Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
Recorded test conditions
Recorded test conditions
- Dry Braking
- 80 → 5 km/h
- Wet Braking
- 80 → 5 km/h
- Snow Braking
- 35 → 5 km/h
- Snow Traction
- 5 → 35 km/h
- Ice Braking
- 15 → 5 km/h
- Ice Traction
- 5 → 15 km/h
- Fuel Consumption
- 90 km/h
As this is a studded winter tyre test, the testers placed much more emphasis on snow and ice performance, so if you're in a region that sees a lot of compacted snow and ice on the road during normal winters, this is a very useful test.
Scroll down to see the full results.
Dry
The GT Radial IcePro 3 had a significant advantage during dry braking, with the next best Continental IceContact 3 nearly 2 meters behind.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in meters (80 - 5 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.88 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 30.75 m | +1.87 m | 32 km/h | |
| 31.02 m | +2.14 m | 34 km/h | |
| 31.11 m | +2.23 m | 35 km/h | |
| 31.6 m | +2.72 m | 38 km/h | |
| 31.94 m | +3.06 m | 40 km/h | |
| 32.31 m | +3.43 m | 42 km/h | |
| 33.3 m | +4.42 m | 47 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 15.3% (4.42 m ≈ 1 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Nokian Nordman 7 would still be travelling at 47 km/h when the GT Radial IcePro 3 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
The magazine didn't give dry handling lap times, instead just awarding the tyres subjective handling scores.
Subj. Dry Handling
Subjective Dry Handling Score
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Points | Best | |
| 4 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 3 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 3 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 3 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 3 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 2 Points | -3.00 Points | |
| 2 Points | -3.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 60% (3 Points).
Wet
In the wet the GT Radial held onto its advantage, with the Pirelli Ice Zero 2 a meter behind in second place.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in meters (80 - 5 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33.87 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 34.8 m | +0.93 m | 21 km/h | |
| 35.06 m | +1.19 m | 24 km/h | |
| 36.15 m | +2.28 m | 33 km/h | |
| 36.92 m | +3.05 m | 37 km/h | |
| 36.92 m | +3.05 m | 37 km/h | |
| 37.18 m | +3.31 m | 39 km/h | |
| 38.91 m | +5.04 m | 47 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 14.9% (5.04 m ≈ 1.1 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the Nokian Nordman 7 would still be travelling at 47 km/h when the GT Radial IcePro 3 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
The GT Radial continued its advantage during a wet handling lap.
Wet Handling
Wet handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 43.11 s | Best | |
| 43.77 s | +0.66 s | |
| 44.1 s | +0.99 s | |
| 44.12 s | +1.01 s | |
| 44.75 s | +1.64 s | |
| 45.17 s | +2.06 s | |
| 45.75 s | +2.64 s | |
| 45.75 s | +2.64 s |
The difference between best and worst was 6.1% (2.64 s).
Pirelli and GT again scored well during straight aquaplaning testing.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in Km/H
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 64.6 km/h | Best | |
| 64.1 km/h | -0.50 km/h | |
| 63.7 km/h | -0.90 km/h | |
| 62.9 km/h | -1.70 km/h | |
| 62.4 km/h | -2.20 km/h | |
| 62.1 km/h | -2.50 km/h | |
| 61.7 km/h | -2.90 km/h | |
| 59.4 km/h | -5.20 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 8% (5.2 Km/H).
Snow
GT Radial couldn't continue its wins in the braking test, this time finishing last during snow braking. It's not unusual for a tyre that performs well in the dry and wet to lack grip during snow and ice testing, however the Continental IceContact 3 proved to have a rounded ability.
Snow Braking
Snow braking in meters (35 - 5 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 10.5 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 10.51 m | +0.01 m | 4 km/h | |
| 10.58 m | +0.08 m | 11 km/h | |
| 10.6 m | +0.10 m | 13 km/h | |
| 10.71 m | +0.21 m | 18 km/h | |
| 10.71 m | +0.21 m | 18 km/h | |
| 10.73 m | +0.23 m | 19 km/h |
All the tyres in the Snow Braking test finished less than 3% apart. From 130 km/h, the GT Radial IcePro 3 would still be travelling at 19 km/h when the Michelin X Ice North 4 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Snow traction showed a similar story.
