Pirelli Scorpion AS SF2 Review — Premium All-Season SUV for NZ Year-Round Use
Overall Rating: 9.0 / 10
Category: All-Season SUV
Price in NZ: From $395 per tyre
Best for: Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback, BMW X3 — year-round South Island SUV
Quick Verdict
The Pirelli Scorpion AS SF2 is Pirelli’s premium all-season SUV tyre — and it is one of the most capable all-season SUV options available in New Zealand. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, delivers EU Label A wet grip, and uses a compound specifically designed for European all-season conditions — cold winters, wet springs, and hot summers — that closely mirrors what South Island drivers experience year-round. For premium SUV owners in Queenstown, Wanaka, and alpine Canterbury who want Pirelli quality without seasonal tyre changes — the Scorpion AS SF2 is a strong choice.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | All-Season SUV |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | C |
| Winter Rating | Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) |
| Speed Ratings | H (210), V (240), W (270 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″ |
| NZ Price Range | $395 – $680 (varies by size) |
Performance Profile
Wet safety: EU Label A — the highest rating, matching Continental’s CrossContact RX. For an all-season tyre that must also handle South Island cold temperatures, achieving A-rated wet grip is a meaningful engineering accomplishment.
Winter/cold performance: 3PMSF certified — independently tested for snow traction. The compound maintains flexibility in sub-zero conditions better than summer tyres, providing meaningful cold-weather grip on frosty roads.
Dry performance: Above average for an all-season tyre — Pirelli’s compound technology delivers more responsive steering than typical all-season alternatives.
Noise and comfort: Better highway refinement than comparable all-terrain tyres, appropriate for premium SUV use.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
South Island — Primary Market: Outstanding. The 3PMSF certification and EU Label A wet grip combination makes the Scorpion AS SF2 the most capable all-season SUV tyre for South Island alpine conditions. Queenstown, Wanaka, and Canterbury alpine drivers get Pirelli quality with genuine year-round capability. At $395, it costs more than the Continental CrossContact RX ($267) but delivers Pirelli’s premium compound engineering.
Auckland and North Island: Very good — the all-season capability is underused in milder North Island conditions, but the EU Label A wet grip delivers strong safety regardless.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 3PMSF certification — independently verified snow traction for South Island alpine use
- EU Label A wet grip — highest rating in its all-season category
- Pirelli brand premium engineering
- Available in luxury SUV sizes (up to 21″)
Cons
- Higher price ($395) than Continental CrossContact RX ($267) for similar all-season capability
- EU Label C fuel efficiency — higher rolling resistance penalty
- Not for serious off-road use
Scorpion AS SF2 vs Continental CrossContact RX — The Key Comparison
| Feature | Pirelli Scorpion AS SF2 | Continental CrossContact RX |
|---|---|---|
| 3PMSF | Yes | Yes |
| EU Wet Grip | A | A |
| EU Fuel | C | B |
| Brand | Italian premium | German premium |
| NZ Price | $395+ | $267+ |
Verdict: Both deliver 3PMSF + EU Label A. Continental CrossContact RX is better value ($128 cheaper per tyre). Scorpion AS SF2 suits buyers who specifically want Pirelli quality.
Sources
- Pirelli Scorpion AS SF2 — pirelli.com — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/pirelli/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Continental CrossContact RX — stronger value all-season
- Best Tyres for South Island — South Island buying guide
- Pirelli Tyres NZ — brand overview