TRACKS CAPE YORK ROAD VENTURE RT THE ALL NEW ISSUE 2 RT TAKES ON IN THIS ISSUE: NEWS / TYRE TESTS / 4X4 & MORE...
Meet the all-new Kumho Road Venture RT. Built to bridge the gap between our All Terrain and Mud Terrain ranges, it’s engineered for 4x4 drivers who want strength off-road and comfort on-road. From rocky climbs to city streets, the Road Venture RT is ready for anything. RUGGED BY NAME. TOUGH BY NATURE. SCAN HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Welcome to issue two of the Kumho Tracks magazine, where we bring you up to date with all the latest news from both here and abroad. We had an exciting and productive 2025, and we hope you are ready to join us in taking this energy into the New Year. The first half of the year saw the release of the Ecsta Sport PS72, a premium performance tyre that has already proven its place as a disruptor in the sports performance tyre market. A few months later, our first ever Road Venture RT hit the market in collaboration with members of the Bulldogs team. The RT is a rugged-terrain tyre for those drivers who spend 50% of their time on-road and 50% off-road. With 19 sizes now available, it’s sure to be a hit with 4WD enthusiasts. Kumho continued to demonstrate its global reputation as a premium tyre brand, with tyres from the Crugen and Ecsta ranges being selected as the OE fit tyres for new models from leading car manufacturers including the Kia Tasman and Volkswagen Tiguan. A lot has happened at Kumho Tyre since our first edition off the road as well, kicking off with an exciting new partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Kumho signed on as the official tyre partner and men’s Head Coach partner for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and has supported Bulldog’s Game Changers Road Safety Program to educate students on the importance of road safety. There are no plans to slow down in 2026, with the release of another new tyre slated for the second half of the year. This jam-packed second edition of Kumho tracks will feature a range of products including our latest releases, as well as highlight some of the incredible initiatives and feats we have supported, and honest reviews and accolades from people who have put our tyres to the test. We look forward to bringing you more exciting news from the Kumho world in the future. Harry Kim Managing Director Kumho Tyre Australia CREDITS MAGAZINE PRODUCED BY: Kumho Tyres Australia | CONTRIBUTORS: Kumho Tyres Australia, Cocktail Marketing, Jon Thomson, unsealed4x4.com.au | DESIGN & PRINT: Cocktail Marketing | FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.kumho.com.au 1 Carnaby Street, Marsden Park, NSW 2765 | PO Box 310, Plumpton NSW 2461 WELCOME TO ISSUE TWO OF THE KUMHO TRACKS MAGAZINE WHERE WE BRING YOU UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM BOTH HERE AND ABROAD. kumho.com.au kumhomarketing@kumho.com.au kumhotyres @kumhotyres Kumho Tyre Australia
Kumho Tyre is taking a bold step into the future of motoring with the launch of its Premium Selection Range, a curated collection of high-performance tyres designed to meet the demands of both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs). Long regarded by enthusiasts as one of the most underrated brands on the market, Kumho Tyre continues to prove its worth through relentless innovation, global awards, and performance that often exceeds more expensive European and Japanese competitors. Firsttime Kumho drivers often share the same surprise: “I didn’t realise how good these tyres are.” The new Premium Selection Range brings together Kumho’s most advanced tyres, the Ecsta PS72, Ecsta PS71, and Crugen HP71 each engineered with cuttingedge materials, precision tread designs, and superior performance in mind. Kumho’s investment in innovation is more than just talk. The brand has earned accolades in international tyre tests, design competitions, and OEM supply contracts with some of the world’s leading car manufacturers. “The Premium Selection Range is a statement of what Kumho stands for, world-class engineering, performance you can rely on, and pricing that makes sense,” said David Basha, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kumho Tyre Australia. “When only the best will do, the Kumho Premium Selection is the smart choice for drivers who demand top-tier performance without the premium price tag.”
