Dunlop Enasave EC300 Plus Review — Japan’s Eco Tyre for NZ Efficient Drivers
Overall Rating: 8.6 / 10
Category: Eco Touring
Price in NZ: From $279 (passenger), from $312 (SUV)
Best for: Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz Hybrid, Mazda 2 — eco and hybrid vehicles
Available sizes: 14″ – 17″ rims (passenger), 16″ – 18″ (SUV)
Quick Verdict
The Dunlop Enasave EC300 Plus is Dunlop’s dedicated eco tyre — the product for NZ drivers who want to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise environmental impact from their tyres. Built around Dunlop’s nano-dimension silica technology, the EC300 Plus delivers EU Label B fuel efficiency combined with solid wet grip, making it a sensible choice for Toyota Prius and Honda Jazz Hybrid owners who want a tyre that aligns with their vehicle’s eco ethos. At $279, it is accessible and provides better wet performance than most budget alternatives at similar prices.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Eco Touring |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | B |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | B |
| EU Label — Noise | 69–71 dB |
| Speed Ratings | H (210), V (240 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 14″, 15″, 16″, 17″ |
| NZ Price Range | $279 – $360 (passenger), $312–$390 (SUV) |
| Key Technology | Nano-dimension silica compound |
Performance Profile
Fuel Efficiency
EU Label B rolling resistance — the tyre’s primary design priority. Dunlop’s nano-dimension silica compound uses ultra-fine silica particles to create a compound with lower internal friction than conventional rubber — reducing rolling resistance without the severe wet grip compromises that older eco compounds exhibited. For a Toyota Prius covering 20,000 km annually, the EU Label B versus a Label D tyre can save 60–80 litres of petrol per year.
Wet Safety
EU Label B wet grip — adequate for everyday driving in rain. The nano silica compound maintains wet traction through the temperature range common in NZ (10°C–35°C). Safe for normal road conditions but below the A-rated alternatives (Continental EcoContact 6) that achieve both A fuel efficiency and A wet grip simultaneously.
Tread Life
Good — Dunlop’s Japanese engineering delivers consistent wear across the tyre’s full tread life. For Prius owners covering 15,000–20,000 km annually, expect 45,000–55,000 km tread life.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland — Primary Market
Verdict: Very Good — eco hybrid companion tyre
Toyota Prius, Honda Jazz Hybrid, and Nissan Leaf drivers in Auckland represent the EC300 Plus’s natural market. The fuel efficiency credentials complement these vehicles’ drivetrains, and the wet grip (Label B) handles Auckland’s rain adequately. For drivers who want EU Label A wet grip at a comparable price — the Continental EcoContact 6 ($273) achieves both A fuel efficiency and A wet grip.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Nano-dimension silica technology — genuine fuel efficiency improvement
- EU Label B fuel efficiency — measurable fuel cost reduction for hybrid owners
- Competitive price ($279) — accessible eco tyre from a trusted Japanese brand
- Quieter than many eco competitors — 69 dB
Cons
- EU Label B wet grip — Continental EcoContact 6 achieves Label A at lower price
- Limited sizes (14″–17″) — not for medium or large vehicles
- Not available in performance sizes
Sources
- Dunlop Enasave EC300 Plus — dunlop.eu — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/dunlop/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Continental EcoContact 6 — achieves EU Label A/A at lower price
- Best EV Tyres NZ — hybrid and EV tyre guide
- Dunlop Tyres NZ — brand overview