2021 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test

Test Summary
Wet BrakingBridgestone Blizzak LM005
Dry BrakingContinental WinterContact TS 870
Wet HandlingContinental WinterContact TS 870
WearBridgestone Blizzak LM005
Rolling ResistanceBridgestone Blizzak LM005
Snow HandlingMaxxis Premitra Snow WP6
For the 2021 Auto Express winter tyre test, Auto Express tested eight 225/45 R17 winter tyres using a VW Golf.

As usual we'll keep commentary to a minimum, instead encouraging you to head over to the Auto Express website to check out the full test.

The tyres included were very similar to the 2020 Auto Express winter tyre test, with Bridgestone winning the test again, with the new Continental second.

Results

1st: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 1178.8
  2. Dry: 200
  3. Wet: 481.8
  4. Snow: 198.1
  5. Rolling Resistance: 100
  6. Noise: 98.9
  7. Overall: 100
The LM005 has a test winning combination of grip in all conditions, and fuel efficiency.
Average curved aquaplaning resistance.

Read Reviews    Buy from £143.28

2nd: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 1175.9
  2. Dry: 193.2
  3. Wet: 487.2
  4. Snow: 199.9
  5. Rolling Resistance: 98.5
  6. Noise: 99.1
  7. Overall: 98
The TS870 is the tyre to have when there's snow on the ground, very strong aquaplaning resistance.
Only fourth in the wet overall.

Read Reviews    Buy from £149.53

3rd: Hankook Winter i cept RS2

Hankook Winter i cept RS2
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 1138.3
  2. Dry: 194.6
  3. Wet: 470
  4. Snow: 197.1
  5. Rolling Resistance: 81.7
  6. Noise: 97.7
  7. Overall: 97.2
the I*Cept RS2 is very good in the dry, wet and snow.
High rolling resistance and cabin noise.

Read Reviews

4th: Michelin Alpin 6

Michelin Alpin 6
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 1143.1
  2. Dry: 192.7
  3. Wet: 471.7
  4. Snow: 194.2
  5. Rolling Resistance: 90
  6. Noise: 97.4
  7. Overall: 97.1
The Michelin Alpin 6 is particularly suited to the UK weather thanks to a strong wet performance.
Relatively poor snow performance.

Read Reviews

5th: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Plus
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 1154.9
  2. Dry: 193.9
  3. Wet: 469.3
  4. Snow: 195.8
  5. Rolling Resistance: 99.6
  6. Noise: 99.3
  7. Overall: 97
The UltraGrip Performance+ is strong in the dry with low fuel use and low noise.
Poor wet braking.

Read Reviews    Buy from £119.92

6th: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

Dunlop Winter Sport 5
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 1151
  2. Dry: 193
  3. Wet: 470
  4. Snow: 195.3
  5. Rolling Resistance: 96.9
  6. Noise: 99.1
  7. Overall: 96.7
The WinterSport 5 has good aquaplaning resistance and a low rolling resistance.
Average grip in all conditions.

Read Reviews    Buy from £114.58

7th: Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6

Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 1130.2
  2. Dry: 194.2
  3. Wet: 465.4
  4. Snow: 193.9
  5. Rolling Resistance: 80
  6. Noise: 100
  7. Overall: 96.7
The Snow WP6 was excellent in the dry, good straight aquaplaning resistance, lowest noise on test.
Poor grip on snow, high rolling resistance.

Read Reviews

8th: Avon WV7

Avon WV7
  • 225/45 R17
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 1127
  2. Dry: 191.8
  3. Wet: 468.9
  4. Snow: 190.7
  5. Rolling Resistance: 80.7
  6. Noise: 99.4
  7. Overall: 95.5
The WV7 had low cabin noise.
Poor grip in all conditions.

Read Reviews


Discussion:

comments powered by Disqus