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A newer edition of this test is out: 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test

Test source Auto Zeitung

2014 AZ Winter Tyre Test

Overall test winnerContinental WinterContact TS 850

In 2014 Auto Zeitung have tested eleven 205/55 R16 premium winter tyres.

Tyres tested
11
Tested size
205/55 R16

At a glance

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11 Tyres tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

3rd

Nokian WR D3

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2014 AZ Winter Tyre Test · 205/55 R16

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The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

In 2014 Auto Zeitung have tested eleven 205/55 R16 premium winter tyres.

Full details below.

The Results

1st

Continental WinterContact TS 850

205/55 R16
Continental WinterContact TS 850
The Continental WinterContact TS850 wins this test. Best in snow, excellent in the wet and dry, the TS850 is a very safe winter tyre
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry125
Wet138
Snow141
Comfort8
Rolling Resistance22
Noise7

Total: 441

2nd

Goodyear UltraGrip 9

205/55 R16
Goodyear UltraGrip 9
Very good debut, on the podium for the new Ultra Grip 9 Goodyear
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry111
Wet141
Snow140
Comfort8
Rolling Resistance20
Noise7

Total: 427

3rd

Nokian WR D3

205/55 R16
Nokian WR D3
The strengths of the Nokian WR D3 show up on wet and dry surfaces
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry115
Wet130
Snow125
Comfort7
Rolling Resistance15
Noise7

Total: 399

4th

Michelin Alpin A4

205/55 R16
Michelin Alpin A4
A good showing from the Michelin with excellent wet and snow qualities
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry106
Wet131
Snow128
Comfort8
Rolling Resistance13
Noise7

Total: 393

5th

Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D

205/55 R16
Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D
Dunlop Winter Sport 4D performed well, apart from in snow braking
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry116
Wet131
Snow128
Comfort7
Rolling Resistance18
Noise7

Total: 407

6th

Pirelli Winter Snow Control Series 3

205/55 R16
Pirelli Winter Snow Control Series 3
Good wet performance for the Pirelli Snow Control Series 3, and safe in the snow
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry108
Wet127
Snow124
Comfort8
Rolling Resistance13
Noise8

Total: 388

7th

Vredestein Snowtrac 5

205/55 R16
Vredestein Snowtrac 5
The Vredestein has a consistently solid performance
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry105
Wet118
Snow127
Comfort8
Rolling Resistance13
Noise7

Total: 378

8th

Toyo Snowprox S943

205/55 R16
Toyo Snowprox S943
Best rolling resistance with the Toyo Snowprox S943, agile in the snow, weak in the wet
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry111
Wet94
Snow128
Comfort7
Rolling Resistance25
Noise7

Total: 372

9th

Hankook Winter i cept RS

205/55 R16
Hankook Winter i cept RS
Top on slush, but overall the Hankook i * cept RS is not a balanced tyre
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry99
Wet117
Snow110
Comfort7
Rolling Resistance11
Noise7

Total: 351

10th

Bridgestone Blizzak LM32

205/55 R16
Bridgestone Blizzak LM32
Low on snow, only average in the wet. In dry conditions the Bridgestone drives safely and brakes well, but has a very high rolling resistance
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry102
Wet113
Snow95
Comfort8
Rolling Resistance4
Noise7

Total: 329

11th

Kumho IZen KW23

205/55 R16
Kumho IZen KW23
Under wet conditions, on snow or dry, the Kumho shows no strengths
All discipline results (6)
TestResult
Dry87
Wet108
Snow115
Comfort7
Rolling Resistance4
Noise8

Total: 329

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