2020 Nordic and Studded Winter Tyre Test

Test Publication:
Test World
Test Size: 205/55 R16
Tyres Tested: 20 tyres
Test Categories:
6 categories (15 tests)
Similar Tests

Test Category Best Performer Worst Performer Difference
Dry (2 tests)
Dry Braking Petlas Glacier W661: 29 M Sava Eskimo Ice: 32.1 M3.1 M (9.7%)
Subj. Dry Handling Petlas Glacier W661: 10 Points Nankang Ice Activa 2: 6 Points4.0 Points (66.7%)
Wet (3 tests)
Wet Braking Petlas Glacier W661: 29.7 M Linglong Winter Unicorn: 40.4 M10.7 M (26.5%)
Wet Handling Petlas Glacier W661: 33.7 s Michelin X Ice North 4: 35.4 s1.7 s (4.8%)
Subj. Wet Handling Petlas Glacier W661: 9 Points Bridgestone Blizzak Ice: 6 Points3.0 Points (50.0%)
Snow (4 tests)
Snow Braking Continental VikingContact 7: 50.2 M Sunny SN3860: 53.6 M3.4 M (6.3%)
Snow Traction Continental IceContact 3: 5.9 s Sunny SN3860: 6.5 s0.6 s (9.2%)
Snow Handling Continental VikingContact 7: 48.3 s Sunny SN3860: 53.2 s4.9 s (9.2%)
Subj. Snow Handling Michelin X Ice Snow: 9 Points Sunny SN3860: 5 Points4.0 Points (80.0%)
Ice (4 tests)
Ice Braking Michelin X Ice North 4: 37.8 M Sunny SN3860: 54.6 M16.8 M (30.8%)
Ice Traction Michelin X Ice North 4: 3.7 s Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43: 6.9 s3.2 s (46.4%)
Ice Handling Michelin X Ice North 4: 57.3 s Sunny SN3860: 72 s14.7 s (20.4%)
Subj. Ice Handling Michelin X Ice North 4: 10 Points Petlas Glacier W661: 4 Points6.0 Points (150.0%)
Comfort (1 tests)
Subj. Noise Nankang Ice Activa 2: 9 Points Hankook Winter i pike RS2: 6 Points3.0 Points (50.0%)
Value (1 tests)
Rolling Resistance Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3: 0.01 kg / t Linglong Winter Unicorn: 5.3 kg / t5.3 kg / t (99.8%)
If you're planning on undertaking a massive Nordic friction and studded winter tyre test, having the right facilities to conduct the test in is key. Fortunately for Test World, they own one of the best independent arctic testing facilities in the world which is why we're super excited to see this 21 tyre test, covering all the key friction studless and studded winter tyres on the market.

All tyres are in the popular 205/55 R16, and were tested using a VW Golf. There were some interesting new tyres in the test, including the first test of the studless Michelin X-Ice Snow.

Many of the premium brands included have both studless friction and studded winter tyres in the test, which is why you'll see them twice in the data, so as you're going through the results looking at your favourite tyre make sure you're looking at the right version of it.

Overall, the usual contenders in the winter segment came out top. Continental, who dominate the European winter tyre tests, joint won the test alongside Michelin. 

The studded Continental IceContact 3 proved to have an excellent all round ability, with no huge weakness for a studded tyre, and the new studded Michelin X-Ice North 4 dominated on ice, and performed well in nearly all other criteria, showing only a slight weakness during wet handling testing.

Winter specialists Nokian aren't having the best time in the European winter segment at the moment, but they'll be happy with third place for their studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 tyre, and even happier as the winning studless friction tyre on test being awarded to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3. 

One other interesting point for European readers, you'll notice some of the best tyres in the dry and wet are rated as some of the worst tyres overall in this test. This serves as a nice reminder that friction and studded tyres are tyres designed for climates that see extreme winters, which mean snow and ice on the ground for many months constantly. None of these tyres are suitable for a central European winter, where dry and wet is the dominant weather, so don't try fitting them in climates like the UK.

Dry

In the dry the budget Petlas Glacier W661 narrowly beat the Michelin X-Ice North 4. Sadly there was no objective dry handling data, the subjective data can be found in the overall results below.

Wet

The Petlas also proved best during wet testing, winning wet braking and wet handling.

Snow

Colder testing reversed the fortunes of the Petlas tyre, finishing at the back of the pack in all the snow and ice testing.

