The new bulbs now have...

The new bulbs now have revised filaments that should be able to cope better with rough roads, but without affecting the beam they deliver. The development team has also changed the gas mix to reduce dazzle for on-coming motorists, particularly in poor weather when light is reflected off a soaking road. As with the outgoing version, PIAA claims the bulbs, rated at 65/55 watts, deliver a light output equivalent to 110/100 watt lamps. Despite this increase in claimed performance, the bulbs are E marked and are legal to use on UK roads.

In our recent test (Issue 938), which was conducted in a 75-metre light tunnel, they gave one of the best beam performances for a coated ‘blue’ bulb, which aims to give a similar ‘white’ look to the much more expensive High Intensity Discharge systems.

PIAA claims the newcomers are brighter than standard halogen or xenon plus 30 per cent bulbs, with a crisp, blue-white, far-reaching beam.

Eight types are available, incluч­ding the regular H1, H4 and H7 grades, and they are a direct replacement for most original equipment bulbs. Prices start at around чЈ45 for a pack of two.

PIAA Xtreme White Plus bulbs, price: чЈ44.73-чЈ63.31, buy from: 01934 818430, www.piaa.co.uk