Auto Bild Sportscars: Winter Tire Test R18 2024

Auto Bild Sportscars: Winter Tire Test R18

Auto Bild Sportscars conducted a comprehensive winter tire test for compact sports cars, focusing on the tire size 225/40 R18. The Toyota GR Yaris served as the test vehicle, offering an ideal platform for assessing tire performance in this category. The test included a wide array of tires from various price segments, ensuring a thorough market representation. Brands participating in this evaluation included Austone SP-901, Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro, Goodride SW608, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, Hankook Winter i*cept evo3, Kumho WinterCraft WP52, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, and Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

  1. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 - Winner Recommended
    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
    89 46
    · Winter · 2023 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, clinching first place, is lauded for its exemplary balance of performance across various conditions. This tire excels in wet handling and boasts strong resistance to both straight and lateral hydroplaning. It stands out for offering these high-end features at a reasonable price point. The primary limitation noted in the test is its slightly higher rolling resistance, which may impact fuel efficiency, yet this does not significantly detract from its overall excellent performance.

    Performance Balance   Wet Handling   Straight Hydroplaning   Price   Lateral Hydroplaning   Economy  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.6
  2. Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
    93 44
    · Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, securing second place, stands out with its remarkable snow performance and excellent handling in both wet and dry conditions. This tire demonstrates the successful achievement of a balanced set of characteristics by its developers. Additionally, it is noted for its impressively low noise levels, enhancing the driving experience. However, this high level of performance and quality comes at a higher cost, making the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 one of the more expensive options in the market.

    Dry Braking   Snow Performance   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Noise   Price  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan
    Test Score:
    1.6
  3. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P Recommended
    Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
    88 48
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, achieving third place, exemplifies a well-rounded tire with a strong balance in performance. It excels in snow handling, wet and dry handling, and braking on wet pavement. Additionally, this tire is characterized by its low noise levels and economic efficiency in terms of rolling resistance. However, it falls into the highest price segment, indicating that while buyers receive a product with excellent all-around performance, it comes at a premium cost.

    Performance Balance   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Snow Handling   Dry Handling   Economy   Noise   Price  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.7
  4. Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330 Recommended
    Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330
    90 44
    · Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330, occupying the fourth position, is an exemplary tire showcasing a comprehensive array of strengths. It excels in hydroplaning resistance, both straight and lateral, and demonstrates proficient handling in snow, wet, and dry conditions. Additionally, its braking performance on both wet and dry pavements is commendable. This tire is also noted for its attractive price point, offering premium tire performance at a more affordable cost. Despite ranking lower in noise tests, it still provides a satisfactory level of acoustic comfort. The primary drawback is its economy, as it may not be the most fuel-efficient choice.

    Dry Braking   Wet Handling   Straight Hydroplaning   Price   Wet Braking   Snow Handling   Dry Handling   Lateral Hydroplaning   Economy  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Korea South Korea
    Test Score:
    1.8
  5. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
    88 56
    · Winter · 2019 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, ranked fifth, is a commendable winter tire offering well-balanced qualities. It excels particularly in snow performance, wet handling, dry handling, and demonstrates strong braking performance on wet pavement. However, it falls short in braking performance on dry pavement, an area that requires enhancement to match its otherwise robust capabilities. Despite this limitation, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 stands out for its proficiency in various winter conditions.

    Dry Handling   Snow Performance   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Dry Braking  
    Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.1
  6. Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
    Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
    86 45
    · Winter · 2021 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, securing the sixth position, is a solid choice for winter conditions. It excels in snow handling, wet pavement handling, lateral hydroplaning resistance, and demonstrates short braking distances on wet surfaces. Additionally, it is competitively priced. However, it tends to understeer on dry pavement and offers only average comfort, areas that slightly diminish its overall appeal. Despite these drawbacks, the tire is well-regarded for its combination of good snow performance and high resistance to hydroplaning.

    Wet Handling   Price   Wet Braking   Snow Handling   Lateral Hydroplaning   Dry Handling   Comfort  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.3
  7. Kumho WinterCraft WP52
    Kumho WinterCraft WP52
    N/A 29
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Kumho WinterCraft WP52, ranking seventh, is recognized for its commendable snow performance and dry handling, along with efficient braking on both wet and dry pavement. It is also favorably priced. However, the tire exhibits weaknesses in wet conditions, specifically lacking in lateral stability on wet pavement and demonstrating subpar resistance to hydroplaning. While it excels in snow and dry conditions, these limitations on wet surfaces are important considerations for overall winter driving safety and performance.

    Dry Braking   Price   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Snow Performance   Lateral Stability   Straight Hydroplaning  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.6
  8. Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    Vredestein Wintrac Pro
    82 46
    · Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Wintrac Pro, holding the eighth spot, performs commendably in wet conditions, excelling in wet braking and handling, and effective braking on wet pavement. These attributes make it a strong contender for wet weather driving. However, it exhibits shortcomings in lateral stability in wet conditions, which could impact maneuverability and safety. Additionally, a notable downside is its high rolling resistance, affecting fuel economy. While its grip on snow is generally good, the concerns about lateral stability in wet conditions and economy are critical factors to consider.

    Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Lateral Stability   Economy  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.6
  9. Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
    Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
    N/A 26
    · Winter · 2022 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro, ranked ninth, is deemed satisfactory, particularly excelling in wet and dry handling, as well as in braking on both wet and dry pavements. These strengths make it a competent choice for driving in wet and dry conditions. However, its performance on snow is less impressive, with weak lateral stability and a tendency to understeer. Additionally, the tire's level of comfort is not optimal, which might affect the overall driving experience. Despite these drawbacks, its solid performance on wet and dry surfaces remains a notable attribute.

    Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Dry Braking   Snow Handling   Lateral Stability   Comfort  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3
  10. Austone SP-901
    Austone SP-901
    N/A 8
    · Winter · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Austone SP-901, positioned at the tenth place, is not recommended overall. Its key strengths lie in its performance on snow and affordability, surprisingly outperforming more expensive tires in snow handling. However, as a budget tire, it falls short in several crucial aspects. It exhibits poor grip and unstable behavior on both dry and wet pavement. A significant concern is the excessively long braking distance on wet pavement, which poses a safety hazard. While its snow performance and price are appealing, these are overshadowed by its deficiencies in key safety and handling parameters.

    Price   Snow Performance   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    4.7
  11. Goodride SW608
    Goodride SW608
    63 19
    · Winter · 2005 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow
    Verdict:

    The Goodride SW608, ranked eleventh, is not recommended for comprehensive driving needs. Its primary advantages are its affordability and a good level of comfort. However, it significantly underperforms in critical areas affecting safety and handling. It lacks lateral stability on snow, has poor snow handling, and inadequate handling on both wet and dry pavement. Additionally, it exhibits extended braking distances on both wet and dry surfaces, which substantially compromises safety. While its price and comfort are positive aspects, they are outweighed by its inability to provide reliable traction and braking across various surfaces.

    Price   Comfort   Dry Braking   Wet Braking   Snow Handling   Lateral Stability   Dry Handling   Wet Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    5
Year
2024
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Max Score, points
1
Tire Size
225/40R18
Season
Winter
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Jan 20, 2024
Date updated
Jan 22, 2024
Infographic

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