Continental dominated snow braking, taking first place with the studless VikingContact and second place with the studded IceContact 3

Continental again took the top two spots during snow traction testing, this time with the studded tyre ahead of the studless.

Snow handling testing brought a little advantage to the studless tyres, with the VikingContact again proving best, and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 finishing second.

Ice

Ice testing naturally brings the advantage back to studded tyres, with the Michelin X-Ice North 4 matching the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 as the best during ice braking.

Michelin, Continental and Nokian also took the top three sports during ice traction.

Michelin rounded out the ice testing with anoher win for the X Ice North 4.

Environment

The tyres were rated subjectively for noise, with seven of the tyres on test finishing joint top.

Rolling resistance scores were based on the best tyre (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3) being set at zero, then other the tyres ratings being how much more fuel they would use represented as a percentage.

Results

1st: Continental IceContact 3

Continental IceContact 3
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th29.9 M29 M+0.9 M96.99%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Braking3rd33.4 M29.7 M+3.7 M88.92%
Wet Handling11th34.9 s33.7 s+1.2 s96.56%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Snow Braking2nd50.4 M50.2 M+0.2 M99.6%
Snow Traction1st5.9 s100%
Snow Handling5th48.8 s48.3 s+0.5 s98.98%
Subj. Snow Handling1st9 Points100%
Ice Braking3rd38.9 M37.8 M+1.1 M97.17%
Ice Traction2nd3.8 s3.7 s+0.1 s97.37%
Ice Handling4th60.2 s57.3 s+2.9 s95.18%
Subj. Ice Handling4th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Subj. Noise14th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Rolling Resistance11th3 kg / t0.01 kg / t+2.99 kg / t0.33%
Short braking distances and good lateral stability on ice (but with a sharp maneuver there is a risk of skidding), good handling and control on snow, good handling in the dry.

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1st: Michelin X Ice North 4

Michelin X Ice North 4
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd29.3 M29 M+0.3 M98.98%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking5th35.9 M29.7 M+6.2 M82.73%
Wet Handling20th35.4 s33.7 s+1.7 s95.2%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking4th50.6 M50.2 M+0.4 M99.21%
Snow Traction4th6 s5.9 s+0.1 s98.33%
Snow Handling8th49 s48.3 s+0.7 s98.57%
Subj. Snow Handling1st9 Points100%
Ice Braking1st37.8 M100%
Ice Traction1st3.7 s100%
Ice Handling1st57.3 s100%
Subj. Ice Handling1st10 Points100%
Subj. Noise17th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Rolling Resistance15th3.6 kg / t0.01 kg / t+3.59 kg / t0.28%
Excellent handling on ice - the tires reliably hold grip in any situation, including, for example, when hitting an icy area while cornering, good handling and a high level of safety on snow, good wet grip.
Tendency to understeer in the dry, high rolling resistance.

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3rd: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th30 M29 M+1 M96.67%
Subj. Dry Handling14th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Braking7th36.6 M29.7 M+6.9 M81.15%
Wet Handling15th35.1 s33.7 s+1.4 s96.01%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking6th50.7 M50.2 M+0.5 M99.01%
Snow Traction4th6 s5.9 s+0.1 s98.33%
Snow Handling8th49 s48.3 s+0.7 s98.57%
Subj. Snow Handling1st9 Points100%
Ice Braking1st37.8 M100%
Ice Traction2nd3.8 s3.7 s+0.1 s97.37%
Ice Handling3rd58.8 s57.3 s+1.5 s97.45%
Subj. Ice Handling2nd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Subj. Noise17th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Rolling Resistance14th3.3 kg / t0.01 kg / t+3.29 kg / t0.3%
High grip and excellent handling on ice, good handling in the snow, good directional stability.
Slow steering and poor handling in the dry.

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4th: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd29.4 M29 M+0.4 M98.64%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking9th37.1 M29.7 M+7.4 M80.05%
Wet Handling3rd34.5 s33.7 s+0.8 s97.68%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Snow Braking11th51.2 M50.2 M+1 M98.05%
Snow Traction10th6.1 s5.9 s+0.2 s96.72%
Snow Handling2nd48.4 s48.3 s+0.1 s99.79%
Subj. Snow Handling1st9 Points100%
Ice Braking7th42.5 M37.8 M+4.7 M88.94%
Ice Traction8th5.4 s3.7 s+1.7 s68.52%
Ice Handling6th60.8 s57.3 s+3.5 s94.24%
Subj. Ice Handling4th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Subj. Noise1st9 Points100%
Rolling Resistance1st0.01 kg / t100%
No obvious flaws, short braking distances and excellent handling on ice, very good handling and confident behavior on snow, above average performance in the dry and wet, stable during sharp maneuvers, low noise level, low rolling resistance.