The newest addition to the Kumho range, the Ecsta PS72, headlines the Premium Selection. Designed for high-performance vehicles including sports cars, EVs, and SUVs, the PS72 blends advanced rubber compounds with innovative tread architecture to deliver: • Up to 10% improved grip and braking over its predecessor • Optimised water drainage for enhanced wet-weather control • Reinforced tread blocks and high-stiffness rubber for sharper handling and stability • A 25% increase in tyre lifespan, offering exceptional long-term value The PS72 will debut in the Australian market in the coming months, further expanding Kumho’s reach into the performance and EV sectors. ECSTA PS72: THE STAR OF THE PREMIUM SELECTION The Crugen HP71 rounds out the Premium Selection with a strong focus on refinement, comfort, and all-weather confidence. Ideal for both SUVs and EVs, the HP71 offers: • Reduced rolling resistance for improved efficiency and ride comfort • K-Silent polyurethane foam inserts in select sizes, cutting road noise by up to 5dB • 3D-Interlocking Sipe technology and hybrid carcass materials for enhanced durability and safety • Wide tread grooves for excellent aquaplaning resistance and all-season traction CRUGEN HP71: QUIET COMFORT MEETS SUV VERSATILITY Designed with upgraded and reinforced construction, the Kumho PS71 delivers exceptional performance tailored for sports cars and SUVs. Experience refined driving stability, precise handling, and confident braking on both wet and dry roads. Features include: • High-dispersion Micro Silica compound for excellent wear resistance and fuel efficiency • Four wide tread grooves for superior wet grip and aquaplaning resistance • Reinforced sidewalls and high-performance resin for confident handling in all conditions A favourite for sports sedans and high-performance SUVs, the PS71 delivers premium performance at a more accessible price point. ECSTA PS71: PROVEN PERFORMER ON ROAD AND TRACK THE KUMHO PREMIUM SELECTION RANGE IS AVAILABLE NOW THROUGH KUMHO’S NATIONWIDE NETWORK,
THE ALL NEW RUGGED BY NAME. TOUGH BY NATURE.
EXCEPTIONAL OFF-ROAD TRACTION & STABILITY Rugged shoulder blocks combined with staggered shoulder blocks and multi-angled centre tread grooves provide additional biting edges for exceptional off-road traction. Reinforced and high-rigidity centre blocks improve driving stability. EXCELLENT WET PERFORMANCE Advanced micro silica tread compound and optimised groove layout offer outstanding water dispersal and wet-weather performance. ENHANCED TREAD LIFE & PUNCTURE RESISTANCE A high-strength belt package and multifunctional tread compound maintain a consistent footprint, extending tread life while enhancing puncture resistance. ANTI-STONE RETENTION TECHNOLOGY Innovative tread groove deco design helps prevent stone retention and drilling. QUIET & COMFORTABLE RIDE Variable pitch block and optimised tread design minimises pattern noise, delivering a smooth, dampened ride. RUGGED TERRAIN ALL SEASON HANDLING PATTERN: SYMMETRICAL Introducing the all new Road Venture RT, purposebuilt to bridge the gap between Kumho’s All Terrain and Mud Terrain line-up. Developed through advanced research and development, and tested on diverse terrain, the RT delivers the perfect blend of off-road durability, wet-weather confidence, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Engineered for 4x4 drivers who demand true versatility, it handles rocky trails, corrugated tracks, rural backroads, and city highways with ease. KUMHO’S FIRST-EVER RUGGED TERRAIN TYRE. SAND MUD TRACK M’WAY 6.5 8.5 9 5.5
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Kumho Tyre has helped Volkswagen celebrate 70 years in Australia with a Guinness World Record, for the largest GPS image created by a vehicle, during an epic 32,000km drive around the country. Adventurer Rainer Zeitlow and co-driver Marius Biela completed the seven-week journey in a new Volkswagen ID.4 GTX, equipped with Kumho PS71 EV tyres. Along the way, they traced “70 years of VeeDub” in GPS before circling the continent. Remarkably, the EV completed the trip with only a single, easily repaired puncture, highlighting the durability and performance of Kumho’s OE tyres on the ID.4. The route took in every condition imaginable — sand, snow, gravel, heat, flooding rain, and mud. Zeitlow praised the tyres: “The PS71 EVs were outstanding on every surface. We had no problems at all in 33,000km, they just did a great job.” Kumho Tyre Australia’s David Basha said the record drive proved the brand’s quality. “To cover 33,000km across Australia with just one minor puncture is an impressive performance,” he said. “Volkswagen ID.4 buyers can expect that same reliability with their cars.” The drive concluded in Sydney, where Volkswagen officially launched the ID.4 and ID.5. “I WAS ABSOLUTELY OVERWHELMED BY THE PERFORMANCE OF THE EV SPECIFIC PS71 TYRES FROM KUMHO, WHICH PROVED THEY WERE NOT JUST GREAT ON BITUMEN BUT FANTASTIC ON EVERY SURFACE IN AUSTRALIA,” RAINER ZEITLOW.
