Dunlop SP Sport LM705 Review — NZ’s Most Popular Dunlop Replacement Tyre
Overall Rating: 8.5 / 10
Category: Grand Touring
Price in NZ: From $265 (passenger), from $411 (SUV)
Best for: Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Honda Jazz, Kia Cerato — everyday NZ family cars
Available sizes: 14″ – 18″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Dunlop SP Sport LM705 is the tyre NZ Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 owners most commonly replace their factory tyres with — and for good reason. It is often identical to the OEM fitment on these vehicles, having been selected by Toyota and Honda as their Asia-Pacific factory equipment. This OEM heritage means the LM705’s handling characteristics are precisely calibrated for the vehicles it most commonly fits. At $265, it is also one of the most affordable major-brand tyres available in NZ.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Grand Touring |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | B |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | B |
| EU Label — Noise | 70–72 dB |
| Speed Ratings | H (210), V (240 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 14″, 15″, 16″, 17″, 18″ |
| NZ Price Range | $265 – $350 (passenger), $411–$500 (SUV) |
| OEM Fitment | Toyota Corolla, Honda Jazz, Mazda 3 (Asia-Pacific) |
Performance Profile
OEM Matching — Why This Matters
When your vehicle came with LM705s from the factory, replacing with the same model is the simplest path to maintaining the original handling balance. Vehicle engineers calibrate suspension settings around the specific tyre characteristics — replacing with a substantially different tyre (especially one with different sidewall stiffness) changes the handling feel and potentially compromises the designed safety margins. The LM705’s OEM heritage for NZ’s most popular vehicles is its strongest practical credential.
Wet Performance
EU Label B wet grip — one step below the top A rating. Adequate for NZ’s rain conditions in normal driving circumstances. The LM705’s wet performance is safe and predictable — not class-leading but within the expected range for a tyre at this price.
Comfort and Ride
The LM705 is notably comfortable — designed for everyday family motoring rather than performance driving. NZ chipseal road surfaces, urban potholes, and highway expansion joints are absorbed with appropriate compliance.
Tread Life
Good — typically 40,000–50,000 km in mixed NZ urban and highway use. The LM705’s wear pattern is even and predictable, making it easy to monitor.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland and North Island
Verdict: Solid — the safe default OEM replacement
For Toyota Corolla, Honda Jazz, and Mazda 3 owners replacing worn tyres in Auckland — the LM705 is the safe, predictable default. It restores factory handling characteristics without surprises. If you want improved wet safety, consider the Continental EcoContact 6 (EU Label A wet grip at similar or slightly higher price) as an upgrade.
South Island Coastal
Verdict: Good for everyday use
Performs reliably in Christchurch, Nelson, and coastal South Island conditions. The summer-biased compound limits alpine use — not intended for sub-zero driving.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- OEM on Toyota Corolla, Honda Jazz, Mazda 3 — restores factory handling precisely
- Most affordable major-brand tyre at this size in NZ ($265)
- Comfortable everyday ride
- Good tread life for the price
- Dunlop brand quality and wide NZ availability
Cons
- EU Label B wet grip — step below EU Label A alternatives (EcoContact 6, TripleMax 2)
- Not a performance tyre — low lateral grip and steering feel
- Not suitable for SUV or performance vehicle applications in standard configuration (SUV version available separately from $411)
LM705 vs Key Budget Competitors
| Tyre | Wet Grip | Comfort | Tread Life | OEM Fit | NZ Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop SP Sport LM705 | B | Very Good | Good | Toyota/Honda | $265+ | 8.5/10 |
| Continental EcoContact 6 | A | Good | Very Good | No | $273+ | 9.0/10 |
| Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 | A | Good | Good | No | $274+ | 8.6/10 |
| Hankook Kinergy Eco2 | B | Good | Good | No | $256+ | 8.5/10 |
Note: The Continental EcoContact 6 at $273 delivers EU Label A for both wet grip and fuel efficiency — making it technically stronger value than the LM705 at $265 unless you specifically need OEM-match handling for a Toyota or Honda.
Sources
- Dunlop SP Sport LM705 — dunlop.eu — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/dunlop/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT 2 — the performance step up
- Continental EcoContact 6 — better wet grip at similar price
- Dunlop Tyres NZ — brand overview