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Pirelli Sottozero Serie II Test Results

Tested 2009 to 2012 4 publications

Tested 11 times by independent publications, the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II averages a finish of 4th.

  • 11Independent tests
  • 0Test wins
  • 5Podium finishes
  • 4thAverage finish
  • 47%Field beaten on average
  • 4Publications
Pirelli Sottozero Serie II

11 tests, 2009 to 2012

0%50%100%2009201020112012Average 47%2009 Sport Auto Performance Winter Tyre Test (2009): P2 of 8, Beat 86% of the field2010 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test (2010): P3 of 5, Beat 50% of the field2010 AMS Winter Tyre Test (2010): P6 of 10, Beat 44% of the field2010 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2010): P5 of 8, Beat 43% of the field2011 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (2011): P9 of 12, Beat 27% of the field2011 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2011): P3 of 9, Beat 63% of the field2011 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test (2011): P3 of 7, Beat 67% of the field2011 Sport Auto Performance Winter Tyre Test (2011): P5 of 5, Beat 0% of the field2012 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test (2012): P2 of 9, Beat 88% of the field2012 Auto Bild Sports Winter Tyre Test (2012): P5 of 6, Beat 20% of the field2012 Sport Auto Winter Sports Tyre Test (2012): P6 of 8, Beat 29% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 47%

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tyres that have most often shared a test with the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II. Only tyres tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Continental WinterContact TS 830 P 7 shared: 2 ahead, 5 behind 7 2 5 - 29%
Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D 7 shared: 0 ahead, 7 behind 7 0 7 - 0%
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2 6 shared: 2 ahead, 4 behind 6 2 4 - 33%
Michelin Alpin A4 5 shared: 2 ahead, 3 behind 5 2 3 - 40%
Nokian WRG2 4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind 4 4 0 - 100%
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D 4 shared: 1 ahead, 3 behind 4 1 3 - 25%
Bridgestone Blizzak LM32 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind 3 2 1 - 67%
Toyo Snowprox S953 3 shared: 2 ahead, 1 behind 3 2 1 - 67%
Nokian WR A3 3 shared: 1 ahead, 2 behind 3 1 2 - 33%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 11 tests. Updated November 9, 2025.

Across 11 winter-focused tests, the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II delivers mid-to-upper-tier performance with several podiums but inconsistent results across sizes and years. It shines in performance-oriented winter tests, often securing top-3 finishes, yet slips to lower-midfield in broader winter comparisons due to average wet and dry results and variable snow capability. Overall, it's a competent sporty winter tyre with mixed consistency rather than a class leader.

Performance Strengths

Performance Weaknesses

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II (10 tests) and 26 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.

Where owners and testers agree

  • Snow traction strength in 5 of 10 tests 13 praise, 3 criticise of 26 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Wet grip strength in 5 of 10 tests 10 praise, 1 criticise of 26 reviews · Read those reviews

Where they disagree

  • Dry braking weakness in 5 of 10 tests 3 praise, 1 criticise of 26 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Tread life weakness in 1 of 10 tests 6 praise, 1 criticise of 26 reviews · Read those reviews

Raised by owners, not by any test of this tyre

Every test, newest first 11

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2012 3 tests
2011 4 tests
P5 of 5 Beat 0% of the field

2011 Sport Auto Performance Winter Tyre Test

Sport Auto 225/45 R17

When wet, the Pirelli is one of the best tyres for a sporty drive, giving just a little understeer on the limit. Unfortunately the Pirelli can't carry the performance through to the dry or the snow, taking over 2 metres longer than the Nokian to stop in the dry.

WinnerNokian WR D3

P3 of 9 Beat 63% of the field

2011 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test

Auto Express 225/45 R17

Good value winter tyre with good rolling resistance. Well suited to cold wet winters

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 830 P

2010 3 tests
2009 1 test

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