A SECOND GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR KUMHO AND VOLKSWAGEN Rainer Zeitlow, Marius Biela, and Aussie teammate Brad Howe have claimed their second Guinness World Record in eight weeks, driving a Kumho-equipped Volkswagen Amarok across 10 Australian deserts. The team covered 6,412km in under a week, averaging 1,000km per day, to set the record for the fastest desert crossing. Despite brutal conditions of dirt roads, sand dunes, and rough outback tracks, the Amarok on Kumho MT71s suffered only one puncture, which Zeitlow admitted was caused by driver error. “The Kumhos were superb and very confidenceinspiring,” said Zeitlow. “They performed just as flawlessly as on our previous Guinness run two months ago.” Kumho Tyre Australia’s David Basha said the back-toback records proved the strength of Kumho’s products. “These tyres were straight off the rack — the same ones customers can buy — and they stood up to everything the Australian environment threw at them,” he said. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies thanked Kumho and partners ARB, Club 4x4 Insurance, Volkswagen Financial Services, and MotoKinetic for their support. THE AMAROK CONSUMED 1,199 LITRES OF DIESEL AND ONLY 0.5 LITRES OF OIL DURING THE TREK AND A SINGLE PUNCTURE CASUED BY DRIVER ERROR.
KUMHO ECSTA PS72 SPORT BLITZES EUROPEAN TYRE RIVALS IN INDEPENDENT GERMAN PERFORMANCE TYRE TEST A leading German tyre industry website has judged Kumho Tyre’s brand new Ecsta PS72 Sport as amongst the three top tyres in a wide spread performance tyre comparison test in Europe. Die Reifentester, which is a major German tyre website, whose name translates to “The Tyre Testers” used identical Volkswagen Golf GTis to judge critical performance, safety and handling of eight of Europe’s best selling 225/40 ZR18 size performance tyres. The tests were overseen by leading tyre tester and former tyre developer Dirk Vincken, along with experienced motoring journalist Joachim Fischer, with the team comparing the tyres at the ATP proving ground at Papenburg in Germany. The Kumho Ecsta PS72 Sport was one of only three tyres, and the only non-European tyre in the testing to be badged as “very good”. The testers said the Kumho performed well across the board, earning it the “very good” overall rating. Four of the seven tyres in the comparison were European manufactured, while there were two from Korean makers and one from Japan. The Kumho Ecsta PS72 Sport shared the winners’ podium with two European tyres, as the Kumho impressed in all disciplines, with good to very good results across the board, and despite being amongst the least expensive tyres in the test. The Kumho was listed as being 25 per cent less expensive than the most expensive tyre in the test, a leading European tyre that only ranked sixth in the comparison. The Kumho Ecsta PS72 was also only 10 per cent more expensive than the cheapest tyre in the tests, a well-known European brand that ranked last in the field. The tests authors said the Kumho Ecsta PS72 Sport featured the best wet braking performance, excellent dry and wet handling, and great value for performance at an affordable price As the testers pointed out, choosing the right tyre for sporty compact cars such as the VW Golf GTI is crucial for performance, safety, and driving pleasure. The latest test from Die Reifentester evaluates eight tyres in the popular 225/40 ZR18 size. The Die Reifentester test involved the dry and wet handling which each accounted for 15 per cent each, while wet and dry braking each accounted for 20 per cent, longitudinal and straight aquaplaning tests made up 10 per cent of the results each, lateral aquaplaning tests accounted for five per cent, while the measurement of rolling resistance, comfort, and noise levels counted for the final five per cent. ECSTA SPORT TYRE TEST
