2023 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test

The 2023 Sport Auto winter tyre test has tested ten uhp winter tyres using and Audi S3.

Why do you only see nine in the results below? The Kumho WinterCraft WP 52 was part of the tyre test but was eventually disqualified due to specific issues. While it showed moderate performance on snow and impressive braking capabilities on wet surfaces, it had a tendency to quickly lose grip in curves. The test tyres provided by the manufacturer demonstrated strong grip and a neutral, active behavior in wet conditions, along with very short braking distances on dry surfaces. However, the tyres displayed a lack of grip and steering precision on snow, and were sensitive to puddles in curves, leading to aquaplaning. The tyre was disqualified from the test due to significant deficits in the properties of the currently available tyres with the latest manufacturing dates in comparison to the tested product. These discrepancies between the provided test tyres and the commercially available products ultimately led to the tyre's disqualification.

Test Publication:

225/40 R18 9 tyres 5 categories

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Images courtesy of Sport Auto

Test Publication:

https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/sport-auto-1/

Images courtesy of Sport Auto

Test Size: 225/40 R18

Tyres Tested: 9 tyres

Test Categories:
5 categories (14 tests)

Similar Tests

Dry

The Continental and Michelin tires demonstrate impressive capabilities. Both brands don't specialize in comfort, and the TS 870 P from Continental somewhat lacks braking connection with the leading group. However, the German tyre excels in all other dry criteria, providing the most feedback through the steering wheel and the highest safety reserves for spontaneous evasive maneuvers at highway speeds. Both Goodyear and Hankook also deliver consistently good to very good dry performance. In contrast, Bridgestone and Vredestein respond more sluggishly to steering commands.

Wet

In wet conditions, Bridgestone shines with its consistently foolproof handling, creating an illusion of driving on a dry track. The new tyre from Goodyear and Vredestein's Wintrac Pro also perform strongly, though they struggle with lateral aquaplaning, as do Michelin, Falken, and Pirelli. Hankook's Winter icept evo3 stands out for its water drainage capabilities, while the excluded Kumho tyre is notably quick in wet conditions. While safety is paramount in these tests, efficiency also plays a crucial role. The laboratory tests for rolling resistance reveal that the Bridgestone Blizzak LM 005 successfully combines excellent wet grip with low rolling resistance, making it the test winner. Close behind are the very balanced Goodyear, the snow-reliable dry king Michelin, and the efficient, grippy Continental.

Snow

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stands out as extremely fast and safe, leading the pack, followed by Bridgestone (highest subjective rating, but only satisfactory lateral support objectively), Continental (very balanced), and the new Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 (best traction). Notably, all four profiles decelerate almost equally strong and harmonize well with the Audi's ABS system.

In the midfield, Pirelli (fast and safe driving, but weaknesses in deceleration), Vredestein (consistently good performance), and Hankook (prompt, safe handling, but objectively weaker lateral support) are found. Falken and Giti show less compatibility with snow, with the new Falken Eurowinter HS 02 Pro falling so clearly behind in the direct handling comparison that it is downgraded by one grade in this chapter.

Comfort

The Michelin had the lowest external noise, with the Hankook proving to be quite a noisy tyre.

Value

The Giti and Falken were the cheapest to buy, whereas the Michelin was the most expensive.

As seen in other tests this year, the Continental and Bridgsetone had the lowest rolling resistance of the group.

Results

1^st

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

Fast and agile on snow, easy to control. Very good grip on wet surfaces, direct, precise, and neutral handling.

Lacks a bit of grip on dry surfaces compared to the top performers.

King in wet conditions with talent on snow and low rolling resistance.