Snow Traction
Snow acceleration time (5 - 35 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 3.62 s | Best | |
| 3.67 s | +0.05 s | |
| 3.67 s | +0.05 s | |
| 3.72 s | +0.10 s | |
| 3.75 s | +0.13 s | |
| 3.79 s | +0.17 s | |
| 3.83 s | +0.21 s | |
| 3.92 s | +0.30 s |
The difference between best and worst was 8.3% (0.3 s).
The winter specialists Nokian took their first win with the Hakkapeliita 9 during the important snow handling test.
Snow Handling
Snow handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 74.62 s | Best | |
| 75.04 s | +0.42 s | |
| 75.19 s | +0.57 s | |
| 75.19 s | +0.57 s | |
| 75.69 s | +1.07 s | |
| 75.74 s | +1.12 s | |
| 76.85 s | +2.23 s | |
| 78.81 s | +4.19 s |
The difference between best and worst was 5.6% (4.19 s).
Ice
Ice braking had the Nokian and Michelin leading with a significant advantage.
Ice Braking
Ice braking in meters (15 - 5 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.43 m | Best | 0 km/h | |
| 3.47 m | +0.04 m | 14 km/h | |
| 4.07 m | +0.64 m | 52 km/h | |
| 4.2 m | +0.77 m | 56 km/h | |
| 4.31 m | +0.88 m | 59 km/h | |
| 4.68 m | +1.25 m | 67 km/h | |
| 5.2 m | +1.77 m | 76 km/h | |
| 5.31 m | +1.88 m | 77 km/h |
The difference between best and worst was 54.8% (1.88 m ≈ 0.4 Car Lengths). From 130 km/h, the GT Radial IcePro 3 would still be travelling at 77 km/h when the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
Michelin and Nokian continued to lead during the ice traction testing.
Ice Traction
Ice acceleration time (5 - 15 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 1.89 s | Best | |
| 1.94 s | +0.05 s | |
| 2.08 s | +0.19 s | |
| 2.18 s | +0.29 s | |
| 2.22 s | +0.33 s | |
| 2.42 s | +0.53 s | |
| 2.8 s | +0.91 s | |
| 3.29 s | +1.40 s |
The difference between best and worst was 74.1% (1.4 s).
Rounding off their excellent snow performance, Michelin and Nokian also led in ice handling.
Ice Handling
Ice handling time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 51.23 s | Best | |
| 51.4 s | +0.17 s | |
| 52.24 s | +1.01 s | |
| 53.52 s | +2.29 s | |
| 55.11 s | +3.88 s | |
| 56.42 s | +5.19 s | |
| 59.02 s | +7.79 s | |
| 61.42 s | +10.19 s |
The difference between best and worst was 19.9% (10.19 s).
Environment
Michelin proved to have the lowest rolling resistance on test.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km (90 - 90 km/h)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.66 l/100km | Best | £0 | |
| 5.67 l/100km | +0.01 l/100km | £3 | |
| 5.69 l/100km | +0.03 l/100km | £8 | |
| 5.71 l/100km | +0.05 l/100km | £14 | |
| 5.74 l/100km | +0.08 l/100km | £22 | |
| 5.76 l/100km | +0.10 l/100km | £28 | |
| 5.76 l/100km | +0.10 l/100km | £28 | |
| 5.78 l/100km | +0.12 l/100km | £33 |
All the tyres in the Fuel Consumption test finished less than 3% apart. Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the GT Radial IcePro 3 uses about 23 L (£33) more fuel than the Michelin X Ice North 4.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Michelin also had the lowest subjective noise, being the only tyre awarded 5/5.