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5th: Bridgestone Noranza 001

Bridgestone Noranza 001
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking18th31.5 M29 M+2.5 M92.06%
Subj. Dry Handling14th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Braking11th37.4 M29.7 M+7.7 M79.41%
Wet Handling16th35.2 s33.7 s+1.5 s95.74%
Subj. Wet Handling17th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Snow Braking14th51.5 M50.2 M+1.3 M97.48%
Snow Traction1st5.9 s100%
Snow Handling5th48.8 s48.3 s+0.5 s98.98%
Subj. Snow Handling1st9 Points100%
Ice Braking4th39.7 M37.8 M+1.9 M95.21%
Ice Traction4th3.9 s3.7 s+0.2 s94.87%
Ice Handling2nd58.6 s57.3 s+1.3 s97.78%
Subj. Ice Handling2nd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Subj. Noise17th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Rolling Resistance18th4.3 kg / t0.01 kg / t+4.29 kg / t0.23%
Good overall performance on ice, stable snow performance.
Long braking distances in the snow, dry and wet, inaccurate steering response and oversteer in the dry.

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6th: Hankook Winter i pike RS2

Hankook Winter i pike RS2
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking14th30.6 M29 M+1.6 M94.77%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking4th34.8 M29.7 M+5.1 M85.34%
Wet Handling8th34.8 s33.7 s+1.1 s96.84%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking6th50.7 M50.2 M+0.5 M99.01%
Snow Traction10th6.1 s5.9 s+0.2 s96.72%
Snow Handling11th49.3 s48.3 s+1 s97.97%
Subj. Snow Handling8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Ice Braking6th41.7 M37.8 M+3.9 M90.65%
Ice Traction6th4 s3.7 s+0.3 s92.5%
Ice Handling11th61.6 s57.3 s+4.3 s93.02%
Subj. Ice Handling4th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Subj. Noise17th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Rolling Resistance7th2.4 kg / t0.01 kg / t+2.39 kg / t0.42%
Good traction on ice, good handling and grip in the wet.
Relatively long ice braking with a tendency to oversteer on ice and in the snow, average braking in the dry.

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6th: Continental VikingContact 7

Continental VikingContact 7
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking12th30.3 M29 M+1.3 M95.71%
Subj. Dry Handling14th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Braking13th38.5 M29.7 M+8.8 M77.14%
Wet Handling6th34.7 s33.7 s+1 s97.12%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Snow Braking1st50.2 M100%
Snow Traction1st5.9 s100%
Snow Handling1st48.3 s100%
Subj. Snow Handling1st9 Points100%
Ice Braking9th43.2 M37.8 M+5.4 M87.5%
Ice Traction9th5.5 s3.7 s+1.8 s67.27%
Ice Handling7th61 s57.3 s+3.7 s93.93%
Subj. Ice Handling4th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Subj. Noise1st9 Points100%
Rolling Resistance5th2.1 kg / t0.01 kg / t+2.09 kg / t0.48%
Short braking distances and excellent handling in the ice, optimum controllability in the snow, good handling in the wet.
Oversteer balance in the dry.

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8th: Michelin X Ice Snow

Michelin X Ice Snow
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking16th31.2 M29 M+2.2 M92.95%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking15th38.6 M29.7 M+8.9 M76.94%
Wet Handling13th35 s33.7 s+1.3 s96.29%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Snow Braking2nd50.4 M50.2 M+0.2 M99.6%
Snow Traction4th6 s5.9 s+0.1 s98.33%
Snow Handling3rd48.7 s48.3 s+0.4 s99.18%
Subj. Snow Handling1st9 Points100%
Ice Braking8th42.7 M37.8 M+4.9 M88.52%
Ice Traction7th5.3 s3.7 s+1.6 s69.81%
Ice Handling7th61 s57.3 s+3.7 s93.93%
Subj. Ice Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Subj. Noise8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Rolling Resistance4th1.8 kg / t0.01 kg / t+1.79 kg / t0.56%
Short braking on ice (for a studless tyre), good handling and high level of safety in the snow, well balanced in the dry.
Slight slower steering response on ice, relatively long dry braking.

