![Hankook iON evo and Ventus Prime 4 [2023]](https://www.motaauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hankook-iON-evo-and-Ventus-Prime-4-2023-scaled.jpg "Hankook iON evo and Ventus Prime 4 [2023]")
Hankook, one of the better known tyre brands from Korea, recently introduced its latest product lines – the iON evo and Ventus Prime 4 – to the Malaysian market. The introduction of the iON evo range, in particular, is timely as these are tyres developed for electric vehicles and the Malaysian market has seen a rapid increase in the number of such vehicles since last year.
Two versions of iON evo
The iON evo tyres come in two versions – for general use and for SUVs. Both are said to offer superior performance in handling, with high grip levels to match the strong initial torque of EVs. They have low rolling resistance, strong wet grip, and low noise levels.
The use of a compound with a high concentration of silica provides better durability for longer service life. The design also spreads tyre pressure evenly on the road for consistent tread wear.
With Hankook Tire’s EV Contour Technology which increases cornering stiffness by 10%, cornering stability is enhanced while a reinforced belt mixed with advanced aramid fibre enhances steering response and maintains the tyre’s shape during high-speed cornering and cruising.
Additionally, the tread pattern block rigidity is further optimized to prevent slippage caused by the high torque of EVs, with extended outside shoulder blocks for maximum road contact. The tyres are also designed to cope with the heavier weight of SUVs which can cause up to 20% faster wear.
Quietness is also claimed to be a strong point, thanks to Hankook’s Sound Absorber technology. This optimizes the multi-pitch sequencing by minimizing tread pattern noise to offer a quiet and pleasant ride in all speed ranges.
The iON evo is available in 4 sizes ranging from 18 to 21 inches and the iON evo SUV is available in 4 sizes from 19 to 22 inches. Hankook Tire Malaysia will offer additional sizes to suit more models in future.
“The introduction of our newest iON evo and iON evo SUV lines is in response to meet the unique demands that high-performance EVs place on tyres. Hankook Tire has extensive experience in developing tyres dedicated to EVs that are already being used by leading global automotive brands,” said Seunghyun Kim, Team Manager of Consumer Marketing.
New generation of Ventus Prime 4
As for the Ventus Prime 4 tyres, these are for vehicles with combustion engines and a generational extension of the Ventus Prime tyre range. The latest generation has a more optimized blend of performance, safety and comfort. Durability is claimed to be increased by 20% compared to its predecessor.
The tread compound of has a new and highly enriched quality of silica content which is vulcanized at low temperatures for twice the duration compared to regular tyres. This enables increased blending between molecules bringing greater tread block rigidity, leading to lower rolling resistance with less wear.
In addition, the tread pattern and contour of the Ventus Prime 4 are also optimized to achieve a precise level of contact area. The dual structure of the carcass fibre assures greater resistance. On top of that, it is equipped with a jointless full-cover reinforcement belt that brings ideal tread strength, with high-strength belts to absorb external shock perfectly.
With these features, the Ventus Prime 4 is said to offer excellence in durability as well as a more comfortable driving experience. The technological improvements minimize wear, improve mileage and also enhance safety with superior braking performance, particularly on wet roads.
Like the iON evo tyres, the Ventus Prime 4 also has specific versions for SUVs. The range is available in 5 sizes from 15 to 19 inches. Hankook tyres are imported from the company’s factories in Hungary and Korea.