THE JUDGES SAID KUMHO HAS LEARNED ITS LESSONS IN EUROPE AND IS NOW UNASHAMEDLY CHALLENGING THE THRONE OF THE SEEMINGLY INVINCIBLE ESTABLISHED EURO BRANDS. The judges said Kumho has learned its lessons in Europe and is now unashamedly challenging the throne of the seemingly invincible established Euro brands. “Very capable cars like the Golf GTi also need very capable tyres, because without perfectly tailored, wellselected rubber, even a cornering artist like the GTI would only deliver mediocre driving dynamics,” said tester Joachim Fischer. “In the somewhat surprising wet-braking best, while the Kumho, is coming to a stop, some of the more highly fancied European tyres, including the one we named as the benchmark before we commenced was still rolling along at 19.1 km/h,” said Fischer. “From a physical perspective, that’s quite a lot but there were other tyres in the test that performed even less impressively, with the last paced brand still travelling at 30km/h when the Kumho was securely stopped,” he said. “The Kumho is almost impossible to shake off – either in the rearview mirror or in terms of driving dynamics while the Kumhos rubber compound clearly works excellently on wet asphalt,” Fischer added. “The brand-new Kumho, can be considered the winner in terms of value for money, earning its overall rating of “Very Good,” Fischer concluded.
KUMHO TYRE LINKS WITH BULLDOGS NRL CLUB TO DRIVE ROAD SAFETY INITIATIVE Kumho Tyre has announced a new sporting partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the NRL, which will be used to drive an important road safety campaign for youth and students. Kumho signed on as the official tyre partner and official partner for the NRL club’s men’s Head Coach for the 2025 and ’26 seasons. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have qualified for the Finals the last two years and are continuing to be discussed as a real threat to the heavy-hitters in the competition. With a number of new recruits coming in, expectations are again high for season 2026. The two-year agreement will not only see Kumho Tyre logos proudly adorned on the Head Coach’s game day attire and at both Accor Stadium, and Belmore Sports Ground, but will also engage with the Bulldogs’ community through its Game Changers Road Safety Program, with a focus on educating students on the importance of road safety. Kumho Tyre Australia Senior Vice President – Asia Oceania Sales, John Jeon said Kumho was excited to link up with the Bulldogs in what is a significant period of growth for the company and for the club. “Like the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Kumho Tyre has entered an exciting period and we’re all looking forward to the next two years as a partner with the Club,” John Jeon said. “Cameron has done a tremendous job since joining the Club as Head Coach and whilst we’re in a totally different field, we see an opportunity to share ideas that in turn can help us both through this next phase,” he said. “Whilst we’ll be visible to the Members and fans via branding, we’re thrilled that we will also be working with the Club on community programs promoting road safety to adolescents in the local area.” Kumho is no stranger to major sports partnerships across the globe, with the Bulldogs joining the likes of other powerhouses of sport that have signed agreements with the company, including Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, AC Milan in the Italian Serie A and the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA, in the USA. Head Coach Ciraldo praised the new partnership with Kumho, which he believes is a perfect fit for the Club. “Kumho Tyre has shown a commitment to excellence, innovation and community-focused values, ones which we as a Club certainly share,” said Ciraldo. “It’s exciting and pleasing to see the upcoming plans that Kumho have with the Club, especially on a community level, and we’re looking forward to starting a long and powerful partnership.” Established in 1960 as part of the Kumho Asiana Group, Kumho Tyre has been part of the Australian landscape for close to 50 years – with over 1.8 million tyres sold annually - and is one of the world’s leading tyre brands sold in over 150 countries worldwide.
