Auto Express: Passenger Winter Tire Test 2017

Auto Express: Passenger Winter Tire Test

Issue 1,495 of the weekly UK publication Auto Express contains their 2017 winter tire test!

This year Auto Express have tested eight winter tire patterns in 225/45 R17 using a VW Golf in the dry and wet, and an Audi A3 in the snow.

Auto Express have previously asked us to keep our coverage of their tests to a minimum, so below is a summary of what went on. The full results can be found on the Auto Express website, which we will link as soon as they're online.

Overall, with just 3.9% covering the eight tires on test, it's getting closer every year at the top.

  1. Continental WinterContact TS 860 - Winner Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 860
    87 56
    · Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The winner of the 2016 Auto Express winter tire test wins again. Not the strongest tire on snow, but close enough, the WinterContact TS860 once again shone in the wet, winning all three wet grip tests, and scored extremely well in the dry handling and dry braking tests. The only weakness, a mid group aquaplaning result.

    Rolling Resistance   Wet Performance   Dry Performance   Noise   Winter / Snow Performance   Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    100
  2. Hankook Winter i*cept RS2 W452
    Hankook Winter i*cept RS2 W452
    82 38
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    A mid life update for the Korean Hankook i*cept RS2 has moved the tire up from last place in the 2016 test, to runner up in 2017. Strongest overall in the snow, the Hankook also managed the second best overall wet and performance.

    Wet Performance   Dry Performance   Winter / Snow Performance   Rolling Resistance   Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    99.8
  3. Dunlop Winter Sport 5
    Dunlop Winter Sport 5
    82 57
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 seems more comfortable in 17" than 16", taking third place overall. Winning snow handling, and close enough in the other snow tests, the Dunlop was also close in the dry. A quiet tire with a low rolling resistance.

    Rolling Resistance   Wet Performance   Dry Performance   Noise   Winter / Snow Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    99.3
  4. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1
    83 47
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    A previous test winner, the Goodyear Ultragrip Performance Gen-1 has to now settle for fourth place overall. A good overall performance, particularly strong in the snow and dry, but let down a little by its wet performance.

    Rolling Resistance   Dry Performance   Noise   Winter / Snow Performance   Wet Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · China China
    Test Score:
    98.6
  5. Nokian WR D4
    Nokian WR D4
    76 39
    · Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Nokian WRD4 proved to be extremely strong in the snow, but struggled in the wet testing. Third in dry handling and the best rolling resistance on test earn the Nokian some points.

    Rolling Resistance   Dry Performance   Winter / Snow Performance   Wet Performance   Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    98
  6. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
    Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
    81 59
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Sottozero 3 proved to be happiest in the dry, but struggled in the snow testing.

    Rolling Resistance   Wet Performance   Dry Performance   Aquaplaning   Winter / Snow Performance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia
    Test Score:
    97.9
  7. Michelin Alpin 5
    Michelin Alpin 5
    82 38
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Alpin 5 is another tire that seems more comfortable in 16" sizes than the 17" on test here. Beating only last placed Bridgestone in most of the tests, the Alpin 5 is due an update to keep it with the best tires on the market.

    Dry Performance   Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Wet Performance   Winter / Snow Performance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    97.5
  8. Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
    69 44
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    Launched in 2014, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 is showing its age. Winning the aquaplaning tests was the only respite from a general last place finish, but it's important to remember it only finished 4% overall from the best tire on test, highlighting how close things are at the top.

    Dry Performance   Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Wet Performance   Winter / Snow Performance  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    96.9
Year
2017
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
100
Tire Size
225/45R17
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Nov 04, 2018
Date updated
Sep 24, 2021

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