Subj. Noise
Subjective in car noise levels
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tyre | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Points | Best | |
| 4 Points | -1.00 Points | |
| 3 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 3 Points | -2.00 Points | |
| 2 Points | -3.00 Points | |
| 2 Points | -3.00 Points | |
| 2 Points | -3.00 Points | |
| 2 Points | -3.00 Points |
The difference between best and worst was 60% (3 Points).
Results
Michelin X Ice North 4
205/60 R16 96T XLCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 7th / 8 | 32.31 m | +3.43 m |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 8 | 5 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 35.06 m | +1.19 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 7th / 8 | 45.75 s | +2.64 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 8th / 8 | 59.4 km/h | -5.20 km/h |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 1st / 8 | 10.5 m | Best in this discipline |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 3.67 s | +0.05 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 5th / 8 | 75.69 s | +1.07 s |
| Ice BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 3.47 m | +0.04 m |
| Ice TractionLower is better | 1st / 8 | 1.89 s | Best in this discipline |
| Ice HandlingLower is better | 1st / 8 | 51.23 s | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. NoiseHigher is better | 1st / 8 | 5 Points | Best in this discipline |
| Fuel ConsumptionLower is better | 1st / 8 | 5.66 l/100km | Best in this discipline |
- Origin
- Russia
Continental IceContact 3
205/60 R16 96T XLCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 30.75 m | +1.87 m |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 8 | 3 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 8 | 36.92 m | +3.05 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 43.77 s | +0.66 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 8 | 63.7 km/h | -0.90 km/h |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 1st / 8 | 10.5 m | Best in this discipline |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 3.67 s | +0.05 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 75.04 s | +0.42 s |
| Ice BrakingLower is better | 4th / 8 | 4.2 m | +0.77 m |
| Ice TractionLower is better | 4th / 8 | 2.18 s | +0.29 s |
| Ice HandlingLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 52.24 s | +1.01 s |
| Subj. NoiseHigher is better | 2nd / 8 | 4 Points | -1.00 Points |
| Fuel ConsumptionLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 5.69 l/100km | +0.03 l/100km |
- Origin
- Germany
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
205/60 R16 96T XLCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 6th / 8 | 31.94 m | +3.06 m |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 8 | 3 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 8 | 36.92 m | +3.05 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 4th / 8 | 44.12 s | +1.01 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 6th / 8 | 62.1 km/h | -2.50 km/h |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 4th / 8 | 10.58 m | +0.08 m |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 5th / 8 | 3.75 s | +0.13 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 1st / 8 | 74.62 s | Best in this discipline |
| Ice BrakingLower is better | 1st / 8 | 3.43 m | Best in this discipline |
| Ice TractionLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 1.94 s | +0.05 s |
| Ice HandlingLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 51.4 s | +0.17 s |
| Subj. NoiseHigher is better | 5th / 8 | 2 Points | -3.00 Points |
| Fuel ConsumptionLower is better | 6th / 8 | 5.76 l/100km | +0.10 l/100km |
- Origin
- Finland
Hankook Winter i pike RS2
205/60 R16 96T XLCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 4th / 8 | 31.11 m | +2.23 m |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 8 | 3 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 8 | 36.15 m | +2.28 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 5th / 8 | 44.75 s | +1.64 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 4th / 8 | 62.9 km/h | -1.70 km/h |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 5th / 8 | 10.6 m | +0.10 m |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 6th / 8 | 3.79 s | +0.17 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 75.19 s | +0.57 s |
| Ice BrakingLower is better | 6th / 8 | 4.68 m | +1.25 m |
| Ice TractionLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 2.08 s | +0.19 s |