Kumho ROAD VENTURE tyres are your passport to exploration on the road less travelled. Designed for those who embrace the journey, ROAD VENTURE tyres offer a remarkable balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. KUMHO.COM.AU AT52 MT71 RT
JOCKO GIVES KUMHO MT71 THE THUMBS UP! Jocko from Australia’s biggest 4WD YouTube channel, 4WD 24/7, has put Kumho’s MT71 Mud Terrain tyres to the test and he’s officially hooked. With 1.2 million+ followers, 4WD 24/7 is known for tackling the country’s harshest terrain in relatable, real-world rigs. Jocko and Jesse recently completed a rugged winter run to Cape York, using nothing but everyday 4WDs fitted with Kumho MT71s and not a single puncture or sidewall failure along the way. “The MT71s handled everything the Cape threw at us,” Jocko says. “Mud, sand, rock, blacktop — they just gripped. And they’re surprisingly quiet on the highway too.” Designed for serious off-roaders, the MT71 offers exceptional traction, sidewall strength, and durability at a price that makes sense. It’s now Jocko’s go-to tyre for his packed schedule of 4WD adventures, which include more than 14 major trips a year across Australia and the U.S. “Kumho gets it right — tough, reliable and great value,” he says. “Exactly what we need for our kind of driving.” REAL RIGS. REAL TRACKS. REAL TYRES. The crew’s off-road arsenal includes well-worn Hiluxes, Land Cruisers, Patrols and even a special charity build: a 1988 Land Rover Perentie, ex-Australian Army, now upgraded with Kumho MT71s, Tough Dog Suspension and a full mod list. The Perentie is set to be auctioned to support Young Veterans later this year. Jocko has also started testing the Kumho MT51, with new content on that coming soon. FOLLOW THE ADVENTURES Watch Jocko and the team in action on 4WD 24/7’s YouTube channel. www.youtube.com/@4WD247 BULLDOGS GAME CHANGERS Kumho Tyre Australia, through the partnership with NRL club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are helping to empower local teenagers through the newly introduced Game Changers program. The Bulldogs Game Changers has been developed as a unique and authentic educational program designed to equip high school students with essential life skills. The program is a community collaboration uniting schools, industry, law enforcement and the spirit of sport to empower students to confidently navigate real-life challenges. As part of the program, Kumho Tyre Australia supports students through a road safety topic that is one of seven core topics that include: mental health, physical health, financial literacy, safe social media use, career planning and leadership. All sessions are run in and around the home of the Bulldogs, Belmore Sports Ground, and have been
reviewed and endorsed by the NSW Police Force which is a huge show of confidence in the program’s relevance and integrity. Six schools within the local Canterbury-Bankstown area have signed up to complete the program, with students from Punchbowl Boys High School recently competing the Kumho Road Safety course. Kumho Tyre Sales and Marketing Director, David Basha, knows that supporting the youth of today is extremely important. “The youth of today are the next generation and ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge is important for not only themselves, but the community in general,” Basha said. “Our partnership with the Bulldogs is much more than just supporting the NRL team. We have worked closely with the club to build a program that we believe will make a contribution to the community and supports the leaders of tomorrow. “We look forward to the program being rolled out across many more schools both in the local area and other regions the Bulldogs work closely with.” Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs CEO, Aaron Warburton was thrilled to launch the Game Changers program and is appreciative of the support of Kumho Tyre Australia. “The Bulldogs have always been known as ‘The Community Club,’ but we actually got back to basics and started really discussing what that meant, what we were trying to achieve, and what the possible outcomes could be,” Warburton said. “We’re pleased with the support we’ve had from NSW Police, who have given the tick of approval for all seven subjects, and the Australian Defence Force, who are backing the course. We have a number of businesses (including Kumho Tyre) who have really resonated with what we are trying to achieve. “I’d like to thank everybody who has supported this initiative so far, and we couldn’t be happier with the launch of the Game-Changers program.”
