Avon ZZR review
The Avon ZZR is a specialized track-focused tire that delivers exceptional dry-weather grip and performance, particularly for lightweight sports cars like the Caterham and Lotus Elise. While highly regarded for track use, users consistently warn that its wet-weather capabilities are severely limited, making it unsuitable for year-round road driving or inclement conditions.
Two scoring systems, side by side
Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.
By owner reviews
75%What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 11 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Avon ZZR is a specialized track-focused tire that delivers exceptional dry-weather grip and performance, particularly for lightweight sports cars like the Caterham and Lotus Elise. While highly regarded for track use, users consistently warn that its wet-weather capabilities are severely limited, making it unsuitable for year-round road driving or inclement conditions.
Pros
- Exceptional dry grip and traction
- Strong performance consistency during consecutive track laps
- Lightweight construction ideal for track-oriented vehicles
- Good longevity and wear characteristics when used appropriately
Cons
- Poor wet-weather performance and high risk of aquaplaning
- Sensitive to low temperatures
- Thin sidewalls provide minimal rim protection
- Prone to flat-spotting if left stationary for extended periods
Worth knowing
- Highly praised by owners of lightweight, track-focused vehicles like the Caterham 7 and Lotus Exige.
- Users noted that tire pressure management is critical for optimal performance, with some reporting significant handling improvements at higher PSI settings.
- Performance on heavier road cars is mixed, with reports of uneven wear and less predictable breakaway characteristics compared to dedicated track platforms.