Toyo Open Country A/TII

Toyo reckons its new Open Country A/TII tyre has significantly better tread life than its predecessor. In fact, in independent testing the Japanese tyre-maker says it has achieved a 40 per cent longer life than a “leading competitor”.

The extended lifespan is through an innovative compound featuring a new anti-wear polymer and smaller carbon particles which bond more strongly to improve wear resistance.

Attention has been paid to the tread profile too: It has been optimised for better contact pressure distribution to reduce uneven wear, while tie bars between the outer blocks help resist shoulder wear.

The tread pattern itself is more aggressive, with staggered and scalloped shoulder buttresses that give better off-road bite.

There are also two layers of jointless spiral cap ply for improved puncture-resistance, while thicker rubber on the upper sidewalls improves bruise resistance. Fringed edges on the tread blocks aid initial traction, while wide grooves between the blocks improve mud performance and stone ejection.

Toyo says the Open Country A/TII proved during testing to match class-leaders in the dirt, while it offered enhanced handling and braking abilities on the road.

The new tyre is aimed at a wide spectrum of users, but is expected to find particular favour with serious off-roaders.

"These motorists want a tyre that meets their needs seven days a week – on the work site or the highway during the week, as well as on the beach or in the bush on the weekend," said Toyo Tyres Australia marketing manager José Angeles.

The Open Country A/TII is available in popular sizes, with prices (RRP) ranging from $300 each for the 225/75R16 size to $466 for 265/70R17. The range will be expanded to 31 sizes, most available in a light truck construction.