PRECISION MEETS PERFORMANCE THE ALL NEW
Leading Tasmanian tyre dealer Speedy Tyres, Devonport, has again been crowned Kumho Tyre National Platinum Dealer of the Year. The award follows their 2023 Victoria/Tasmania win and comes just 14 months after new owners Sam and El Chettle took over the business. Kumho Tyre Australia’s Paul Deer praised the Chettles for lifting an already award-winning dealership to new heights. “Sam and El, along with their team, continue to hit targets and proudly champion the Kumho brand,” he said. He also highlighted their community involvement, sponsorships, and strong store presentation. The Chettles purchased Speedy Tyres from long-time owners Brendan and Julie Healey, who established the dealership in 1984. Sam, a qualified auto electrician, runs operations, while El manages the administration. “The Healeys built a fantastic business — we’ve simply fine-tuned a few things,” said El. Despite competition from major retailers, Speedy has grown by sticking to fair pricing, local involvement, and customer loyalty. “We don’t do gimmicks. We give the best price and the community supports us,” El said. Sam credited Kumho’s wide product range, quality, and strong support for much of their success. “Once people try Kumho, they keep coming back,” he said. Supply to Tasmania can be challenging, but Kumho’s support helps overcome this. As proud locals, the Chettles emphasise their familyrun approach. “As the only Kumho Platinum Dealer in the area, we can pass savings on to our customers,” said El. The store also boasts the latest alignment technology and skilled technicians. With Speedy Tyres celebrating its 40th anniversary last year, the Chettles are already steering towards the 50th and beyond. PLATINUM DEALER SPOTLIGHT SPEEDY TYRES DEVONPORT NAMED KUMHO TYRE NATIONAL PLATINUM DEALER OF THE YEAR
OE FITMENT BY LEADING GLOBAL CARMAKERS Kumho Tyre continues to strengthen its position as a global original equipment (OE) supplier, with an expanding list of fitments across major automotive brands. From European luxury marques to next-generation electric innovators, Kumho is the tyre of choice for brands seeking a balance of advanced performance, safety, and cutting-edge technology. Manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, Hyundai, Kia, Chrysler, GM, and Ford all trust Kumho to deliver high-quality OE solutions. And as EV adoption accelerates globally, Kumho’s investment in electric-ready tyre technology is paying dividends with more fitments on electric vehicles. VOLKSWAGEN GROUP – Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda Volkswagen Group’s trust in Kumho is reflected across multiple brands and models, both electric and internal combustion: Audi Q5 Volkswagen ID.4 & ID.Buzz (EVs) Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen Multivan T7 Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Polo Volkswagen Taos Volkswagen T-Roc Skoda Superb BMW Leading German prestige and performance marque BMW has been a key customer for OE fit Kumho tyres on a wide array of its vehicles, including: 1 Series 3 Series 5 Series X3 SUV FITTED BY THE BEST
BALANCE HANDLING SILENT PATTERN: ASYMMETRIC UTQG: 380 A-AA/A PATTERN: ASYMMETRIC UTQG: 320 A/A NOISE DRY WET WEAR 8 8.5 8.5 8 HARMONY SUMMER & COMFORT HS52 Designed to provide the perfect balance between comfort and performance, offering drivers a comfortable ride along with high levels of safety through high grip and braking performance. HIGHWAY TERRAIN HANDLING RIDE COMFORT PATTERN: SYMMETRICAL UTQG: 640 A/A 10 4 7 7 HWY PERFORMANCE & TOURING HP71 A quiet and comfortable riding touring tyre which provides all-season performance to suit drivers of today’s modern SUV/ Crossover vehicles. SAND MUD TRACK M’WAY HANDLING SPORT SUV PS71 CAR NOISE DRY WET WEAR 7 9 9 7 PERFORMANCE SUMMER & SPORTS PS71CAR SUV A sports performance tyre delivering true driving refinement. Provides precise and stable driving with superb handling and braking performance on wet and dry surfaces. OUR MOST POPULAR OE TYRES MERCEDES-BENZ & DAIMLER Kumho has a long-standing partnership with MercedesBenz, which began in 2007 with OE supply for the A-Class. Over time, the relationship has grown to include both passenger and commercial applications: G-Wagon (high-performance SUV) Sprinter Van Vito Van Smart Car Daimler Trucks KIA & HYUNDAI As long-time partners, both Kia and Hyundai continue to use Kumho Tyres on a variety of models. These Korean automakers are globally recognised for innovation and value, rely on Kumho’s deep R&D capabilities and high production standards to support their growth. Models Include: Kia EV5 Kia EV6 Kia EV9 Kia Niro Kia Seltos Kia Sportage Kia Tasman Hyundai Santa-Fe CHERY Chery has joined the ranks of leading automotive brands selecting Kumho Tyre as original equipment. This move highlights Kumho’s performance and innovation, especially among EV manufacturers. Models Include: Emoda E5 With a diverse OE portfolio spanning combustion and electric vehicles, from everyday hatchbacks to performance sedans and EV SUVs, Kumho Tyre continues to evolve alongside the global auto industry. The brand’s mix of proven engineering, future-ready technology, and global scale makes it a compelling choice for both auto manufacturers and drivers.
