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The Kumho Ecsta HS52 — successor to the Ecsta HS51 — and the Continental PremiumContact 7 — the latest evolution of the PremiumContact 6 and ContiPremiumContact 5 — represent two very different propositions in the touring summer tyre segment. One is a value-oriented performer that punches above its weight; the other is a premium benchmark that dominates every independent test it enters.
Test Rankings: Continental on Top Across the Board
The pattern across all comparative tests is consistent and clear:
- Auto Bild (55 tyres): Continental 1st, Kumho 2nd
- ADAC (16 tyres): Continental 1st, Kumho 3rd
- Vibilagare (9 tyres): Continental 1st, Kumho 3rd
- Autoklub ČR (19 tyres): Continental 1st, Kumho 13th
The
Continental PremiumContact 7 claimed the top position in every single test in which both tyres appeared — a remarkable consistency that underpins its
98% overall rating. The Kumho's 2nd-place finish in the 55-tyre Auto Bild test is genuinely impressive, though its 13th-place result in the Autoklub ČR test of 19 tyres reveals more variability in its performance.
Wet Performance
Wet grip is the sharpest dividing line between these two tyres. The
Continental PremiumContact 7 earned best-in-test recognition for
wet braking, wet handling, and
wet circle cornering across multiple organisations. TyreReviews.com confirmed it holds
"the highest level of wet grip overall, with a clear lead in wet braking and joint fastest wet handling." The ADAC 2026 test named it outright test winner, praising its
"best wet driving properties and short braking distances."
The
Kumho Ecsta HS52 shows
average wet grip according to TyreReviews.com, while the 2021 Automotorsport test rated its wet performance at a solid 2.0. Both ADAC tests noted
slight aquaplaning weaknesses in the Kumho — a recurring finding that drivers in heavy rain conditions should be aware of.
Dry Performance
On dry surfaces, the Kumho performs considerably better. Auto Bild 2024 praised its
"convincing driving performance on both wet and dry with short braking distances," and TyreReviews.com highlighted
very good dry handling and short dry braking distances as genuine strengths. The Continental, however, still leads even here — ADAC awarded it the
best dry performance in its test category, with exemplary braking and handling.
Comfort, Noise and Efficiency
The Kumho loses ground on
rolling comfort — described as moderate by Auto Bild — while its
higher tyre weight is noted as a drawback by ADAC. On the positive side, it delivers
low external noise and good fuel efficiency. The Continental, despite being similarly heavy, offsets this with superior dynamics; its only consistent criticism is
increased external noise and average rolling resistance.
Longevity and Value
Both tyres score well on predicted mileage. The Kumho offers
very good longevity, low wear and — notably — a
significantly lower price point, cited as a clear advantage in multiple tests. The Continental matches it on mileage credentials while commanding a premium price that is justified by its across-the-board performance dominance.
Verdict
The
Continental PremiumContact 7 is the superior tyre and the benchmark in this segment — test winner in every head-to-head, with no significant weaknesses. Its excellence in wet conditions alone makes it the safer and more capable choice. Explore
Continental's full summer tyre range for more options at this level.
The
Kumho Ecsta HS52 earns its
74% rating as a strong budget-conscious alternative — particularly impressive in dry braking and handling — but its average wet grip and variable test positions mean it cannot match the Continental's all-round competence. For drivers prioritising value without sacrificing dry performance, it remains a worthy contender.
