| Test Summary | |
| Wet Braking |
Nokian WR D3 |
| Dry Braking |
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Continental WinterContact TS 850 |
| Wet Handling |
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D |
| Rolling Resistance |
Rockstone Ice plus s210 |
| Noise |
Continental WinterContact TS 850 Michelin Alpin A4 Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D Toyo Snowprox S953 Hankook Winter i cept evo |
| Snow Handling |
Rockstone Ice plus s210 Goodyear UltraGrip 8 Performance Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D |
The surprise this year is Pirelli have finally produced a strong winter tyre, with the updated Sottozero 3 winning the test thanks to a strong snow and wet performance. The excellent Continental WinterContact TS850 has been relegated to an unusual second, with the new Goodyear Ultragrip Performance rounding out the top three.
As proven countless times, budget tyres just don't work in the wet, with the Rockstone S210 Ice+ being regarded as dangerous, despite a good snow performance. With wet braking from 100km/h over 20 metres longer than the best in test, this is one to avoid for the wet UK winters...
Results
- 3PMSF: no
A top class winter tyre with excellent handling and short braking on snowy and wet roads. Comfortable steering feel, good safety margins when aquaplaning, low rolling resistance
Slightly longer dry braking distances
Total: 41
Dry
6
Wet
7
Snow
9
Comfort
6
Rolling Resistance
7
Noise
6
- 3PMSF: no
A strong winter tire with good road handling in all weather conditions. Stable cornering and short braking distance in snowy and dry conditions. Fuel Efficient rolling resistance, optimal comfort
Slightly louder than the best in the test
Total: 41
Dry
7
Wet
7
Snow
8
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
7
Noise
5
- 3PMSF: no
A convincing all-rounder with good winter properties. Balanced handling with safe and good steering response on wet and dry roads. Very quiet
Only average snow handling
Total: 40
Dry
6
Wet
6
Snow
7
Comfort
6
Rolling Resistance
6
Noise
9
- 3PMSF: no
Top handling qualities on snowy slopes. Good steering precision and short braking distances on dry roads and snowy slopes. Pleasant ride comfort, with a low rolling resistance
Average in the wet
Total: 40
Dry
6
Wet
5
Snow
8
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
7
Noise
7
- 3PMSF: no
Excellent traction and shortest braking distances on snow. Stable running with safe driving characteristics on wet roads, smooth ride
Slight oversteer on dry roads
Total: 42
Dry
5
Wet
6
Snow
9
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
6
Noise
9
- 3PMSF: no
Dynamic sporty handling qualities with precise steering on dry roads, short dry braking distances. Balanced safe driving in the wet. Low rolling resistance
Reduced cornering and driving balance on snow
Total: 38
Dry
8
Wet
6
Snow
6
Comfort
5
Rolling Resistance
7
Noise
6
- 3PMSF: no
Best safety margins when aquaplaning. Stable cornering and safe handling qualities on dry roads. Good comfort
Average winter properties. Delayed steering response and driving behavior on wet and snowy roads
Total: 34
Dry
6
Wet
6
Snow
5
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
5
Noise
5
- 3PMSF: no
Short braking distances and stable handling on snowy roads. Good ride comfort, quiet pass-by noise
Delayed steering response and driving behavior in wet and dry conditions, slightly longer wet braking distances
Total: 36
Dry
6
Wet
4
Snow
6
Comfort
7
Rolling Resistance
6
Noise
7
- 3PMSF: no
Stable running and short braking distances on snow, low rolling resistance
Very limited capability with low aquaplaning resistance, long braking distances on dry and wet roads and inharmonious understeering handling
Total: 33
Dry
5
Wet
1
Snow
6
Comfort
3
Rolling Resistance
9
Noise
9