Auto Express Winter Tyre Test 2020 with Blackcircles.com

Recently, Auto Express published the results to this year’s winter tyres test.

Despite the rise in popularity of all-season tyres, the winter tyre segment is still a large market – with a wide range of models.

To help motorists make an informed choice, Auto Express has taken 10 popular winter tyres and put them through a number of tests – highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in winter conditions.

Winter Tyres Test: Size & Models

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

• Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
• Dunlop Winter Sport 5
• Falken Eurowinter HS01
• Goodyear UltraGrip Performance +
• Hankook Winter i*cept RS2
• Michelin Alpin 6
• Nokian WR Snowproof
• Pirelli Cinturato Winter
• Continental WinterContact TS 870

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

Winter Tyres Test: Results

1st – Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

We say: customers have rated the tyre highly – giving it an overall score of 4.7/5. With feedback focusing on impressive grip in winter weather and reliable stopping distances in wet and dry conditions.

Auto Express says: Thanks to standard-setting wet performance, the Blizzak is an ideal tyre for British winters, which see far more rain than snow on the road.

2nd – Hankook Winter i*cept RS2

We say: Motorists who ordered this tyre in the past have left positive reviews – with feedback highlighting the tyre’s performance on snow, plus improved comfort and good fuel economy.

Auto Express says: Return to form for the Winter i*cept RS2, although this time that’s more due to its performance in the wet rather than on snow.

3rd – Michelin Alpin 6

We say: Launched at the end of 2018, motorists have been impressed with the tyre’s grip and complete performance. Customers have left an overall score of 4.4/5.

Auto Express says: Yet another good result for the Alpin 6, which is well suited to UK winters thanks to its good performance in the wet.

4th – Pirelli Cinturato Winter

We say: Not a particularly high selling model - however customer who have purchased the tyre have left very positive reviews. Focusing on wet grip and scoring it 4.9/5 overall.

Auto Express says: Good snow performance is offset by mid-pack wet-test results. Fuel economy needs addressing if it is to challenge the best.

5th – Goodyear UltraGrip Performance +

We say: A good seller following their previous win. Customers have been impressed with the tyre, scoring an overall 4.9/5. Reviews often comment on wet performance, plus stability on snow and ice.

Auto Express says: No repeat win for the UltraGrip Performance +. It remains a top performer on snow, but has to give best to some rivals in the wet and dry.

6th – Falken Eurowinter HS01

We say: A somewhat lesser known model, it’s not a tyre which has seen a great deal of orders. However, good reviews have been left by motorists – achieving an overall score of 4.2/5.

Auto Express says: This tyre’s steady improvement continues, although its grip on snow and in the wet still needs further development.

7th – Dunlop Winter Sport 5

We say: First launched over 3 years ago, this tyre enjoys good winter sales. Customers who purchased the tyre have left feedback focusing on the tyre’s wet performance – scoring it 4.5/5 overall.

Auto Express says: Good on snow, but braking a concern elsewhere. Fuel economy and comfort impress but we hope a Winter Sport 6 is in the pipeline.

8th – Nokian WR Snowproof

We say: This is not a tyre that we sell, as such we are unfortunately unable to provide any insight into the tyre’s popularity or performance with our customers.

Auto Express says: Remarkable fuel economy deserves credit, but is this what drivers want when buying a winter tyre primarily for superior performance in poor conditions?

Did not compete - Continental WinterContact TS 870

We say: Unfortunate that this tyre could not take part. Its predecessor is a popular tyre with our customers – so good things are expected of this tyre when it can be tested.

Auto Express says: It’s unfortunate that this tyre could not be included in the overall results. Its predecessor is a popular tyre with our customers – so good things are expected of this tyre when it finally does go on sale.