A GRIPPY multi-purpose tyre has been developed by Bridgestone and it's going to be available for almost every type of car.

With a top score for performance in the wet, the Turanza T005 is designed as a premium grade all-rounder.

It's already available in more than 90 sizes on rims ranging from 15 to 19-inches with prices ranging from around £55 to almost £200 depending on size and supplier.

Using Bridgestone's NanoPro-Tech polymer mixed with a high silica content compound the new tyre has been created to offer maximum wear, wet grip and fuel efficiency.

We put the Turanza T005 to the test at the Donington Park circuit in Leicestershire where it showed good performance in a variety of everyday driving situations.

Fitted to a 2.0-litre TDI Volkswagen Golf the Turanza was particularly impressive through corners where it showed excellent lateral grip.

It also excelled with stopping distances where in official tests it brought the car to rest from 50mph in 25.1 metres - some 2.1 metres shorter than that achieved by alternatives from other brands.

In slippery conditions the Turanza came into its own and gave the Golf a confident feel, its wet weather braking helped by a clever tread pattern in the centre section of the tyre which is specially designed to disperse water.

As well as a best in class A rating under the EU tyre labelling programme for performance in the wet, the Turanza has also achieved the B standard for rolling resistance - all important when it comes to good fuel efficiency.

Bridgestone claims the Turanza T005 has 10 per cent more wear than its predecessor - the T001 - giving it a lifespan in the region of low-to-mid 20,000 miles.

The Turanza T005 has already been chosen as original equipment for a number of models including the new Audi A7 and Bridgestone plans to expand availability in the coming months to more than 140 sizes to fit rims ranging from 14 to 21 inches.