So, the winner of the Auto Bild test 2019 is Continental WinterContact TS860, which won the second prize in last year’s test. «The best driving performance in any weather conditions» brought this tire a well-deserved victory. The experts particularly noted the crisp steering response, great lateral stability, fuel efficiency, high expected mileage, and low rolling resistance.

The second place was scored by Goodyear with its «new» winter tires UltraGrip Performance+, noted for «exemplary performance on wet and snowy roads». The pilots said that they delivered crisp steering response, dynamic handling, and efficient braking on wet and snowy surfaces. In addition, these tires are characterized by high resistance to wear.

For the most expensive model on test, Michelin Alpin 6, this test was only the second in its entire career. The Auto Bild test brought the French tire maker the third place, the title of «Eco Master» and the status of «exemplary winter tires with a great grip on snow and wet pavement». Along with good hydroplaning resistance and high steering precision, these tires also ensure comfortable ride and have the longest expected mileage of all the tested models.

Although the model Apollo Aspire XP Winter didn’t make it to the winners’ pedestal, it was still able to get positive feedback from the testers, coupled with the title of «Eco Master». In addition to the attractive price/quality ratio, this model is characterized by «balanced performance potential» and good hydroplaning resistance. The fourth line in the final standings.

The fifth position was occupied by Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 that was among the leaders during the elimination round. The testers noted its great handling properties and precise steering response on wet and dry pavement. The only critical comment was addressed to the tire’s lateral stability on snow.

The sixth line of the tournament bracket, and the last «exemplary» verdict was scored by Vredestein Wintrac Pro that demonstrated convincing handling properties on both wet and dry pavement, great steering response on wet surface, and stable traction on snow. However, just like in the case of Bridgestone, its lateral grip on snow was not up to the cut.

The seventh line in the final standings was scored by the relatively inexpensive BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 that demonstrated great performance on snow and wet pavement, good hydroplaning resistance, little cabin noise, and long expected mileage. At the same time, the tire’s dry traction was described as average.

The Semperit Speed-Grip 3 model, described by the testers as «a convincing all-rounded talent with great winter properties», came the eighth. Its strong sides were dependable performance on wet pavement, low cabin noise, and low rolling resistance. Among the limitations of this model were relatively weak hydroplaning resistance, and a slightly increased dry braking distance.

The ninth place was scored by Hankook Winter i*Cept RS2 W452, «the king of winter with the best snow performance». «His majesty» also provides great handling response on dry pavement and a decent expected mileage. The price is also far from sky-high. The less successful operational properties are average lateral stability, and insufficient steering response on wet pavement.

The tenth line of the tournament bracket was occupied by Uniroyal MS Plus 77 with stable handling response in any weather conditions, good lateral stability, and low rolling resistance, coming at an inexpensive price. At the same time, its braking distance in the dry turned out to be much too long.

Nexen Winguard Sport 2 was number 11 in the final standings. At the same time, the test experts’ feedback was generally positive. They described the product of this brand as «well-balanced, with stable handling performance in any weather conditions». They particularly noted the braking distance on snow, low cabin noise, and the attractive price. The model’s limitations showed up in the rolling resistance and dry braking tests.

The twelfth position in the tournament bracket was shared by two models at once — Fulda Kristall Control HP2, and the new model of winter season 2019/2020, Nokian WR Snowproof. The subsidiary brand of Goodyear’s provides «well-balanced performance» coupled with great riding comfort and low rolling resistance. At the same time, the tire’s lateral grip on wet pavement and on snow was described as somewhat average.

The winter model WR Snowproof with its «nordic» tread pattern demonstrated dynamic properties on snow, pleasant riding comfort, and low rolling resistance. Its average ranking was conditioned by its relatively weak grip on wet pavement and average hydroplaning resistance. In the previous test, the AMS model showed a similar result — the last 11th place.

Yokohama BluEarth*Winter V905’s firm grip on snow, short braking distance on wet pavement, stable and safe handling response in the dry, and low rolling resistance were regretfully crossed out by its low hydroplaning resistance and understeer in the wet. As a result, only the fourteenth place in the final standings.

Kleber Krisalp HP3 turned out to be «very good on snow» with dynamic handling response and a short braking distance. The tire also ensured good hydroplaning resistance. At the same time, this model is prone to understeer, while its braking distance on dry pavement is longer than expected. The expected mileage also leaves much to be desired.

The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 model was only able to score the 16th place. All this considering the fact that the Auto Bild expert team called it a «snow expert», doing justice to its grip and braking performance.The tire’s high hydroplaning resistance also did not pass unnoticed, just as its being prone to understeer in wet and dry tests, as well as the braking distance on dry pavement, which was a little longer than it should have been.

Sava Eskimo HP2 was named by the test experts to be the tire that, coming at a reasonable price, ensures dynamic handling and a short braking distance on snowy roads, maintaining the optimum fuel efficiency. Its downsides included average traction in the wet and in the dry coupled with a limited mileage potential.

A place at the bottom of the second ten was scored by Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 because of its average performance on snow, low riding comfort, and short expected mileage. These, however, could not outweigh the upsides of the model, such as effective braking on wet pavement and low rolling resistance. The eighteenth place for a «premium brand» tire.

This might come as a surprise but the tire from the popular brand Debica Frigo HP2, with an extremely dependable performance on snow, high riding comfort and fuel efficiency, were only able to score the nineteenth place in the overall standings. Evidently, it had some serious rivals to compete with. This model’s drawbacks were poor lateral stability and understeer on wet and dry pavement. The loud rolling noise does not add to its attractiveness either.

Strange though it may sound, what devalued the overall rating of Kumho WinterCraft WP71 was the average expected mileage and increased rolling resistance. Its braking distance on wet pavement and on snow was short, and the tire’s overall wet performance was considered to be generally safe by the test experts. In addition, these tires are characterized by low noise emission. Anyway, like it or lump it, the 20th place.