Yokohama Ecos ES31 Review — Budget Eco Tyre for NZ Economy Cars
Overall Rating: 8.3 / 10
Category: Budget Eco
Price in NZ: From $267 per tyre
Best for: Toyota Vitz, Honda Jazz, Nissan March — small economy cars
Quick Verdict
The Yokohama Ecos ES31 is Yokohama’s budget eco tyre — designed for small economy cars where fuel efficiency is the primary performance criterion. At $267, it competes directly with the Dunlop SP Sport LM705 ($265) and Hankook Kinergy ECO ($274), but differentiates itself through Yokohama’s Orange Oil eco compound technology — the same chemistry that underpins the premium BluEarth range, applied at an entry-level price point. For Toyota Vitz and Honda Jazz owners seeking lower running costs with Yokohama reliability, the Ecos ES31 is a practical, dependable choice.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Budget Eco |
| Speed Ratings | H (210), V (240 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 13″, 14″, 15″, 16″ |
| NZ Price Range | $267 – $315 (varies by size) |
| Key Technology | Orange Oil compound (entry-level eco formulation) |
Performance Profile
Eco credentials: Orange Oil compound provides measurable fuel savings versus conventional budget rubber. The ES31’s rolling resistance is lower than most competitors in this price range.
Wet safety: Adequate for NZ urban driving at normal speeds. Not EU Label A rated — the Continental EcoContact 6 ($273) achieves both A fuel efficiency and A wet grip for $6 more per tyre.
Comfort: Yokohama’s Japanese refinement priorities deliver a quieter, smoother ride than many budget alternatives.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Orange Oil eco technology at budget price ($267)
- Available in 13″ (rare for major brands)
- Yokohama Japanese quality
Cons
- Continental EcoContact 6 is technically superior at $6 more per tyre
- Wet grip below EU Label A alternatives
Sources
- Yokohama Ecos ES31 — yokohama.com — accessed 2026-06-04
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/yokohama/ — accessed 2026-06-04
Related Pages
- Yokohama BluEarth ES32 — the improved successor
- Continental EcoContact 6 — dual A-rating at similar price
- Yokohama Tyres NZ — brand overview