The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is now launched in Malaysia, barely sooner than the October 2024 goal. The much-awaited successor to the enduring KO2 off-road tyre is initially obtainable right here in 39 sizes, with one other 19 sizes coming in 2025. By 2026, there can be a complete of 62 sizes to finish the KO3 lineup, which ranges from 15- to 19-inch.
This broad vary will shock old-timers, and that’s as a result of BFG’s most versatile mannequin is now made in Thailand for our a part of the world, overlaying well-liked sizes for vehicles and SUVs in Asia – it’s not a purely US-made tyre. The RRP for the KO3 is from RM825 to RM2,946.
“Our dedication at BFGoodrich has all the time been to ship merchandise that meet the very best requirements of efficiency and sturdiness, and the All-Terrain T/A KO3 tyre is not any exception,” stated Prichapakorn Dangrojana, MD of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
“Constructed by lovers for lovers, the tire displays our deep understanding of what passionate all-terrain explorers demand. Via steady cutting-edge enhancements in our world-class tyre know-how, we’re excited to convey the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 to the Malaysian market. That is an embodiment of BFGoodrich’s pursuit of innovation to exceed the expectations of our prospects who deserve the most effective for his or her car wants wherever they go,” he added.
To say that the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is long-awaited is an understatement. That’s as a result of its predecessor – the legendary all-terrain (AT) tyre that’s the KO2 – has been round for a decade now. As with landmark automobiles, it’s tough to exchange an icon.
However nothing goes on perpetually with out enchancment, and with the brand new KO3, BFG has retained the KO2’s robust factors and improved on the areas that rivals have caught up on. BFG not too long ago organised a hands-on preview occasion for the Asia Pacific area in Brisbane, the place the brand new tyre was fitted on a variety of one-tonne pick-up vehicles and given a exercise at Sirromet, a winery and occasion venue south-east of Australia’s third-most populous metropolis.
BFG summed up the KO3’s enhancements into 3Ts – toughness, traction and treadwear. For toughness, the KO3 options CoreGard Expertise and Superior Deflection Design for enhanced sidewall toughness. Nice traction is supplied by the up to date serrated shoulder design and mud-phobic bars for higher mud traction.
Final however actually not least (as a result of the KO2 isn’t actually recognized for longevity) is treadwear. BFG developed a brand new tread compound for larger sturdiness and longevity, even on gravel roads, plus optimised interlocking tread parts for even put on over the lengthy haul.
There have been three driving workshops that have been designed to point out off the KO3’s strengths, as a lot as doable for a one-day occasion. In ‘Toughness Constructed to Overcome’ we drove in an off-road monitor consisting of shale hills, water ruts, rock gardens and slippery slopes. I used to be instructed by the trainer that scenic Sirromet not produces wine on this website, which is a well-liked place for truck and 4×4 launches.
In ‘Traction & Treadwear’, they showcased the KO3’s sturdiness and efficiency by way of filth braking, mud acceleration and accelerated treadwear.
Lastly, ‘All-Terrain On-Street & Off-Street’ noticed us driving on gravel and a brief part on tarmac. The general public highway part was brief (and by far the least enjoyable of the workouts); nonetheless it was helpful to show the much-improved on-road manners of the KO3.
The KO2 – and all-terrain tyres normally – isn’t very quiet on tarmac however the KO3 is fairly civilised – I anticipated and would’ve gladly accepted a little bit of hum on-road contemplating its aggressive tread sample (it’s a extremely macho-looking tyre, and for the value premium over Asian-brand rivals, I’d shamelessly go for white lettering) and off-road capabilities, however the KO3 actually shocked on this space.
We then turned off the asphalt into an off-road path to deal with some delicate off-roading, water crossings and tough terrain.
Truthfully, this was ‘nothing’ for our Ford Ranger and the BFG KO3 after the sooner ‘toughness’ train, however my teacher for this leg (an 18-year outdated lady who legally needed to show a P sticker, however races open-wheel System automobiles!) defined that it is a simulation of what a typical AT tyre proprietor would do – drive to a campsite that’s nonetheless fairly accessible – versus hardcore off-roading. Makes good sense, relatively just like the KO3.
The ‘Legendary Toughness. Made Harder’ BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tyre is now obtainable in Malaysia in 39 sizes, starting from 15 to 19 inches – that’s good for something from a Suzuki Jimny to a Ford Ranger Raptor. The RRP is RM825 to RM2,946.
GALLERY: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 regional launch in Brisbane
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