 km (average speed 53.32 kph)

The results of the test reveal a reduced fuel consumption of 5% for the new ContiEcoContact tyre.
With a gain of 1 l/100 km compared to the ContiEcoContact 3, the prototype shows that even more progress can be made in reducing rolling resistance. Then it is a question of whether this is gained at the expense of performance, and in particular handling on wet roads.

2. Wet road test

In order to prove that its new green tyre remains efficient on wet roads, Continental subjected the three tyres used in the fuel consumption test to a test on a wet track.

Test protocol

>A permanently wet track to test 3 different tyres:

ContiEcoContact 5;
ContiEcoContact 3;
A Continental prototype.

>Vehicle used: BMW 120i, rear-wheel drive 170 bhp.

>A data acquisition system (photo) measured numerous parameters such as trajectories, steering wheel corrections, loss of traction, speeds in the turns, etc.

Results of the wet road test

• ContiEcoContact 3: the tyre offers good traction, a very reassuring level of grip and good steering control during braking. A very positive result.

• ContiEcoContact 5: the result is very good, but to be honest, the difference with the ContiEcoContact 3 is hardly noticeable to the average driver. However, the measurements show that there is a difference: the ContiEcoContact 5 is faster, brakes better and offers better lateral grip.

• The prototype: the difference in grip compared to market tyres is surprising. This tyre slips a lot, has precarious traction and can suddenly lose grip. Normal: rolling resistance has been maximised to the detriment of other tyre performances.

>> Continental ContiEcoContact 5: more safety, more ecology