Maxxis MAP3

Great value and performance – When my daughter's 2014 Suzuki Swift was ready to replace the original Yokohamas at 50,000 kms I sat down and did a fair bit of research on what would be a good value, good performing tyre. I've had a set of Maxxis Bravos on my wife's Kluger for many years and they have travelled over 57,000 kms and don't even look half worn. They have never… Read more

had a puncture or even needed rebalancing in that time.

I've also got a set of Maxxis Bighorns on my ATV and they will go just about anywhere. Again, no problems.

So it stood to reason that if Maxxis had something suitable for the Swift I'd give them a go.

Anyone that has ever driven a Swift would know these little cars handle like a go kart with the factory 175/65R15 tyres but like a go kart, they are a fairly harsh ride.

My intention was to soften this up a little, so when ordering the MAP3's I went for a slightly taller (and wider) 185/65R15. So glad I did.

Running the factory pressures (36 psi front & 32 psi rear) these tyres have softened the ride and harshness up considerably with very little sacrifice to the handling characteristics or steering geometry.

They took very little lead when being balanced and this is always a good sign of a quality tyre.

Also being slightly taller, they have corrected the speedo to only 2kms under actual speed whereas the originals had you reading 5kms under actual.

In normal driving conditions, wet and dry they are as good as the originals for grip and a touch better for braking and way better for comfort.

I can't comment on fuel efficiency as I don't get to drive it often enough to test that out, but I suspect it will go through slightly more being a wider tyre.

Judging by my passed experience with Maxxis, I'm expecting 70,000 Kms + out of these as my daughter is a very conservative driver.

Very impressed so far with the MAP3's.