Nokian Tyres Surpass™ AS01

KuuAP1 • 8 days ago

1. **Introduction** Years ago, I took a chance on the Nokian Zline A/S, and I was very pleased with its grip, sound profile, quietness, longevity, and price. As it was a relatively unknown brand in the USA at the time, I decided to give it a try. I was driving a 2009 Honda Civic Si, and the performance for the price was unbelievable. In dry and wet conditions, the grip was confidence-inspiring, and in light snow, I was able to drive without worry. Now that I drive a Honda S2000, I was looking to replace a budget tire with a more premium UHP (Ultra High Performance) all-season tire. I considered brands like Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental. The Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 seemed to be my next tire, as it performed well in tests from independent reviewers and Tire Rack. However, during my research, I discovered the Nokian Surpass AS01. Having had a good experience with the Nokian Zline, I decided to give it a try. I’ve driven on Michelin (PS4S, Crossclimate 2), Continental DWS06, Indy Firehawk 500, and most recently, RoadHugger GTZ. Living in Texas, where the weather can be unpredictable, I wanted an all-season tire that would provide good performance while still offering the longevity of an all-season tire compared to a pure summer tire. 2. **Key Features** Some of the key features that led me to choose the Nokian Surpass AS01 include: - **Aramid Sidewalls**: Hitting apexes on the track or encountering potholes on the road can be tough on tires. The Aramid sidewalls offer peace of mind, along with the 1-year pothole protection warranty. - **New Design**: As a newer design, the Surpass AS01 incorporates cutting-edge tire technology. - **Tire Warranty**: Nokian offers a 55,000-mile warranty, which is longer than the typical 50,000 miles that most UHP tires offer. This extra mileage could last me another season. - **Low Rolling Resistance**: With its “EV fit” designation, the tire offers better fuel economy, which can help with long-term efficiency. - **Renewable Materials**: Being made with renewable materials is an added bonus for me. 3. **Performance** Now, let's dive into my performance experience with the tire. I do a lot of backroad carving and highway trips, and I’ve driven about 200 miles on the AS01 so far, with my car being a Honda S2000. Here’s how the Surpass AS01 compares to my previous tire, the RoadHugger GTZ (a Kumho-made tire for a local tire chain): - **Dry Performance**: The dry handling is much more planted. There's less squeal—though some is still noticeable when you approach the limit, but it provides valuable feedback. I can launch the car without slippage, and it feels more confident overall. - **Wet Performance**: My previous tires had very sketchy wet performance, but the AS01 feels much more capable. While there's a slight loss of grip in extreme conditions, it remains stable and predictable. - **Ride Comfort**: The ride comfort and noise reduction are significant improvements over the RoadHuggers. The AS01 is far quieter and more comfortable, and it costs only about $20 more per tire. I was surprised at how much quieter and smoother the ride is. - **Handling and Steering Response**: As mentioned in the dry performance section, handling is a noticeable step up. I can take turns faster, brake sooner, and the tires communicate more of the road feel. Steering response is immediate, with no waiting for the tires to load up. 4. **Durability** While durability is still to be fully determined since the tire is relatively new, I’m confident based on Nokian’s long experience as a top winter tire manufacturer and the aramid sidewalls that the durability will be solid. Nokian’s 55,000-mile UHP tire warranty is an indication of the company's confidence in the tire's durability. As more people log miles on the tire, we'll get a better understanding of its real-world performance. 5. **Price and Value** With tire prices steadily increasing, finding a good UHP tire that performs at the top of the list among well-known manufacturers like Pirelli, Michelin, and Continental is a challenge. The Surpass AS01 is priced slightly below these brands, but it offers comparable performance. Given its warranty, pothole protection program, and lower price compared to the "top dogs," I think Nokian has hit it out of the park. I’m curious to see how independent testers evaluate this tire compared to the competition. Personally, I love the performance and confidence it gives me for backroad driving and the quietness it provides for my daily commute. 6. **Conclusion** After driving approximately 200 miles on the Nokian Surpass AS01, I would highly recommend this tire. It’s ideal for those who want a sportier tire that won’t break the bank, commuters looking for a comfortable and quiet tire that can handle most weather conditions, and drivers who need a tire with stronger sidewalls to prevent damage from less-than-ideal road conditions. I’m glad I made the decision to try the Nokian Surpass AS01, as it has surpassed my expectations in every way.

I recommend this product