Tire: Ecsta ASX
Category: Ultra High Performance All-Season
UTQG (treadwear): 420 AA A
The Ecsta ASX (KU21) from Kumho is a low volume (only comes in a few sizes) and midpack tire in this ultra higher performance all season tire segment. Kumho isn't exactly known as a performance tire brand, but they do a decent job at creating an all season tire that sticks well to the road in most situations..including light snow. The engineers used some pretty cool technology when putting this tire together as it's tread is composed of high tech silica and carbon. The tread design is asymmetric and they utilize some high angle slant grooves to help the tire maintain road contact. Probably the coolest aspect of this tire is that it uses Kumho's Dynamic Casing Shape Technology that controls casing tension. Most drivers that I mention that to have a blank look on their face just like I did when I heard it for the first time. It translates that the tire has added comfort and handling during cornering, but Kumho has a way more sexy way of saying that.
Drivers overall do think this tire is a good buy and I've had a lot of repeat customers. That being said, Kumho is a volume tire manufacturer and there are some compromises. Especially in the snow handling department, but the Ecsta ASX just can't keep up with other better ranked tires in this segment. The first 10 tires in the ultra high performance all season segment are very good, however this tire falls below that to maybe number 15. So for the money you can probably find a better performing tire in this segment. However, considering their performance in comparison to all the available tires, these are not a bad choice. The tread life is usually very good and I've had a number of drivers get 90,000 miles out of a set under commuting conditions, no track days. So if you're on a budget and want some good all season performance, I wouldn't talk you out of a set, but if you're looking for the best in the segment, you'll have to look higher on the list.