Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 Review — Proven Performance at a Competitive Price
Overall Rating: 8.8 / 10
Category: Ultra High Performance Summer
Price in NZ: From $371 per tyre
Best for: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4/S4, Mercedes C-Class — established UHP fitments
Available sizes: 16″ – 21″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 is the previous-generation UHP flagship — superseded by the Evo3 and now the Evo Z, but still an excellent tyre available in NZ at a price below its successors. For performance car owners who want strong UHP performance without the Evo3’s price premium ($365 vs $371 — similar, but the Evo2 is available in some sizes where the Evo3 isn’t), the Evo2 remains a competitive choice with an established track record.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Ultra High Performance Summer |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | C |
| Speed Ratings | W (270), Y (300 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 16″, 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″ |
| NZ Price Range | $371 – $580 (varies by size) |
| OEM History | Previous OEM on BMW, Mercedes, Audi |
Performance Profile
Wet safety: EU Label A — the Evo2 maintains Hankook’s top wet grip rating. In independent European tests from 2020–2022, the Evo2 consistently scored top-3 in wet braking in the UHP category.
Dry handling: Strong — the Evo2 delivers the precise, communicative steering feel that made the Ventus S1 family Hankook’s credibility builder in the UHP segment.
Tread life: Above average for a UHP tyre — the Evo2’s compound engineering has proven durability over its long production run.
Evo2 vs Evo3 — Which Should You Choose?
In most cases: choose the Ventus S1 Evo3 — it is Hankook’s more advanced product with improved wet braking (winner of 2nd place in European UHP tests) and better compound technology. However, the Evo2 remains appropriate if: the specific size you need is not available in Evo3, or if the Evo2 is priced meaningfully below the Evo3 in your size.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland: Very good. EU Label A wet grip handles Auckland’s rain. Strong dry handling suits the performance cars the Evo2 most commonly fits.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EU Label A wet grip — top safety rating
- Strong established test record (2020–2022 European UHP tests)
- Available in sizes where Evo3 may not be stocked
- Competitive price ($371) versus European UHP alternatives
Cons
- Superseded by Ventus S1 Evo3 — choose Evo3 where available
- EU Label C fuel efficiency — higher rolling resistance
Sources
- Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 specifications — hankooktire.com — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/hankook/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 — the recommended upgrade
- Hankook Tyres NZ — brand overview