Auto Express All-Season Tyre Test 2019

The results of this year’s All-Season Tyre Test was published in this week’s Auto Express Winter Special.

An increase in the popularity of all season tyres has seen a number of brands introduce tyres into this segment.

A total of 9 brands took part in Auto Express’ test - up from 9 in last year's test - with the tyres put through their paces in a series of tests in differing conditions to observe the tyre’s performance in all weathers.

All-Season Tyre Test: Size & Models

Each tyre tested came in size 205/55R16, and below is the full list of models:

• Bridgestone Weather Control A005
• Continental AllSeasonContact
• Cooper Discoverer All Season
• Falken Euroall Season AS210
• Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2
• Hankook Kinergy 4S2
• Michelin CrossClimate+
• Nankang All-Season AW-6
• Nokian Weatherproof

Winter Tyres Test: Criteria

As part of this test, Auto Express thoroughly put each tyre through it’s paces. Focusing on the following key performance areas:

• Snow braking
• Snow traction
• Snow handling
• Straight aquaplaning
• Curved aquaplaning
• Wet braking
• Wet handling
• Dry braking
• Dry handling
• Rolling resistance
• Cabin noise
• Price

To test the snow and ice sections of the test Auto Express took the tyres to, the Nokian owned, White Hell proving ground in Ivalo, Finland.

For the wet and dry segments, the tyres were tested at the ATP (Automotive Testing Papenburg) GmbH, Germany - a small scale replica of the racecourse at Hockenheim.

Unfortunately warm weather was an issue in both locations and so Auto Express didn't get the chance to conduct their usual Snow Circle or Temperature Dependant Braking & Handling tests.

All-Season Tyres Test: Results

The final results of the test found a closely matched top four, with a difference of only 1% overall score between 1st and 4th places.

In the middle of the pack, the Bridgestone Weather Control A005 sits in 5th place, despite taking top marks in the wet braking test.

After performing well in both straight and curved aquaplaning tests and scoring well overall, the Nokian Weatherproof has just missed the podium, sitting in 4th place.

Having held the crown in 2017, the Michelin CrossClimate+ takes 3rd overall, missing 2nd place by 0.1%. The CrossClimate+ performed well in most tests but was let down by its snow handling.

Winner of last year's test, the Continental AllSeasonContact has taken 2nd place overall. Performing very well in all tests, the Continental was let down only slightly by its wet handling abilities vs the test winner.

For the second time in three years, Goodyear have taken 1st place in this test - this year with the Vector 4Seasons Gen-2.

The Standings

1st – Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-2

What Auto Express said:

"Standout performer in winter conditions secures a well deserved win."

What we said:

"A popular tyre, and reviews focus on wet and dry grip. The range, including the SUV version, comes in sizes up to 19 inches, and customers have given it an overall score of 4.7/5."

2nd – Continental AllSeason Contact

What Auto Express said:

"Great all-rounder and the one for high-mileage drivers."

What we said:

"Despite being a relatively new addition to the range, this tyre has been well received by customers. They're impressed with its wet grip and low noise levels, giving a score of 4.7/5."

3^rd – Michelin CrossClimate+

What Auto Express said:

"Wet and dry road star, but still useful on snow."

What we said:

"With over 6,200 customer reviews and available in sizes up to 20 inches, this range continues to be an extremely popular choice. Motorists regularly rate it very highly, scoring 4.7/5."

4th – Nokian Weatherproof

What Auto Express said:

"A more balanced showing than we've seen recently, strong in the wet and on snow."

What we said:

"There's not a wide stock of Nokian tyres in the UK. Unfortunately that means we are unable to provide any insight into the tyre's popularity or performance with our customers."

5th – Bridgestone Wather Control A005

What Auto Express said:

"Fuel economy is a concern and needs a more balanced performance overall."

What we said:

"This has become a popular tyre with customers. Positive reviews focus on its wet-weather performance and aquaplaning resistance. Over 380 reviews have produced a 4.6/5 score."

6th – Falken Euroall Season AS210

What Auto Express said:

"Braking on all surfaces and fuel consumption need work to match the best."

What we said:

"This is a fairly new tyre to the market, and we have not received a large number of orders. However, customers who have purchased the tyre have generally left positive reviews."

7th – Hankook Kinergy 4S2

What Auto Express said:

"Frugal, but braking performance in poor conditions needs improving."

What we said:

"Although this tyre features label scores that could be improved upon, customers who order it have been very happy with the winter performance levels."

8th – Cooper Discoverer All Season

What Auto Express said:

"Cooper still has work to do on its all-season offering but this is a decent start."

What we said:

"At the time of writing we do not currently hold stock of this tyre, so we are unable to provide any insight into the tyre's popularity or performance with our customers."

9th – Nankang All-Season AW-6

What Auto Express said:

"Decent performance in the snow overshadowed by worrying wet and dry grip."

What we said:

"This tyre has been on the market for 12 months, but it still has some work to do in terms of gaining popularity. However, its wet performance has been praised by some owners."

Read the full breakdown of the Auto Express All-Season Tyre Test 2019