General Tire recently launched a new all-season tyre in South Africa, specifically developed for crossover and sports-utility vehicles (SUVs).

The Grabber Cross A/S tyre is engineered for on-road, gravel and off-road driving and offers protection against aquaplaning, high mileage and wet braking performance on tar roads, enabling good traction and safe driving in both hot and cold weather.

The company notes that there has been exceptional growth in the crossover vehicle and SUV sector, both globally and in the South African market, adding that the Grabber Cross A/S is ideally suited to this increasingly popular passenger car segment.

"South African motorists are increasingly choosing crossovers and SUVs that offer versatility for both everyday driving and weekend adventures. The Grabber Cross A/S has been developed specifically for this growing segment, combining the comfort and performance drivers expect on the road, with the durability and traction needed when venturing off the beaten track. We are also proud that a portion of the range is produced locally at our manufacturing facility in Gqeberha," said Continental Tyre South Africa market manager Dustine Gascoyne.

Designed for an 80/20 application, which means 80% on-road driving and 20% off-road use, the tyre provides a combination of a stiff tread and a cut and chip resistant rubber compound. This aims to ensure superior performance on gravel roads and on off-road conditions, providing efficient grip and enhanced puncture resistance.

For use on dry roads, the tyre designers have integrated support elements between the blocks to make the tread extra stiff for safer performance. The design also ensures even pressure distribution, enabling precise steering commands and higher speeds over longer distances, as well as improved driving comfort and low rolling noise.

Hexagonal blocks with biting edges provide traction on loose surfaces. The edges of the tread grooves are chamfered to further improve off-road performance. In addition, the tyre features a crossover compound that is cut and chip resistant, increasing the tyre’s durability on rough terrain. Transverse and longitudinal sipes in the tread blocks help improve grip on wet roads, and the open tread shoulder accelerates water evacuation when driving in the rain, helping to prevent aquaplaning.

Additional technology incorporated into the tyre design includes Duragen technology that uses thicker steel belts to provide added stability and protection in both on and off-road driving conditions, and Comfort Balance technology features a cushioned tread that isolates the vehicle from road disturbances, and an acoustic tread pattern to deliver a quieter, more comfortable driving experience.

The new Grabber Cross A/S is suitable for a range of crossover and SUvs with and without four-wheel drive. For the South African market, General Tire offers 32 sizes between 16 and 22 inches in diameter.