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9th: Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2

Linglong Green Max Winter Grip 2
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th29.5 M29 M+0.5 M98.31%
Subj. Dry Handling18th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Wet Braking10th37.3 M29.7 M+7.6 M79.62%
Wet Handling11th34.9 s33.7 s+1.2 s96.56%
Subj. Wet Handling17th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Snow Braking8th50.9 M50.2 M+0.7 M98.62%
Snow Traction16th6.2 s5.9 s+0.3 s95.16%
Snow Handling14th49.5 s48.3 s+1.2 s97.58%
Subj. Snow Handling8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Ice Braking4th39.7 M37.8 M+1.9 M95.21%
Ice Traction4th3.9 s3.7 s+0.2 s94.87%
Ice Handling13th61.8 s57.3 s+4.5 s92.72%
Subj. Ice Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Subj. Noise14th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Rolling Resistance19th5.2 kg / t0.01 kg / t+5.19 kg / t0.19%
Short braking distances on ice, balanced in the snow, short dry braking distances.
Average ice handling, slow steering response in the dry, high rolling resistance, unbalanced ride quality.

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10th: Pirelli Ice Zero FR

Pirelli Ice Zero FR
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th30 M29 M+1 M96.67%
Subj. Dry Handling14th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Wet Braking19th39.3 M29.7 M+9.6 M75.57%
Wet Handling8th34.8 s33.7 s+1.1 s96.84%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking10th51 M50.2 M+0.8 M98.43%
Snow Traction4th6 s5.9 s+0.1 s98.33%
Snow Handling13th49.4 s48.3 s+1.1 s97.77%
Subj. Snow Handling8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Ice Braking13th44 M37.8 M+6.2 M85.91%
Ice Traction11th5.6 s3.7 s+1.9 s66.07%
Ice Handling5th60.7 s57.3 s+3.4 s94.4%
Subj. Ice Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Subj. Noise1st9 Points100%
Rolling Resistance8th2.6 kg / t0.01 kg / t+2.59 kg / t0.38%
Short dry braking distances.
Unstable behavior on ice and snow, very long wet braking distances, lack of directional stability.

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10th: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking15th30.7 M29 M+1.7 M94.46%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking6th36.5 M29.7 M+6.8 M81.37%
Wet Handling2nd34.1 s33.7 s+0.4 s98.83%
Subj. Wet Handling1st9 Points100%
Snow Braking4th50.6 M50.2 M+0.4 M99.21%
Snow Traction10th6.1 s5.9 s+0.2 s96.72%
Snow Handling16th49.8 s48.3 s+1.5 s96.99%
Subj. Snow Handling16th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Ice Braking9th43.2 M37.8 M+5.4 M87.5%
Ice Traction9th5.5 s3.7 s+1.8 s67.27%
Ice Handling15th63.3 s57.3 s+6 s90.52%
Subj. Ice Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Subj. Noise8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Rolling Resistance3rd1.7 kg / t0.01 kg / t+1.69 kg / t0.59%
Good traction and short braking distances on ice, short braking distances and good handling in the wet, low rolling resistance.
Relatively low lateral stability on ice, tendency to understeer in the snow, poor steering response in the dry.

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12th: Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616

Hankook Winter I cept iZ2 W616
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking12th30.3 M29 M+1.3 M95.71%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Braking13th38.5 M29.7 M+8.8 M77.14%
Wet Handling3rd34.5 s33.7 s+0.8 s97.68%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Snow Braking11th51.2 M50.2 M+1 M98.05%
Snow Traction10th6.1 s5.9 s+0.2 s96.72%
Snow Handling10th49.1 s48.3 s+0.8 s98.37%
Subj. Snow Handling8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Ice Braking12th43.5 M37.8 M+5.7 M86.9%
Ice Traction15th5.9 s3.7 s+2.2 s62.71%
Ice Handling16th64 s57.3 s+6.7 s89.53%
Subj. Ice Handling15th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Subj. Noise8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Rolling Resistance2nd0.4 kg / t0.01 kg / t+0.39 kg / t2.5%
Logical behaviour without unpleasant surprises in the snow, low rolling resistance, slow to react in the dry.
Unstable handling in the wet and on ice.