| Ice HandlingLower is better | 4th / 8 | 53.52 s | +2.29 s |
| Subj. NoiseHigher is better | 3rd / 8 | 3 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Fuel ConsumptionLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 5.67 l/100km | +0.01 l/100km |
- Origin
- South Korea
Pirelli Ice Zero 2
205/60 R16 96T XLCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 31.02 m | +2.14 m |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 8 | 4 Points | -1.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 8 | 34.8 m | +0.93 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 44.1 s | +0.99 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 8 | 64.6 km/h | Best in this discipline |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 6th / 8 | 10.71 m | +0.21 m |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 1st / 8 | 3.62 s | Best in this discipline |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 6th / 8 | 75.74 s | +1.12 s |
| Ice BrakingLower is better | 7th / 8 | 5.2 m | +1.77 m |
| Ice TractionLower is better | 6th / 8 | 2.42 s | +0.53 s |
| Ice HandlingLower is better | 6th / 8 | 56.42 s | +5.19 s |
| Subj. NoiseHigher is better | 3rd / 8 | 3 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Fuel ConsumptionLower is better | 4th / 8 | 5.71 l/100km | +0.05 l/100km |
- Origin
- Russia
Nokian Nordman 7
205/60 R16 96T XLCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 8th / 8 | 33.3 m | +4.42 m |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 8 | 2 Points | -3.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 8th / 8 | 38.91 m | +5.04 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 7th / 8 | 45.75 s | +2.64 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 7th / 8 | 61.7 km/h | -2.90 km/h |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 10.51 m | +0.01 m |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 4th / 8 | 3.72 s | +0.10 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 75.19 s | +0.57 s |
| Ice BrakingLower is better | 5th / 8 | 4.31 m | +0.88 m |
| Ice TractionLower is better | 5th / 8 | 2.22 s | +0.33 s |
| Ice HandlingLower is better | 5th / 8 | 55.11 s | +3.88 s |
| Subj. NoiseHigher is better | 5th / 8 | 2 Points | -3.00 Points |
| Fuel ConsumptionLower is better | 5th / 8 | 5.74 l/100km | +0.08 l/100km |
- Origin
- Russia
Toyo Observe Ice Freezer
205/60 R16 96T XLCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 8 | 31.6 m | +2.72 m |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 8 | 3 Points | -2.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 7th / 8 | 37.18 m | +3.31 m |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 6th / 8 | 45.17 s | +2.06 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 8 | 62.4 km/h | -2.20 km/h |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 6th / 8 | 10.71 m | +0.21 m |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 8th / 8 | 3.92 s | +0.30 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 7th / 8 | 76.85 s | +2.23 s |
| Ice BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 8 | 4.07 m | +0.64 m |
| Ice TractionLower is better | 7th / 8 | 2.8 s | +0.91 s |
| Ice HandlingLower is better | 7th / 8 | 59.02 s | +7.79 s |
| Subj. NoiseHigher is better | 5th / 8 | 2 Points | -3.00 Points |
| Fuel ConsumptionLower is better | 6th / 8 | 5.76 l/100km | +0.10 l/100km |
- Origin
- Malaysia
GT Radial IcePro 3
205/60 R16 96T XLCategory scores (% of best)
All discipline results (13)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 1st / 8 | 28.88 m | Best in this discipline |
| Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 8 | 2 Points | -3.00 Points |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 8 | 33.87 m | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingLower is better | 1st / 8 | 43.11 s | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 8 | 64.1 km/h | -0.50 km/h |
| Snow BrakingLower is better | 8th / 8 | 10.73 m | +0.23 m |
| Snow TractionLower is better | 7th / 8 | 3.83 s | +0.21 s |
| Snow HandlingLower is better | 8th / 8 | 78.81 s | +4.19 s |
| Ice BrakingLower is better | 8th / 8 | 5.31 m | +1.88 m |
| Ice TractionLower is better | 8th / 8 | 3.29 s | +1.40 s |
| Ice HandlingLower is better | 8th / 8 | 61.42 s | +10.19 s |
| Subj. NoiseHigher is better | 5th / 8 | 2 Points | -3.00 Points |
| Fuel ConsumptionLower is better | 8th / 8 | 5.78 l/100km | +0.12 l/100km |
- Origin
- China


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