Dry

97.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	45.1 M	43.6 M	+1.5 M	96.67%
Dry Handling	8th	121.4 Km/H	123.7 Km/H	-2.3 Km/H	98.14%

Wet

95.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	32.3 M			100%
Wet Handling	2nd	80 Km/H	80.1 Km/H	-0.1 Km/H	99.88%
Wet Circle	1st	7.41 m/s			100%
Straight Aqua	4th	73.4 Km/H	76.3 Km/H	-2.9 Km/H	96.2%
Curved Aquaplaning	5th	2.64 m/sec2	3.25 m/sec2	-0.61 m/sec2	81.23%

Snow

96.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	1st	29.6 M			100%
Snow Traction	7th	1.44 N	1.53 N	-0.09 N	94.12%
Snow Handling	1st	54.4 Km/H			100%
Snow Slalom	9th	4.12 m/sec2	4.48 m/sec2	-0.36 m/sec2	91.96%

Comfort

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	3rd	71.7 dB	71.5 dB	+0.2 dB	99.72%

Value

91.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	6th	143	121	+22	84.62%
Rolling Resistance	2nd	8.4 kg / t	8.3 kg / t	+0.1 kg / t	98.81%

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2^nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

Precise, safe, and reliable with a wide range of reserves on all three surfaces.

Could respond a bit finer to unevenness.

Very balanced tire; strong performance under all conditions.

Dry

99.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	44 M	43.6 M	+0.4 M	99.09%
Dry Handling	3rd	122.6 Km/H	123.7 Km/H	-1.1 Km/H	99.11%

Wet

96.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	32.7 M	32.3 M	+0.4 M	98.78%
Wet Handling	2nd	80 Km/H	80.1 Km/H	-0.1 Km/H	99.88%
Wet Circle	4th	7.36 m/s	7.41 m/s	-0.05 m/s	99.33%
Straight Aqua	3rd	73.5 Km/H	76.3 Km/H	-2.8 Km/H	96.33%
Curved Aquaplaning	3rd	2.88 m/sec2	3.25 m/sec2	-0.37 m/sec2	88.62%

Snow

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	2nd	29.7 M	29.6 M	+0.1 M	99.66%
Snow Traction	1st	1.53 N			100%
Snow Handling	7th	54 Km/H	54.4 Km/H	-0.4 Km/H	99.26%
Snow Slalom	7th	4.27 m/sec2	4.48 m/sec2	-0.21 m/sec2	95.31%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	1st	71.5 dB			100%

Value

87.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	7th	145	121	+24	83.45%
Rolling Resistance	5th	9 kg / t	8.3 kg / t	+0.7 kg / t	92.22%

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3^rd

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

Clear feedback through the steering in snow. Precise, balanced wet handling.

Lower aquaplaning protection in curves, a bit clumsy response to edges.

Snow specialist with high dry grip. Deficiencies in aquaplaning.

Dry

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	43.6 M			100%
Dry Handling	2nd	123 Km/H	123.7 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	99.43%

Wet

93.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	33.2 M	32.3 M	+0.9 M	97.29%
Wet Handling	6th	79.4 Km/H	80.1 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	99.13%
Wet Circle	6th	7.35 m/s	7.41 m/s	-0.06 m/s	99.19%
Straight Aqua	5th	72.2 Km/H	76.3 Km/H	-4.1 Km/H	94.63%
Curved Aquaplaning	7th	2.46 m/sec2	3.25 m/sec2	-0.79 m/sec2	75.69%

Snow

98.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	4th	29.8 M	29.6 M	+0.2 M	99.33%
Snow Traction	2nd	1.52 N	1.53 N	-0.01 N	99.35%
Snow Handling	3rd	54.2 Km/H	54.4 Km/H	-0.2 Km/H	99.63%
Snow Slalom	5th	4.36 m/sec2	4.48 m/sec2	-0.12 m/sec2	97.32%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	1st	71.5 dB			100%

Value

82.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	9th	167	121	+46	72.46%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	8.9 kg / t	8.3 kg / t	+0.6 kg / t	93.26%

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4^th

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

Safe on snow and on dry roads, as it is well balanced.

Strong understeering in wet curves. Few reserves.

Rolls efficiently, grippy on snow. Less grippy when the road is wet.