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13th: Sava Eskimo Ice

Sava Eskimo Ice
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking20th32.1 M29 M+3.1 M90.34%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd9 Points10 Points-1 Points90%
Wet Braking15th38.6 M29.7 M+8.9 M76.94%
Wet Handling5th34.6 s33.7 s+0.9 s97.4%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking17th52 M50.2 M+1.8 M96.54%
Snow Traction4th6 s5.9 s+0.1 s98.33%
Snow Handling15th49.6 s48.3 s+1.3 s97.38%
Subj. Snow Handling8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Ice Braking11th43.4 M37.8 M+5.6 M87.1%
Ice Traction13th5.7 s3.7 s+2 s64.91%
Ice Handling12th61.7 s57.3 s+4.4 s92.87%
Subj. Ice Handling15th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Subj. Noise1st9 Points100%
Rolling Resistance13th3.2 kg / t0.01 kg / t+3.19 kg / t0.31%
Good braking performance on ice, confident and stable dry handling.
Inaccurate steering in the wet, long dry braking distances.

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15th: Linglong Winter Unicorn

Linglong Winter Unicorn
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th29.9 M29 M+0.9 M96.99%
Subj. Dry Handling18th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Wet Braking20th40.4 M29.7 M+10.7 M73.51%
Wet Handling19th35.3 s33.7 s+1.6 s95.47%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking13th51.4 M50.2 M+1.2 M97.67%
Snow Traction10th6.1 s5.9 s+0.2 s96.72%
Snow Handling3rd48.7 s48.3 s+0.4 s99.18%
Subj. Snow Handling8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Ice Braking14th45 M37.8 M+7.2 M84%
Ice Traction13th5.7 s3.7 s+2 s64.91%
Ice Handling14th62 s57.3 s+4.7 s92.42%
Subj. Ice Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Subj. Noise1st9 Points100%
Rolling Resistance20th5.3 kg / t0.01 kg / t+5.29 kg / t0.19%
Slow steering response response on ice and snow, low grip and insufficient handling in the dry and wet, high rolling resistance.

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16th: Bridgestone Blizzak Ice

Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking11th30.2 M29 M+1.2 M96.03%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking17th38.7 M29.7 M+9 M76.74%
Wet Handling13th35 s33.7 s+1.3 s96.29%
Subj. Wet Handling17th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Snow Braking17th52 M50.2 M+1.8 M96.54%
Snow Traction16th6.2 s5.9 s+0.3 s95.16%
Snow Handling18th50.8 s48.3 s+2.5 s95.08%
Subj. Snow Handling8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Ice Braking15th45.9 M37.8 M+8.1 M82.35%
Ice Traction15th5.9 s3.7 s+2.2 s62.71%
Ice Handling9th61.2 s57.3 s+3.9 s93.63%
Subj. Ice Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Subj. Noise1st9 Points100%
Rolling Resistance9th2.9 kg / t0.01 kg / t+2.89 kg / t0.34%
Good handling in the snow, balance handling and short braking distances in the dry.
Understeer balance in the wet.

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17th: Nankang Ice Activa 2

Nankang Ice Activa 2
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking19th31.7 M29 M+2.7 M91.48%
Subj. Dry Handling18th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Wet Braking12th38.2 M29.7 M+8.5 M77.75%
Wet Handling6th34.7 s33.7 s+1 s97.12%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking16th51.9 M50.2 M+1.7 M96.72%
Snow Traction4th6 s5.9 s+0.1 s98.33%
Snow Handling5th48.8 s48.3 s+0.5 s98.98%
Subj. Snow Handling8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Ice Braking17th47.5 M37.8 M+9.7 M79.58%
Ice Traction17th6.2 s3.7 s+2.5 s59.68%
Ice Handling10th61.5 s57.3 s+4.2 s93.17%
Subj. Ice Handling8th7 Points10 Points-3 Points70%
Subj. Noise1st9 Points100%
Rolling Resistance6th2.3 kg / t0.01 kg / t+2.29 kg / t0.43%
Acceptable handling in the snow and on wet roads.
Low traction and braking on ice, poor grip and imprecise steering in the dry.

