Is Yokohama A052 the Best 200TW Track Tyre in Australia?

Xiaochuan Zhang
2026-04-17T20:47:31-04:00

The Yokohama Advan A052 is one of the highest-grip 200TW tyres on the market, offering exceptional track performance, rapid warm-up, and strong driver feedback. Ideal for time attack and track enthusiasts in Adelaide, now available at Autosport Tyre World.

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Yokohama Advan A052 Review

The Ultimate 200TW Track Tyre for Maximum Grip | Autosport Tyre World

Introduction

The Yokohama Advan A052 is widely regarded as one of the most aggressive 200TW (treadwear) semi-slick tyres available today. Designed for track days, time attack, and high-performance street use, it delivers extreme grip levels that rival full racing tyres.

If you're searching for maximum lap time performance in Adelaide, the A052 is one of the top choices — but it comes with trade-offs.

👉 Shop Yokohama A052 here:
https://autostw.com.au/search?type=product&q=Yokohama+A052

What Makes Yokohama A052 Special?

1. Extreme Dry Grip (Best-in-Class)

One of the highest grip levels in the 200TW category

Aggressive turn-in and strong lateral stability

Very short braking distances

👉 Real-world insight:

Many drivers consider it “the fastest 200TW tyre” for short laps

2. Fast Warm-Up (Instant Performance)

Reaches optimal grip in 1–2 laps

Ideal for:

Autocross

Sprint racing

Time attack

This makes A052 perfect for drivers who want immediate performance without long warm-up cycles.

3. Surprisingly Strong in Damp Conditions

Performs well in cool and slightly wet conditions

Better than most semi-slick competitors

⚠️ But:

Not suitable for heavy rain or standing water

4. Predictable Handling & Feedback

Progressive breakaway characteristics

High driver confidence near the limit

👉 This is why many racers use A052 for precision driving and consistency.

Downsides of Yokohama A052

1. Fast Wear Rate

Soft compound = short lifespan

Often lasts:

A few track days

One competitive season

👉 Typical mileage: ~12,000 km (varies heavily)

2. Heat Sensitivity

Best performance in first few laps

Can overheat and lose grip during long sessions

3. Soft Sidewalls

Requires proper setup:

Negative camber

Correct tyre pressure

Otherwise:

Shoulder wear increases quickly

Handling feels less precise

Real Driver Feedback

From track enthusiasts:

“Probably the stickiest 200TW tyre”
“Incredible grip but wears very quickly”

👉 Key takeaway:

Maximum performance = shorter lifespan

Best Cars for Yokohama A052

The A052 works best on:

Lightweight Performance Cars

Mazda MX-5

Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ

Performance Sedans & Hot Hatches

BMW M2 / M3

Mercedes-AMG A45

Honda Civic Type R

Track-Focused Builds

Time attack cars

Autocross builds

Weekend track cars

A052 vs Competitors (Quick Summary)

Tyre | Grip | Longevity | Best Use
Yokohama A052 | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | Short track sessions
Michelin Cup 2 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Balanced track use
Bridgestone RE71RS | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | All-round performance
Nankang CR-S | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Consistency

👉 Verdict:

Fastest lap times → A052

Better durability → others

Final Verdict

The Yokohama Advan A052 is:

✔ One of the fastest 200TW tyres available
✔ Perfect for short, aggressive driving sessions
✔ Ideal for drivers chasing lap times

BUT:

✖ Wears quickly
✖ Sensitive to heat
✖ Not ideal for daily driving

Where to Buy Yokohama A052 in Adelaide

✔ Same-day fitting available
✔ Track tyre specialists
✔ Adelaide performance tyre experts

TYREPLUS Magill | Autosport Tyre World Magill

647 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
Phone: 0452 641 023

TYREPLUS Clarence Gardens | Autosport Tyre World Clarence Gardens

911 South Road, Clarence Gardens SA 5039
Phone: 0420 299 911

TYREPLUS Wingfield | Autosport Tyre World Wingfield

411 Grand Junction Road, Wingfield SA 5013
Phone: 0433 645 411

Yokohama A052 FAQ – Everything You Need to Know

1. What is Yokohama A052?

The Yokohama Advan A052 is a high-performance 200 treadwear semi-slick tyre designed for track days, time attack, and aggressive street driving.

2. Is Yokohama A052 street legal?

Yes, the A052 is road legal in Australia, but it is primarily designed for performance driving rather than daily commuting.

3. Is Yokohama A052 good for track days?

Yes, it is one of the most popular track tyres due to its extremely high grip and fast warm-up.

4. How much grip does A052 have?

The A052 is considered one of the highest grip tyres in the 200TW category.

5. How long does Yokohama A052 last?

It typically lasts shorter than normal tyres due to its soft compound, especially under track use.

6. Is A052 good in the wet?

It performs well in light wet conditions but is not suitable for heavy rain.

7. How fast does A052 warm up?

It reaches optimal grip within 1–2 laps.

8. Is Yokohama A052 better than AD09?

The A052 offers higher grip, while the AD09 offers better durability and daily usability.

9. Is A052 better than RE71RS?

A052 usually has higher peak grip, while RE71RS offers better consistency and lifespan.

10. What treadwear rating is A052?

It has a 200 treadwear rating.

11. Is A052 good for daily driving?

Not ideal, due to fast wear and softer sidewalls.

12. What cars suit Yokohama A052?

It suits sports cars, track builds, and performance sedans.

13. Does A052 overheat easily?

Yes, during long sessions it can overheat and lose grip.

14. How does A052 perform under braking?

It offers excellent braking performance and short stopping distances.

15. Is A052 noisy?

It can be noisier than regular tyres due to its aggressive design.

16. What tyre pressure should I run?

Pressure varies by setup, but correct tuning is critical for performance.

17. Does A052 need camber?

Yes, proper camber helps prevent uneven wear.

18. Is A052 good for autocross?

Yes, its fast warm-up makes it ideal for autocross.

19. Is A052 good for time attack?

Yes, it is widely used in time attack due to peak grip performance.

20. How does A052 compare to Michelin Cup 2?

A052 offers more peak grip, while Cup 2 offers better durability.

21. Is A052 expensive?

It is a premium performance tyre, but offers high performance value.

22. Can I use A052 in winter?

Not recommended in very cold conditions.

23. Is A052 good for drifting?

It is not ideal due to high grip and fast wear.

24. What sizes are available?

A052 is available in a wide range of performance sizes.

25. Can A052 be used for racing?

Yes, it is commonly used in amateur racing and track events.

26. Does A052 have strong sidewalls?

It has softer sidewalls compared to some competitors.

27. Is A052 good for braking stability?

Yes, it provides strong stability under heavy braking.

28. Where can I buy Yokohama A052 in Adelaide?

You can purchase Yokohama A052 at Autosport Tyre World with multiple locations across Adelaide.

29. Can I get same-day fitting for A052?

Yes, same-day fitting is available depending on stock.

30. Is Yokohama A052 worth it?

Yes, if your goal is maximum grip and fastest lap times, it is one of the best choices available.