The Continental WinterContact TS 870 emerged as a top performer in the 2023 Auto Express winter tire tests, demonstrating its comprehensive capabilities well-suited for UK winters.

• Positive: Balanced results across varied conditions. Strong wet grip with notable fuel economy. Exceptional drivability with unmatched steering responsiveness. Superior traction with lesser lock than rivals. Ranked among the quietest tires tested. Sector-leading in wet, dry grip, and snow performance.

• Negative: Did not fully realize its "best in braking" ambition. Ranked 7th and 5th in Snow braking and Snow traction, respectively.

The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has continued to demonstrate its prowess since being introduced in 2019, consistently holding a top position in winter tire tests. Its distinct feature remains its EU label A grade for wet grip, the only tire in this test with this accolade.

• Positive: Consistent top-performer since its debut. Dominated snow tests with significant leads. Achieved 1st place in Snow braking, Snow traction, and Wet circle tests. Ensured a safe and secure experience around the handling circuit. Impressive fuel economy, ranking with the best.

• Negative: Secured only 4th in the overall wet tests. Struggled in deep water, especially in aquaplaning tests, resulting in 5th rank in lateral aquaplaning. Less sharp handling compared to Continental. Lost ground to the Continental in dry conditions.

Making its test debut, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 showcases itself as an excellent all-round winter tire. Known for its wet performance specialty, it exhibited top-tier results, especially in deep-water aquaplaning tests, fitting perfectly for the UK's wet winters.

• Positive: Led the field in deep-water aquaplaning tests. Stable and trustworthy on the handling circuit. Noteworthy wet performance, nearly rivaling Hankook. Delivered strong dry conditions results, only surpassed by the WinterContact. Ranked among the quietest tires, tying for 1st in cabin noise.

• Negative: Steering felt somewhat less precise than the Continental's. Performed commendably in snow tests, yet missed the lead positions. Positioned lower in rolling resistance compared to some competitors.

The Hankook i*cept RS3, in its second appearance in tests, showcases noteworthy improvement in dry and wet performance, reducing the margin between itself and top contenders like Bridgestone and Continental. It offers a well-balanced performance with a particular emphasis on dry conditions where it secured a clear win in handling.

• Positive: Remarkable improvement in dry and wet conditions, demonstrating high levels of grip and deft direction changes. Secured top positions in dry handling and wet braking, showing effective control and responsiveness. Achieved good rankings in aquaplaning tests, showcasing stability in wet conditions. Competitive pricing at £117.40 provides good value.

• Negative: Compromised snow grip, rendering it less comfortable in snowy conditions. Lagged in fuel economy, marking it as a significant area for improvement. Dry braking and cabin noise results were relatively lower compared to the competition.

Making its second test appearance, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 demonstrated an affinity for snowy conditions, ranking notably in snow tests. Despite its strong performance in dry braking, it faced challenges in wet conditions and had areas that still required fine-tuning.

• Positive: Strong performance in snow braking, securing the second position. Impressive dry braking capabilities, outpacing competitors. Demonstrated steady improvements in fuel economy from the previous year. Consistent dry performance, holding its own against major competitors.

• Negative: Stability concerns during dry handling, notably on the downhill sections of the handling track. Wet condition tests revealed a need for improved traction and stability. Remains behind some competitors in terms of fuel economy. Underperformed in both straight and lateral aquaplaning tests.

The Michelin Alpin 6, a participant from the 2019 tests, continues to perform commendably despite its age, especially in snowy environments. While its wet performance faces challenges from rising contemporaries, it has made strides in the area of fuel efficiency. Competing against newer models, it still showcases its reliability.

• Positive: Consistent performance in snow, achieving third position overall across two tests. Exhibits commendable dry braking capabilities, ranking third. Fuel economy has seen considerable improvement and now competes favorably with top contenders. Remains a dependable option given its five-year-old design competing against newer technologies.

• Negative: Wet handling and wet circle performance lags, placing it behind several contenders. Exhibits early grip reduction during dry handling compared to competitors. Cabin noise remains an area of concern, with the Alpin 6 at the bottom of the rankings, mirroring its 2019 position.

The Vredestein Wintrac Pro, introduced in 2019, showcases strong dry performance but has areas of improvement in wet conditions. It's notably silent, making it a top choice for those valuing a quiet ride.

• Positive: Strong performance in snow tests, nearing leaders. Handles well in dry conditions, with balanced handling. Noteworthy rolling resistance efficiency. Best-in-class cabin noise reduction.

• Negative: Noticeable imbalances during wet handling. Some difficulties in tight sections of wet tracks. Tendency for traction loss during abrupt throttle changes. Design aging compared to newer, performance-enhanced rivals.