Dry

99.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	44.4 M	43.6 M	+0.8 M	98.2%
Dry Handling	1st	123.7 Km/H			100%

Wet

94.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	34.2 M	32.3 M	+1.9 M	94.44%
Wet Handling	6th	79.4 Km/H	80.1 Km/H	-0.7 Km/H	99.13%
Wet Circle	7th	7.3 m/s	7.41 m/s	-0.11 m/s	98.52%
Straight Aqua	7th	71 Km/H	76.3 Km/H	-5.3 Km/H	93.05%
Curved Aquaplaning	4th	2.77 m/sec2	3.25 m/sec2	-0.48 m/sec2	85.23%

Snow

98%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	2nd	29.7 M	29.6 M	+0.1 M	99.66%
Snow Traction	5th	1.45 N	1.53 N	-0.08 N	94.77%
Snow Handling	5th	54.1 Km/H	54.4 Km/H	-0.3 Km/H	99.45%
Snow Slalom	3rd	4.4 m/sec2	4.48 m/sec2	-0.08 m/sec2	98.21%

Comfort

99.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	71.8 dB	71.5 dB	+0.3 dB	99.58%

Value

88.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	8th	156	121	+35	77.56%
Rolling Resistance	1st	8.3 kg / t			100%

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5^th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

High wet grip level and safe, sporty, easily controllable handling on wet surfaces.

Low aquaplaning protection in wet curves.

Safe in wet conditions and snow. Prone to aquaplaning early in curves.

Dry

98.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	44 M	43.6 M	+0.4 M	99.09%
Dry Handling	4th	122.2 Km/H	123.7 Km/H	-1.5 Km/H	98.79%

Wet

92.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	33.2 M	32.3 M	+0.9 M	97.29%
Wet Handling	1st	80.1 Km/H			100%
Wet Circle	1st	7.41 m/s			100%
Straight Aqua	9th	70.1 Km/H	76.3 Km/H	-6.2 Km/H	91.87%
Curved Aquaplaning	9th	2.42 m/sec2	3.25 m/sec2	-0.83 m/sec2	74.46%

Snow

96.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	6th	30.7 M	29.6 M	+1.1 M	96.42%
Snow Traction	8th	1.42 N	1.53 N	-0.11 N	92.81%
Snow Handling	5th	54.1 Km/H	54.4 Km/H	-0.3 Km/H	99.45%
Snow Slalom	6th	4.34 m/sec2	4.48 m/sec2	-0.14 m/sec2	96.88%

Comfort

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	72.5 dB	71.5 dB	+1 dB	98.62%

Value

87.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	4th	135	121	+14	89.63%
Rolling Resistance	7th	9.7 kg / t	8.3 kg / t	+1.4 kg / t	85.57%

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6^th

Hankook Winter i cept evo3

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

High safety reserves on snow, good aquaplaning precaution.

Strong understeering with high sensitivity to load changes, less balanced in wet handling, highest pass-by noise.

Good on snow, high aquaplaning protection. Too unbalanced in wet conditions.

Dry

98.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	44 M	43.6 M	+0.4 M	99.09%
Dry Handling	5th	122.1 Km/H	123.7 Km/H	-1.6 Km/H	98.71%

Wet

97.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	34.1 M	32.3 M	+1.8 M	94.72%
Wet Handling	9th	78.1 Km/H	80.1 Km/H	-2 Km/H	97.5%
Wet Circle	9th	7.25 m/s	7.41 m/s	-0.16 m/s	97.84%
Straight Aqua	2nd	74.1 Km/H	76.3 Km/H	-2.2 Km/H	97.12%
Curved Aquaplaning	1st	3.25 m/sec2			100%

Snow

96.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	5th	30.5 M	29.6 M	+0.9 M	97.05%
Snow Traction	5th	1.45 N	1.53 N	-0.08 N	94.77%
Snow Handling	2nd	54.3 Km/H	54.4 Km/H	-0.1 Km/H	99.82%
Snow Slalom	8th	4.15 m/sec2	4.48 m/sec2	-0.33 m/sec2	92.63%

Comfort

96.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	9th	74.2 dB	71.5 dB	+2.7 dB	96.36%

Value

91.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	3rd	134	121	+13	90.3%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	8.9 kg / t	8.3 kg / t	+0.6 kg / t	93.26%

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7^th

Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

Safe driving behavior in winter, good grip level in wet curves.

Sluggish steering response and shallow reserves on wet surfaces, sensitive to puddles in curves, sluggish on dry surfaces.

Safe snow handling, prone to aquaplaning, sluggish in dry conditions.