If you’re reading this, you’ll almost certainly want to replace the stock tyres on your 4x4 for offroad use. Typically, this tyre will be taller and of a different, tougher construction with a more open tread pattern. That’s a different tyre from the standard, and therefore, it is a modification. This means you must fit the tyre within the limits of the regulations. Where do you turn for advice on tyre regulation? You can find all the tyre regulations on your state government road authority website. The tricky thing about the tyre regs is that there’s not just one, there are several, and the ones you need to comply with don’t always specifically relate to tyres. It’s complex, so let’s break it down. Diameter The first limit is the diameter. The additional diameter permitted varies depending on class of vehicle, but for 4x4s it’s typically plus 50mm, for cars, 15mm. The definition of a 4WD? Here are the words from Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 14, Section LS: “4WD passenger vehicles specifically designed for off-road use”. That doesn’t include utes, but they’re actually allowed such mods anyway as they’re in a commercial vehicle classification, the N category of vehicles as opposed to passenger cars which are M category. There are plenty of tyre diameter calculators on the web, so pick one. They will work out the diameter based on the tyre specs, such as 265/65/17. However, larger tyres cannot foul any part of the body when the suspension flexes and/or the steering wheels are turned, so that needs to be checked. Here are the words from VSB14: “No part of the wheel must touch any part of the body, chassis, steering, braking system or suspension under any operating condition.” The 75mm rule There is also the “75mm rule”, which means you can lift a 4WD by 75mm with a combination of 50mm suspension and 50mm tyre. But 50 plus 50 is 100, right? Not in this case, as a 50mm tyre diameter increase means a 25mm increase in height, so it’s 50+25=75mm. The existence of this 75mm lift rule is a maximum, and like all other limits, if another rule kicks in first, then that’s as far as you can go. Width Then we come to width. The limit for width for 4WD is 1.5x the widest original tyre as per the placard. But that’s a perfect example of an indirect regulation, as chances are you’ll run afoul of other limits first. For example, there are limits on how much of a track increase you can have, which is the width between wheel centres on an axle, and that dictates the maximum offset you have chance (distance from wheel hub to centre of wheel). That, in turn, starts to limit the width of the rim, which limits the width of the tyre as every tyre has a maximum and minimum rim width it can be fitted to. We’re dealing with tyres here, not rims though. That’s a related but separate subject. BIGGER TYRES, BIGGER PROBLEMS? UNDERSTANDING OFFROAD TYRE REGULATIONS
Load rating Then we come to load and speed rating. Load rating, is easy, you find it on the placard, and any tyre you fit must meet or exceed that load rating, which is never a problem as any 4x4 tyre is going to be heavy-duty. A note about GVM upgrades, which involve an axle rerating, though: “Where a vehicle has its GVM re-rated, the tyre load capacity must be capable of carrying the revised GVM, both in total and across individual axles.” Speed rating Next is the speed rating, and here we have a problem. The favoured 4x4 tyre will be heavy-duty, light-truck construction with deep tread blocks and an open tread pattern. This does not make for a high-speed tyre, so it is entirely possible that such tyres may have a lower speed rating than the placard. Happily, VSB14 makes provision for this, saying that if a vehicle has “special features for off-road use” then it need only fit N, or 140km/h rated tyres, regardless of the placard. And just in case it wasn’t clear, VSB14 also says the tyres must be “rated by the tyre manufacturer as being suitable for road use”. Replacing tyres Ideally, you want to replace five tyres at a time, yes, including the spare, so it’s matched and doesn’t get too old. Especially with AWD 4X4s, which are those which are constant-4X4, you