Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 Review — Proven UHP Performance for NZ Sports Cars
Overall Rating: 8.9 / 10
Category: Ultra High Performance Summer
Price in NZ: From $418 (passenger), from $570 (SUV)
Best for: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4/S4, Mercedes C-Class — established UHP fitments
Quick Verdict
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is the previous-generation UHP Eagle F1 — superseded by the Asymmetric 5 but still widely available in NZ and delivering the class-leading wet braking performance that made the Asymmetric series Goodyear’s credibility builder. In the 2018–2020 European UHP test cycle, the Asymmetric 3 won multiple wet braking tests and was recognised as the benchmark wet-weather UHP tyre. It remains an excellent choice at $418 — particularly in sizes where the newer Asymmetric 5 may not be stocked in NZ.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Ultra High Performance Summer |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | C |
| Speed Ratings | Y (300 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″ (passenger), 17″–20″ (SUV) |
| NZ Price Range | $418 – $620 (varies by size and variant) |
| Key Technology | Goodyear ActiveBraking compound |
Performance Profile
Wet safety: EU Label A — the Asymmetric 3’s legacy is its wet braking performance. Multiple European test victories in the 2018–2020 period established it as one of the most capable wet-weather UHP tyres of its generation. That capability remains relevant in NZ’s rain.
Dry handling: Very good — the asymmetric tread design provides large outer shoulder blocks for dry cornering grip with inner grooves for wet evacuation. Driver feedback is responsive and communicative.
Tread life: Good — above average for a UHP tyre, consistent with Goodyear’s ActiveBraking compound approach.
Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 vs Asymmetric 5 — Which to Choose?
Choose the Asymmetric 5 if it’s available in your size — it’s the current product with the latest compound technology.
Choose the Asymmetric 3 if: the 5 isn’t available in your specific size, the 3 is priced meaningfully lower in your size, or it is the established OEM fitment for your vehicle that you want to maintain.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland: Excellent. Proven wet braking performance from multiple European test victories is directly relevant on Auckland’s rain-soaked motorways.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Proven wet braking excellence — multiple European UHP test victories
- EU Label A wet grip — top safety rating
- Available in SUV variant for performance SUVs ($570)
- Competitive price ($418) for established test-proven UHP performance
Cons
- Superseded by Asymmetric 5 — current product is preferable where stocked
- EU Label C fuel efficiency — higher rolling resistance
Sources
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 — goodyear.com — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/goodyear/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 — current generation
- Goodyear Tyres NZ — brand overview
- Best Performance Tyres NZ — full comparison