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18th: Nexen Winguard Ice+ WH43

Nexen Winguard Ice Plus WH43
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking17th31.3 M29 M+2.3 M92.65%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking18th39.1 M29.7 M+9.4 M75.96%
Wet Handling16th35.2 s33.7 s+1.5 s95.74%
Subj. Wet Handling17th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Snow Braking15th51.8 M50.2 M+1.6 M96.91%
Snow Traction10th6.1 s5.9 s+0.2 s96.72%
Snow Handling17th50 s48.3 s+1.7 s96.6%
Subj. Snow Handling16th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Ice Braking16th47.3 M37.8 M+9.5 M79.92%
Ice Traction20th6.9 s3.7 s+3.2 s53.62%
Ice Handling17th65.1 s57.3 s+7.8 s88.02%
Subj. Ice Handling15th6 Points10 Points-4 Points60%
Subj. Noise8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Rolling Resistance12th3.1 kg / t0.01 kg / t+3.09 kg / t0.32%
Poor grip on ice and snow, long braking distances and poor controllability in the dry and wet, high rolling resistance.

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18th: Petlas Glacier W661

Petlas Glacier W661
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st29 M100%
Subj. Dry Handling1st10 Points100%
Wet Braking1st29.7 M100%
Wet Handling1st33.7 s100%
Subj. Wet Handling1st9 Points100%
Snow Braking19th53.2 M50.2 M+3 M94.36%
Snow Traction16th6.2 s5.9 s+0.3 s95.16%
Snow Handling19th50.9 s48.3 s+2.6 s94.89%
Subj. Snow Handling19th6 Points9 Points-3 Points66.67%
Ice Braking19th50.5 M37.8 M+12.7 M74.85%
Ice Traction19th6.6 s3.7 s+2.9 s56.06%
Ice Handling19th70.8 s57.3 s+13.5 s80.93%
Subj. Ice Handling20th4 Points10 Points-6 Points40%
Subj. Noise8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Rolling Resistance9th2.9 kg / t0.01 kg / t+2.89 kg / t0.34%
Very good braking and handling in the dry and wet.
Very weak grip on ice, understeer in the snow.

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18th: Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP

Toyo OBSERVE GSI 6 HP
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th29.8 M29 M+0.8 M97.32%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking7th36.6 M29.7 M+6.9 M81.15%
Wet Handling8th34.8 s33.7 s+1.1 s96.84%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking8th50.9 M50.2 M+0.7 M98.62%
Snow Traction16th6.2 s5.9 s+0.3 s95.16%
Snow Handling11th49.3 s48.3 s+1 s97.97%
Subj. Snow Handling16th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Ice Braking18th48.1 M37.8 M+10.3 M78.59%
Ice Traction18th6.5 s3.7 s+2.8 s56.92%
Ice Handling18th67.3 s57.3 s+10 s85.14%
Subj. Ice Handling18th5 Points10 Points-5 Points50%
Subj. Noise8th8 Points9 Points-1 Points88.89%
Rolling Resistance17th4.1 kg / t0.01 kg / t+4.09 kg / t0.24%
Stable handling in the snow, short braking distance in the wet, stable and short braking distances in the dry.
Poor ice performance, high rolling resistance, high noise.

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21st: Sunny SN3860

Sunny SN3860
  • 205/55 R16
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th30 M29 M+1 M96.67%
Subj. Dry Handling5th8 Points10 Points-2 Points80%
Wet Braking2nd32.5 M29.7 M+2.8 M91.38%
Wet Handling16th35.2 s33.7 s+1.5 s95.74%
Subj. Wet Handling8th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Snow Braking20th53.6 M50.2 M+3.4 M93.66%
Snow Traction20th6.5 s5.9 s+0.6 s90.77%
Snow Handling20th53.2 s48.3 s+4.9 s90.79%
Subj. Snow Handling20th5 Points9 Points-4 Points55.56%
Ice Braking20th54.6 M37.8 M+16.8 M69.23%
Ice Traction11th5.6 s3.7 s+1.9 s66.07%
Ice Handling20th72 s57.3 s+14.7 s79.58%
Subj. Ice Handling18th5 Points10 Points-5 Points50%
Subj. Noise14th7 Points9 Points-2 Points77.78%
Rolling Resistance16th4 kg / t0.01 kg / t+3.99 kg / t0.25%
Very short wet braking distances.
Practically no grip on ice and almost as bad in the snow, erratic handling in the wet.

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