want to replace at least four tyres at a time. The reason is that you’ve got three differentials to consider: front axle, rear axle and centre. These differentials have two output shafts and complex gears, which don’t do anything until there is a difference in speed between the two shafts, such as when you’re turning. Another reason for shaft speed is tyre diameter differences, such as when you run a new tyre and an old tyre on the same axle. The difference in diameter might be 2-5% just due to worn tread blocks, and that then means the differential will be doing things it was never designed to do, and will fail early. So, you want to keep all four tyres with similar tread levels over the life of the car. For part-time 4WDs, those that run 2WD on the road, this is less important as there is no differential between front and rear axles, and when the car is in 4WD, there will be little enough traction such that a bit of tyre diameter difference doesn’t matter much. So there you have it So there you have it. You need to ensure the diameter increase and width increase are within limits, the load rating is at least that of the placard, and the speed rating is at least N. Read your state’s regulations, which probably refer to VSB 14, Section LS, then take that knowledge with you when shopping. Enjoy your new rubber! Credit: Robert Pepper - Unsealed 4X4.
CAPE YORK RT TAKES ON Off road adventurer and YouTube influencer, Denny Danis has just completed a 10,000 kilometre torture test with Kumho’s brand new Road Venture RT tyres which took in Cape York and some of the harshest and toughest 4WD tracks in the country. Danis equipped his Toyota LandCruiser 79 for the adventure which saw him and his family complete the entire trip without a puncture or any issues. He has recorded the trip for his YouTube channel which has one of the biggest audiences for any 4WD videographer on the social media platform. “The RTs performed brilliantly despite some very tough conditions and they didn’t even look like they’d let us down,” Danis said. “You can lower the pressure down to negotiate soft and or difficult conditions and not suffer punctures, they are a very impressive tyre,” he added. “We toured all around the Cape and didn’t spare the tyres one little bit but they came through with flying colours,” he said. Denny says he has been using Kumho tyres for about five years and sees them as the most reliable and cost effective off road tyres on the market. “I have become a big fan of Kumho since first putting MT71s on my 79 Series LandCruiser for a very rugged trip around the Victorian High Country,” he said.
That was five years ago and today I have Kumho AT52s on my wife’s LandCruiser 300 wagon, on my 79 Series and would highly recommend them,” Denny added. As well as exploring Australia’s toughest off road 4WD tracks and regions Denny also competes in and organises challenging 4WD Rock Crawling competition including a 24 Hour challenge. Running under the name of Team Bullet, the off road driving competitions require a deep knowledge of off road tyre performance and capabilities. “I set up my events in my LandCruiser using Kumho tyres and they handle the rough stuff superbly,” Denny said. “I have only ever had one Kumho damaged and that was my fault because I didn’t let the pressure down the right way, but apart from that they have been flawless,” he said. Denny and his family have a number of plans in the pipeline for trips to take their Kumhos on throughout 2026. “Definitely looking forward to putting the Kumhos to the test on a number of trails in the future and I am sure they will excel,” he concluded. FOLLOW THE ADVENTURES You can watch the Team Bullet adventures through their YouTube channel: youtube.com/@TeamBulletOffroad
*Terms and conditions apply. See instore for details. Warranty is valid for 180-Days from date of purchase. Available at participating outlets only. 180-DAY “PEACE OF MIND” ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY* If your tyres get damaged, don’t worry - we’ll replace them for FREE!* KUMHO.COM.AU PS91 PA51 PS71 PS72 V730 HP71 AT52
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