Dry

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	44.1 M	43.6 M	+0.5 M	98.87%
Dry Handling	9th	120.9 Km/H	123.7 Km/H	-2.8 Km/H	97.74%

Wet

93.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	33.6 M	32.3 M	+1.3 M	96.13%
Wet Handling	8th	79.2 Km/H	80.1 Km/H	-0.9 Km/H	98.88%
Wet Circle	8th	7.28 m/s	7.41 m/s	-0.13 m/s	98.25%
Straight Aqua	6th	71.6 Km/H	76.3 Km/H	-4.7 Km/H	93.84%
Curved Aquaplaning	6th	2.54 m/sec2	3.25 m/sec2	-0.71 m/sec2	78.15%

Snow

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	8th	31 M	29.6 M	+1.4 M	95.48%
Snow Traction	3rd	1.49 N	1.53 N	-0.04 N	97.39%
Snow Handling	3rd	54.2 Km/H	54.4 Km/H	-0.2 Km/H	99.63%
Snow Slalom	1st	4.48 m/sec2			100%

Comfort

98.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	7th	72.7 dB	71.5 dB	+1.2 dB	98.35%

Value

89.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	5th	139	121	+18	87.05%
Rolling Resistance	5th	9 kg / t	8.3 kg / t	+0.7 kg / t	92.22%

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8^th

Giti GitiWinterW2

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

Apart from the weak braking performance, strong and safe as well as sporty wet performance.

Moderate interlocking on snow, long braking distance on dry surfaces.

Long wet/dry braking distances, good aquaplaning safety.

Dry

97%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	9th	45.7 M	43.6 M	+2.1 M	95.4%
Dry Handling	6th	122 Km/H	123.7 Km/H	-1.7 Km/H	98.63%

Wet

96.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	9th	34.3 M	32.3 M	+2 M	94.17%
Wet Handling	2nd	80 Km/H	80.1 Km/H	-0.1 Km/H	99.88%
Wet Circle	4th	7.36 m/s	7.41 m/s	-0.05 m/s	99.33%
Straight Aqua	1st	76.3 Km/H			100%
Curved Aquaplaning	2nd	2.92 m/sec2	3.25 m/sec2	-0.33 m/sec2	89.85%

Snow

95.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	7th	30.9 M	29.6 M	+1.3 M	95.79%
Snow Traction	9th	1.41 N	1.53 N	-0.12 N	92.16%
Snow Handling	8th	52.5 Km/H	54.4 Km/H	-1.9 Km/H	96.51%
Snow Slalom	4th	4.39 m/sec2	4.48 m/sec2	-0.09 m/sec2	97.99%

Comfort

99.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	71.8 dB	71.5 dB	+0.3 dB	99.58%

Value

91.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	1st	121			100%
Rolling Resistance	9th	9.9 kg / t	8.3 kg / t	+1.6 kg / t	83.84%

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9^th

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

225/40 R18

• 3PMSF: yes

Neutral to understeering in wet conditions.

Subjectively very low grip level on snow. Neutral to understeering and low aquaplaning protection in wet curves. Few reserves.

Very sluggish snow handling, good wet grip, high rolling resistance.

Dry

99.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	43.7 M	43.6 M	+0.1 M	99.77%
Dry Handling	7th	121.8 Km/H	123.7 Km/H	-1.9 Km/H	98.46%

Wet

92.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	33.2 M	32.3 M	+0.9 M	97.29%
Wet Handling	5th	79.6 Km/H	80.1 Km/H	-0.5 Km/H	99.38%
Wet Circle	3rd	7.38 m/s	7.41 m/s	-0.03 m/s	99.6%
Straight Aqua	8th	70.5 Km/H	76.3 Km/H	-5.8 Km/H	92.4%
Curved Aquaplaning	7th	2.46 m/sec2	3.25 m/sec2	-0.79 m/sec2	75.69%

Snow

96.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	8th	31 M	29.6 M	+1.4 M	95.48%
Snow Traction	4th	1.46 N	1.53 N	-0.07 N	95.42%
Snow Handling	9th	51.7 Km/H	54.4 Km/H	-2.7 Km/H	95.04%
Snow Slalom	2nd	4.43 m/sec2	4.48 m/sec2	-0.05 m/sec2	98.88%

Comfort

98%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	8th	73 dB	71.5 dB	+1.5 dB	97.95%

Value

92.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Price	1st	121			100%
Rolling Resistance	8th	9.8 kg / t	8.3 kg / t	+1.5 kg / t	84.69%

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