Introduction
Vredestein Tyres, the premium arm of Apollo Tyres, has been making waves in the premium tyre segment since its arrival two years ago. They have now expanded their product portfolio with the introduction of two ranges: Pinza HT and Ultrac Vorti i. While Pinza already existed in the all-terrain (AT) category, the new HT variant caters to highway driving with occasional off-road excursions. The Ultrac Vorti i, on the other hand, brings high-performance rubber specifically designed for luxury and premium SUVs. To showcase the versatility of these tyres, we recently had the opportunity to experience them first-hand in Coimbatore across two distinct terrains.
Pinza HT: Off-roading in highway terrain tyres?
The Pinza HT is available in sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches, covering popular mid-sized and full-sized SUVs like the Tata Harrier and the Toyota Fortuner, and even pickup trucks like the ToyotaHilux and the Isuzu V-Cross.
While categorised as highway terrain tyres, Vredestein surprised us with an off-road trail designed to showcase the HT's capabilities. The downhill course was particularly interesting. We took on the descent in the Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Automatic fitted with 265/60 R18 Pinza HT tyres. Despite being classified as HT tyres, the grip on loose and rocky surfaces was surprisingly good. The sidewall flex was well-controlled, minimising vertical movements within the cabin and providing a comfortable ride. The staggered tread blocks provided good traction and the steel belts inside ensured the tyres maintained their shape under load.
The uphill climb proved a bit more thrilling, especially with the longer Isuzu V-Cross Manual we were driving. Here, the 235/70 R16 Pinza HT tyres displayed exceptional traction, navigating sharp rocks with ease. Overall, the Pinza HT's performance on an off-road track designed for more aggressive tyres was truly commendable.
Ultrac Vorti i: Track Experience
Catering to the premium SUV and luxury car space, the Ultrac Vorti i stands out with its unique offering of 21-inch and 22-inch sizes. To experience these, we headed to the Coimbatore Autosports and Transport Trust (CoASTT) racetrack.
Behind the wheel of a BMW X5 shod with 275/45 R21 (front) and 295/35 R21 (rear) Ultrac Vorti i tyres, we were eager to explore the handling prowess of this combination. While the three laps on the track were conducted in a convoy format with a lead car, restricting speeds to around 120kmph, we still got a taste of the tyres’ capabilities.
Even with limited opportunities to push the limits, the Ultrac Vorti i impressed with its grip during aggressive cornering. With exceptional traction, it also allowed for late braking with almost no tyre slip. Turning-in was sharp and precise, boosting my confidence to try and push the limits on the X5.
Vredestein boasts of their tyres offering exceptional performance without compromising on noise levels, and this certainly was true during our experience. The combination of the rigid sidewalls and large contact patch inspired confidence during high-speed blasts down the straights. The braking performance of the tyres was also commendable too, providing a reassuring sense of control.
Availability and Warranty
The entire range of Vredestein tyres, including the new Pinza HT and the Ultrac Vorti i, are manufactured in India and readily available across over 300 Apollo dealerships. All Vredestein tyres come with a standard five-year warranty and an additional two years of road hazard protection, offering customers peace of mind.
